대학신문방송국

The Global Cooperation Learning Program

By Lee Han-na Reporter, Sophomore of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Have you ever struggled to develop your English communication skills while living in a global society where English is essential? One of the ways to improve English skills is to expose yourself to an environment where you can use English freely. You can interact with foreign students by participating in the Global Cooperation Learning Program, held every semester by the HBNU Office of International Affairs. This article will provide further information about the program. 

Buddy

• Basic information 

The purpose of this program is to build friendships between Korean students and exchange students by sharing their cultures. The total participating team is 15, consisting of 1 exchange student and 4 Korean students. The team will be composed on an orientation day according to each participant’s available days of the week. Each team will receive a monthly allowance to fund their activities. 

• Process

The process is divided into free activities and meetings. Firstly, free activities involve scheduling a meeting with group members and doing shared hobbies or activities they want to do together. Examples of activities include campus tours, attending one-day classes, studying together, and visiting festivals. Secondly, meetings will be held once a month. At the meeting, all participants gather in one place to discuss the topic of the day and interact with students from other teams. 

Exchange Culture & Languages Club (E.C.L.C.) 

• Basic information

This program aims to improve English skills through a conversation about a specific topic. Each team comprises 2 exchange students and 4 Korean students, making a total of 5 participating teams. 

• Process

Prior to the meeting, group members decide the meeting time, location, and conversation topic. During the meeting, students have time to discuss the predetermined topic and learn each other’s culture. This program focuses on practicing English speaking, so it is important to communicate exclusively in English. In addition, regular meetings will be held once a month. Similar to Buddy, all participants gather in one place to interact with different teams.

Lab-Buddy 

•  Basic information

This program helps students strengthen their global research capacity by considering various ideas from multinational students and studying a major together. The total participating team is 10, and students have to apply with 5 members in 1 team. Each team will receive an allowance to fund their research. 

• Process

In the first month of the program, students will attend an orientation and submit the research plan as a team. Following the activity plan, students engage in debates on experiment subjects, explore their major field, and conduct experiments throughout the operating period. After each team submits a final report in the last month of the program, a presentation occurs to propose the results of the experiments.

Common details

• Attendance requirements

All programs require at least 9 times or more activities out of 12 weeks. Students must attend at least 1 hour per activity. Furthermore, there should be at least one exchange student and one Korean student in order for an activity to be admitted. Students may exclude activities during the exam period. 

• Benefits of participation

Students can receive units that are non-curricular graduation requirements of HBNU. Up to 10-15 units will be provided to Korean students with an attendance rate of 70 percent or higher. Additionally, participation in the presentation offers the chance to earn a scholarship for the winning team. 

• How to apply

Students have to submit the required documents to room 202 of the S0 building. For details, refer to the HBNU Office of International Affairs website. The program recruitment notice will be posted in March for the first semester and in September for the second semester. Keep in mind that all programs are first come, first served.                                  

By participating in the Global Cooperation Learning Program, Korean students practice English and learn about the cultures of other countries. On the other hand, exchange students understand Korea on a deeper level and get help adapting to life in Korea. I hope you join this program to enhance your English skills and broaden your horizons by experiencing various cultures and perspectives.