Cambridge ESOL Exams

Cambridge ESOL exams are the world's leading range of certificates for learners of English. ESOL stands for "English for Speakers of Other Languages. Each year, they are taken by around 2 million people, in 130 countries and are recognized by thousands of educational organizations and employers throughout the world. The exams cover general English, business English, academic English and English for young learners. It is part of the world-famous University of Cambridge. Its English language exams are linked to the Common European Framework for Modern Languages, published by the Council of Europe. There are five levels in the exams: KET(elementary), PET(intermediate), FCE(upper intermediate), CAE (advanced), and CPE(very advanced/proficient). I guess people usually take FCE, CAE, and CPE.

 

 

I took a CAE course when I was studying at the language school in San Francisco. The class was for three months, and skills in reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking were tested in combination. Our class was comprised of nine students. I was the only one Korean girl, but others were from Switzerland. The teacher was American man who is really kind and nice. Every day we were studying together from 9am to 4pm. Though it was really tight and hard, we had so much fun in the class and studied hard. We talked about a wide range of topics, especially, about culture differences between Korea, America, and Switzerland. Before I got along with Europeans, I hardly knew about them. It was really cool. While I was with them, I could feel so many different things as I studied, ate lunch or dinner, and went out with them. I learned some German and French words, and I taught them some Korean words. I also learned about their culture such as when they drink, they look at each other’s eyes. Eventually, I found out that they are the same people like me regardless of race. It was an interesting opportunity to know about other international cultures.
 

 

 

On the other hand, I could improve my English skills in many ways: lots of various vocabularies, grammars, and how to write and read. But the problem was listening. Since Cambridge Exams are in British English, it was really difficult to catch it for me who have learned American English. Even, it was the third months since I came to the U.S., so my English skill was not that good enough. Also, I couldn’t get used to listening British English. After three months, we took CAE exam. If we get more than 60% of the correct answer, we get C1 or C2 which means to be passed. Unfortunately, I got 50% which is B1 and the same level as FCE. I was totally messed up in the listening section, and it was really hard so that other Swiss friends couldn’t catch it well either even though they were used to British English. Not only British English, but there was also Scotland accent. Haha… I paid 300 dollars for it, and now I have an expensive souvenir that costs 300 dollars. Well, I could do more best to study, but I was also a little bit busy to enjoy my time with friends because all of my Swiss friends were supposed to stay in America only for three months. They came there to get certificate of Cambridge Exams and to travel around. I was sad but gained lots of precious memories, and my English skills were improved a lot.

 

 

Now, I want to study Business Cambridge Exams and CAE again if I have much time to focus on them, but I am so busy doing my school things and preparing for a career. In the future, I want to go to somewhere in another country and to study them. At the same time, I will have a vacation away from Korea and have so much fun like I did in San Francisco. Hopefully…! Anyway, I miss the time when I was in Cambridge class a lot!

About my major and double major!

Since I am majoring in Law, we usually don’t have lots of assignments or presentations in the class. I guess it is because of a feature of the subject. I think the most efficient way to study Law is just to focus on the text book by studying alone. As you know, studying for a long time is not that easy unless you like it. As I am a person who likes to go out and doesn’t like studying, I feel super bored and lose concentration easily even though I like the subject. However, it is really comfortable not to have any assignment or team work project. Actually, some of the classes have assignments, presentations, and team projects. Usually, most of law classes don’t. Good for being a lazy student. Haha

 

On the other hand, I am double majoring in English Literature which requires students to do lots of things all the time. It doesn’t matter whether the subject is about writing, speaking, grammar, or novel. Some of them have a pop quiz all the time. Some of them have lots of homework, presentation, and team work project. When I took a class of English Literature Dept., I was so shocked that I had to do too many things every week. So I couldn’t get used to following up other students and the class. Especially, the class and professor were famous for being hard, strict, and difficult to get a good score. Nevertheless, I found it interested me in a way and tried to do my best to get a great grade. The result was B+, and I was so disappointed because it was the first class as for a double major subject and I made a lot of efforts to get into it. So I became scared and worried about my double major. After that, I took another class which was not related to literature things, but was about English listening and speaking. It was easier to study than a previous subject, and I could get a good grade. Even though my English skills were not that good, but I tried to use English a lot. and now I know how to speak, listen, wrtie, read, and do predentations in English.

