On the HUFS Global Campus, there is a free program called English Zone (E-zone) that enables students to participate in various English learning programs with native speakers to improve their English language skills. Students who are in E-zone should only use English. Therefore, they can focus on and enhance their communicative proficiency in English. The E-zone is composed of a variety of programs such as English Discussion, Creative Writing, Free Conversation, Watch Current Events on TV, Job Interview, Presentation in English, Focused Reading and so on. Students can choose the programs that they want through registration in advance.

Through this, HUFS provides and helps students by providing them the opportunity to become more familiar with English. This is one of the great advantages of HUFS Global Campus which offers a free English environment for students at school. If you are a Global Campus student, you must participate in it at least three times. Are the students satisfied with the program? The Argus interviewed four students to find out.

I am satisfied with the English Zone. When I ask other people about the school they attend, personally, I have a preconceived notion that HUFS students do well in foreign languages. Because of the nature of the Global Campus, I do not have much of an opportunity to practice foreign languages or use foreign languages other than in a special linguistics class, so it is good to be able to attend English classes with students from various departments. In addition to the other three compulsory courses we must take in a semester, it was also attractive to find that 1:1 classes with native English professors were also possible by booking in advance for the areas in which you would like to individually study English. Of course it is difficult to satisfy all students because ambiguous levels of English programs make students who really want to learn English feel unsatisfied. However, I think that if there is such a program at HUFS, it would be very favorable assuming the weaknesses are resolved.

I am also satisfied with the HUFS English Zone. I think it was good that I could have a personalized learning experience because I could choose and attend the lesson by myself. Most of all, due to the nature of education in Korea, it is not possible to speak English very well, so my speaking ability is significantly lower than my reading. I liked that I could speak English all the time through this school program! I am satisfied with the contents of the program and the implementation process, but I would like to improve the application process for the English Zone. I could only apply for English Zone classes at 9:30 am on a first-come basis. I do not think that this is effective because of the time I must spend waiting in the morning. I would rather have internet applications or be provided other good approaches!

I am not satisfied with the English Zone. English Zone accepts applicants beginning only at 9:30 am. However, in the case of the HUFS Global Campus, the first semester classes begin at 9:30. Personally, I had to wait in line for my application because of the first come first basis of the system. I could not go to my first class on time because I had to apply for an English Zone class. In some cases, the desk assistant may allow you to apply early for classes, but in principle, this does not happen. I was also disappointed with the quality of the class. I had a lot of expectations for the speaking class and I was very sad that it was different from what I thought. The free talking class was really very easy for college students. In the English speaking class, my partner did not work hard and it was very disappointing. I want classes to be divided depending on the student’s level and be made more difficult.

I am dissatisfied with the English Zone. When you take this class, there are about 10 sessions per class. In the first semester, it is very hard to get class seats because booking the class from May to June is so intense. I had to compete with many students to reserve a seat. I also had difficulties because there is no level testing in the English Zone while regular English classes are divided by level. There were a lot of people who are good at English among my classmates so I felt a personal sense of inferiority. The contents of the class were not difficult, but I was discouraged by those who spoke in English very well.

By Jeon Eu-min
Reporter of Campus Section
toria@hufs.ac.kr

Photo ©Jeon Eu-min / The Argus