Written by Kristina Guyton
OPIE Lecturer and Socio-Cultural Coordinator
On Thursday, April 9, international students in the Ohio Program of Intensive English conversed with elderly residents at lunchtime at The Laurels of Athens, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. The visit was arranged as part of a special studies class that OPIE is offering this semester, called Exploring American Culture.
The class is currently examining the American family, and having a chance to talk personally with older Americans off-campus gave the OPIE students a chance to learn about local American families.
Upon arrival to the nursing home, the 14 students from Thailand, China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and Oman divided into two groups and were guided by the activities coordinator to two separate dining areas. The students spread out and sat with residents, who seemed to enjoy seeing some new faces and engaging in conversation. Conversation ranged from simple questions about families to stories of travel and culture. After the visit, several of the students indicated that they would like to visit the residents again in the future.
Visiting with elderly residents at a nursing home is an excellent way for international students to learn more about American culture and to brighten an older person’s day. This is a trip that Exploring American Culture will definitely make again in future semesters.
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