▲ LPG members posing for a photo after a meeting

Like the lyrics “shining, shimmering, splendid” in the song “ A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladin, there is a student-led club with the goal to make its members shine more with their dreams through club activities at Chonnam National University (CNU). Founded in 1989 by a nun, the English conversation club ‘LPG.’ Which stands for Language Peace Group, has been actively operated with a long history for more than 30 years. Through this club activity, many members have been able to improve their English-speaking skills and achieve their respective goals such as getting an OPic certificate, studying abroad as exchange students, or having the experience to work through overseas internship programs.

LPG offers a wide range of classes for members who aim to improve their English skills. It helps them develop English conversation as a habit by regularly learning it because they must speak only in English while participating in club activities. There are a variety of classes, including main education classes, discussion classes in English, analysis of English articles, and classes where you can talk about various topics. Recently introduced members give a five-minute English speech on their own subject, which allow them to further improve their speaking skills and greatly help them manage projects after employment.

In addition, Applied English Training (AET) classes are held every Friday, which consist of TOEIC and OPic classes, and students who want to get official English certificates have taken those classes. During club activities, LPG provides members with financial support for up to 50 percent of English certification examination fees depending on their grades to improve members’ external English skills. Some students have recently received support by obtaining high TOEIC scores with the help from AET classes.

The club recruits new members every three months and members can be active for one year and half a month. Any student at CNU who is interested in English and speaking with other students can apply for this club. To facilitate the adaptation of the new club members, the club additionally operates a supporter-supportee program, and various events for club socialization are also prepared quarterly, making valuable memories with members as well as getting better English skills.

"Due to the COVID-19 situation, there were some restrictions on some kinds of classes since they had to be conducted by non-face-to-face ways. However, the club members who want to improve their skills gather and participate passionately in classes, overcoming the restrictions by finding ways to keep studying online, and actively conducting different kinds of classes. “I hope students can come to our club to make memories of improving not only their English skills but also their ability to organize and present their thoughts. They can also get a chance to meet good people, grow up and experience many things with us," the president of LPG, Song Min-Ji (Senior, Dept. of Japanese Language. & Literature) said.

By Ma Joon-hee, Student Editor

저작권자 © Chonnam Tribune 무단전재 및 재배포 금지