 

Now, as I am the oldest grade in school, the classes become harder and more difficult. Even there are so many students who are fluent in English. I am still worried about my grades and English skills, but I’ve gained lots of things through the classes that required me to do assignments and presentations. I am still not good enough to have a high level of English, but I am trying…. because I like learning new languages and wanna communicate with lots of different people..lol
 Hopefully, what I’ve learned for four years at university will be helpful in the future when I get a job no matter what it will be.. and makes my life much better!

A Job Interview Practice

Yesterday I practiced a job interview in my class which is Career Preparation. Every students dressed up like a real candidate and prepared for the interview seriously. The professor and a few students were interviewers.  Our group was four members.
The professor asked us a couple of questions and she gave us some advice for that.  The first question was to introduce about myself. I didnt choose the specific company that I apply for, but I just told that I would apply for a company which atmosphere is like a family. Actually I dont think I am a suitable person for a big company like Samsung and LG. I would like to get involved in the company which respects employees rather than forces them to work hard. Well, the professor told me that it might be a good idea but I am naive and innocent... I am stuck in my own seoyoung's world... haha I dont know how to explain in English but yeah... she recommend me to apply for a company that works for a wedding consulting. Well I think it would be an interesting job because I like meeting people. Well I was so nervous that I couldn't answer very well but it was a good opportunity to practice an job interview. I realized that I am still not qualified and not good enough to be a perfect candidate for a job no matter what it might be. I have to prepare to be a good interviewee for the future. It is hard though... good luck for me as usual! :))

Creating a Career Portfolio

 A few days ago, I made my own Career Portfolio for the first time. A career portfolio is organized evidence of my work background, readiness for the job and specific job skills that make me qualified for the job for which I will be applying. This is supporting evidence of why I am the best candidate for the job by showing the skills employers are seeking.

 Actually, it was an assignment of the class 'career preparation.' The professor saw too many students who succeeded in getting a job with their portfolio. So she recommended us to make our own portfolio.

First of all, I did a few tests such as MBTI and Vocational Aptitude Test to know about my self. Since I haven't decided what to do yet, the most important thing was to know about my self. As a result, my MBTI type is E - extroversion S - sensing F - feeling P - perceiving.  I did this test about 7years ago, and the result turned out to be the same as before. The result of the test is really well matched with my personality. I was so surprised because nothing's changed since I was young. Vocational Aptitude Test also showed that I am a person who is outgoing, sociable, and likes working in groups. Due to it, they say that the job which deals with people might be suitable for me.
Both Tests represent my personality and aptitude pretty well I think.

Part of my portfolio ;)

Secondly, with the result of two tests, I found a reson why I am the best candidate for the job. I assumed to be a personal assistant in law firm, and my personality, aptitude, and the job would fit well according to the result of the tests. In addition to this, I attached my working experiences and extracurricular activities. I've experienced working as an assistant of other secretaries at the office of a member of the National Assembly. I could learn about what kind of work secretaries do and how they manage it. It was a good chance to know about them.

As I am majoring in law and have a sociable personality, this job would be good for me. Several Seniors, who graduated with the same major as me, are working as a personal assistant at one of the major law firms, and they are satisfied with their job. This job is well-paid and has lots of benefits. Also, the intensity of the work is not that high. For these reasons, this job is quite popular with many women. I am considering to apply for this job though I have to get through the high employment competition.;-)
 

Lastly, I wrote down my ambitions for the future when I get this job. For these, I have three reasons that I will be the best personal assistant in the company. To sum up, get ready to work and to support the boss in advance so that the boss doesn't need to consider unnecessary things. Also, I will be sensible and sensitive at the same time to deal with any kind of situation and to bring a smile on coworker's face all the time.

My career portfolio hasn't been completed yet, and I am still working on it to be perfect. I hope it can be a secret weapon to be chosen over the other candidates. Wish me luck! :)

Being an adience for TV show!

Today i went to see the TV show called 'Beranda Show of Cultwo'. The show is to discuss current topics or events considered important these days. Cultwo, two famous Korean comedians, is the show host, and guests always have changed depending on topics. Since it was the first time to go see the TV show in my life, I was so excited and expected about the show a lot. Also I was quite interested in the broadcasting industry when i was young, this chance really interested me. Fortunately,my sister and I could get free admission by being adiences.

The studio was not that small and was set up with a beautiful design. There was a small antique house which seemed to be a place for the show. There were too many lights so that the stage looked shiny and pretty. We took pictures and were waiting till the show started. The staff was worried about the audience whether they would feel bored so that they prepared small events. It was fun though we couldn't get a gift from them.

