We have a great place to practice second languages and meet international friends in our university. That is the International Lounge on the first floor in the annex of Bauer Hall. Many events and parties have attracted students under the dedicated staff‘s effort since the Lounge opened in March of last year. About 250 to 300 people visit the International Lounge a day. Some students misunderstood the International Lounge is an "English Only Zone," but it's not. All the Lounge's visitors can speak all second languages but Korean. Non-Keimyung people, including other university students and our community's people, also can join and use the International Lounge. Do students in Keimyung University make full use of the International Lounge? How do they use the Lounge?We surveyed to know how many people know the existence of the Lounge and how the Lounge influences visitors in May, 2006. First, we put 2 questions and 180 stickers on the notice board in the Social Sciences Building, Yeongam Hall, Baekeun Hall, Euiyang Hall, Shattuck Hall and the Engineering Building. 316 out of 525 students responded that they knew of the Lounge. 218 out of 518 students answered that they had been there.

Second, we researched utilization of the Lounge. We surveyed 200 Lounge visitors. 166 of them were Korean and 34 of them were non-Korean. 38 out of 200 respondents have visited the Lounge more than 40 times; 15 have visited from 31 to 40 times; 35 from 21 to 30 times; 33 from 11 to 20 times; 79 from 1 to 10 times. In the question how often they visit the Lounge, 68 respondents went to the Lounge several days a week; 47 went once a week; 32 seldom went; 27 went everyday; 26 went once a month.

In the question what first attracted them to the Lounge, 47 respondents answered a place to study; 41 answered making international friends; 38 answered practicing second languages; 29 answered the Lounge's atmosphere; 20 answered the variety of programs on offer; 15 answered information on other countries, foreign travel, and studying abroad; 6 answered the Lounge's appearance; 4 answered the Lounge staff.

In the question which program do they most often use, 38 respondents most often used the Lounge Membership Program (using the Internet, books, games, information from 18 embassies, CDs, and tapes); 31 used Table Talk; 29 watched TV shows at 5 p.m. and movies with English-subtitles at 7 p.m. everyday; 21 used CNN and BBC News; 14 used international cafes; 8 used Speed Dating, which helps people date 12 people in an hour; 7 used the Lounge Buddy Program, which helps people make international friends (the Lounge's staff match between 40 and 50 people a month); 5 used the Lounge for classes and meetings; 1 respondent used the volunteer program.

88 respondents agreed "I like the idea of having a place on campus where I am encouraged to speak a second language"; 66 strongly agreed; 28 somewhat agreed; 13 somewhat disagreed; 5 disagreed; none strongly disagreed. 89 respondents agreed "The International Lounge contributes positively to Keimyung University"; 65 strongly agreed; 27 somewhat agreed; 11 somewhat disagreed; 6 disagreed; 2 strongly disagreed.In the question what do they usually do in the Lounge, 51 respondents usually meet friends and relax; 42 study; 33 usually watch movies or TV; 27 usually speak with Korean friends in a second language; 8 usually participate in the Lounge programs. 56 respondents usually tried to speak second languages; 48 often tried; 36 sometimes tried; 29 always tried; 18 seldom tried; 13 never tried.93 respondents gave suggestions for the Lounge. 17 hoped to see more space and seats; 16 pointed out the lack of publicity of the Lounge; 14 wanted to have more programs to become more friendly with non-Koreans; 11 said more various second language programs and staff; 9 said lots of people still speak Korean; 5 wanted to see more foreign students in the Lounge; 4 wanted to see more movies and TV; 4 wanted more computers; 3 respondents hoped the Lounge Buddy Program would be more active; 3 respondents said the Lounge was not comfortable for beginners.

Even though there are lots of good programs in the International Lounge, some students don't know and use the programs well. It is necessary to inform people about the Lounge. The Lounge takes a central role in learning second languages, understanding other cultures, and making international friends in Keimyung University. I hope that students in Keimyung try to make the best use of the International Lounge. If you want to see more pictures and get more information about the Lounge, visit the web site www.cyworld.com/be_brave.