OPIE Preps 28 Fulbright Scholars for Study in the U.S.

For the 20th time since 1990, the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) was selected to host Fulbright scholars from other countries for a three-week U.S. Department of State Training as they prepared to study in the United States.

OPIE, in the Ohio University Department of Linguistics, hosted 28 Fulbright scholars from 17 nations in August for the 2013 Fulbright Pre-Academic Program, which prepares the scholars before they begin their graduate studies at a variety of academic institutions in the United States. The program consists of seminars, workshops, and presentations about language, culture and academic issues in graduate education.

More than 83 Ohio University faculty, staff, and local community members were involved in the three-week program.

This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of its Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Shortly after the visiting Fulbright students arrived, a group of seven were involved in a service learning activity by preparing the Thursday free community dinner at the United Campus Ministry. At Little Cities of Black Diamonds in Shawnee, Ohio, Fulbright scholars engaged in service by archiving materials and learned about Ohio’s mining history. Those visiting the Monday Creek Restoration Project in New Straitsville, Ohio, picked up trash and learned about the acid mine drainage, treatment systems, and the successful partnerships that are helping to restore the Creek. At the Multicultural Genealogical Center in Chesterhill, Ohio, Fulbright scholars engaged in service by working with research materials and books (data entry, categorizing).  They also learned about the history of the Quaker community of Chesterhill and its role as an Ungerground Railroad station.

“The visiting scholars also met with educators and doctoral students from the various public and private K-12 schools in Ohio to discuss American education and education in the scholars’ home countries. They prepared an international potluck dinner together afterwards. Ohio University Professor Dr. Dwan Robinson from Educational Studies helped organize the event,” said Erica Coffelt, OPIE, who directed the program this year. The grantees also traveled to an authentic Amish farm in Holmes County with Ohio University Geography Professor Dr. Tim Anderson. From Holmes County, they continued for a weekend homestay in Cleveland, administered by the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.”

“OPIE and Ohio University were honored to host such a talented group of scholars, and we wish them tremendous success in their graduate academic studies and in pursuing their career goals as they eventually return to their home countries and serve their respective nations and communities,” added Coffelt.