After an hour, the show had started and we were concentrating on it. They dealt with a topic of Korean funeral culture. Originally Korean funeral procedure is too complicated and even it is hard to take care of the grave. Due to its difficulties to manage it, many ridiculous things have happened recently. Some people just covered the grave of their ancestor with concrete material or plastic grass. And even people pay too much money for the funeral things just to show off their wealth or honor to others. The show pointed out that how our funeral culture has been changed ridiculouly. I am also consious about that so that I could think about our funeral culture again.

In addition to this, they pointed out that we have to fix it and change our attitude.
Instead of considering death as a bad thing that we have hated and tried to deny, we'd better think of it as a natural thing that we will come across.  So we can reduce the expense of the funeral procedure such as not buying expensive shroud but wearing our favorite daily clothes when we die.

The topic of the show made us think of the death in a fresh way and also we could have an opportunity to think of our death and funeral procedure.
It was really interesting event though it was hard to be an audience by sitting there for a long time and just watching them. If I get another chance to see the TV show again, next time I want to participate in the show where audiences become central to it.

Get close to Beauty!

I went to a seminar held by Ceci at our university. Ceci is one of the famous beauty companies in Korea. They publish their own magazine and held a lot of beauty events for young women. This event was to learn special make-up of the most famous Korean actress, Hyegyo Song, and to introduce the best Korean beauty company, Amore Pacific. As I wrote here before, I am quite interested in beauty things; so it seemed to be a good opportunity for me to know about the company and useful make-up tips.

The seminar was divided into 2sections.
First, a professional make-up artist had a beauty class. She's been working as a make-up artist over 10years. So she is mostly working with celebrities like Hyegyo Song. She was teaching us how to do make-up like Hyegyo Song because her make-up is very popular these days. In addition to this, she gave us lots of useful tips to keep our beauty with daily habits. It was worthy and reliable because of her appearance. She looks like in her late 20's, but actually she is in 40's... All students were shocked and couldn't belive it. It was flabbergasting. ;-p

Second, HR Dept. of Amore Pacific company introduced themselves and how they recruit people. Since they are by far the best domestic beauty company, now they aim to be involved in global top 7 beauty companies in the world by 2015. They are especially focusing on China, America, and france; so they prefer to have employees who are able to work in another countries. Actually I saw their products were displayed in other countries, and it seemed to be one of the popular cosmetics for foreigners. Whenever I saw that, I was so proud of that. Not only for that, I've been use their products for my whole life so that I know they make really good stuff. since I am interested in getting involved in cosmetic companies, I really want to be hired by this company. Hopefully I can be able to do like that.

Through this seminar, I could learn about various of tips that I hadn't known before. Also, it was a good time to get to know about the company that i am interested in. I am gonna try to apply for Amore Pacific and... see what will happen! ;-)

The Application Process Step by Step

I finally have my application form submitted today. Actually I’ve experienced this several times before; this time is the hardest one so far. By now, it was not a formal thing, but was informal one for getting part-time jobs. There are a couple of things you need to do in applying for companies. I am going to go over some of the process and give you useful tips.

2 steps to prepare for a job application:

1. Get your professional profile picture:

 If you are about to put any pictures of you on a resume, it would be one of the reasons to be left you off the list of applicants. You need to dress up neatly to look like a professional worker. For this, I went to a photo studio to get my profile picture. Usually, Korean female applicants go to a beauty salon to get a professional make-up & hair style. In my case, I really didn’t have enough time so that I did my make-up by myself and got hairdressing from my friend. Fortunately, it was done nicely! :) Look. How nice I look like..!

(A woman in the picture doesn’t look like myself.

All thanks to Photoshop. XD)

2. Write a letter of introduction: know about yourself! :

A letter of introduction is the same as a cover letter. Well, there are various application forms depending on companies. Each company has their own application form, and they give you several different sections regarding your work experience, the reason why you want to work with them, and so on. To impress them, you should know about yourself. It seems to be easy, but you might get into trouble while filling out the form.

Me, myself… I did. I stayed up all night for several days to complete my cover letter. I found out that it is the most difficult thing for me to express myself by writing a cover letter. :( I want to say that the more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you. Right understanding of yourself will only help you to write a perfect cover letter. You can get some advice of people around you about this as well.


If you are done with these two steps, now you are ready to be a perfect applicant! I am sure that things will work out for the best. Good luck with your application!

Though I am not yet ready to be a good applicant and have a long way forward, I am trying to do my best as much as I can. Hopefully, I can get involved in a company I really want to work for.
I’ll go for it. Good luck for me! :)