Let's start at the very beginning...

Why am I writing this blog?

My Online Journalism Fundamentals professor assigned us a journalistic blogging project. She did not give us many guidelines for choosing a topic; she just told us to think of a topic that interested us or of a story that is not always told.

Immediately I began thinking about a topic that could link Spanish. Spanish is my second major and one of the passions in my life. In the spring of 2008, I studied abroad in Spain. It was a wonderful and at times, nerve-wracking experience. I remember being in awe of my surroundings and feeling so fortunate to be able to travel. I loved speaking Spanish and hearing it all the time, but I would get frustrated when I could not understand my host mom or I could not put my thoughts into words. There were also times I felt overwhelmed, lonely and homesick.

I wanted to do a blog that captured the rollercoaster of emotions that students experience when studying in another country. I also wanted to see how students learn a new language. While in Spain, I assisted in a classroom with students who were learning English and it was fascinating to see how they were learning my native language. I had heard about the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE), but I did not know much about it. I decided to look into it because I wanted to understand the experiences of the students who had traveled so far around the world to study in Ohio. I was excited that I would also be able to observe international students learning English.

Where to begin?

My research began at the top. I sat down and talked to OPIE director Gerry Krzic about the program.

Dr. Krzic told me that the program hosts students from all over the world who want to study English. The students learn from teachers who are certified in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). I originally thought that students only came for a quarter or two to learn English, but Dr. Krzic told me that most students go through the English program and then go on to study in regular classes at Ohio University.

He explained that there are different levels of classes. Students take a test when they arrive so that they can be placed in the correct class level. I asked him if they had ever had any students who did not know any English upon arriving to the United States. He said that most of the students knew at least basic English. If a student did not know any English, OPIE would have to tutor the student individually, Dr. Krzic said.

Unfortunately, the classrooms are small and there already are a few people observing them this quarter so Dr. Krzic told me that I will not be able to observe a class. He said that too many people in the class would be disruptive. It is a little frustrating that I will not be able to sit in on a class because I think that it would be interesting for my blog, but I understand Dr. Krzic’s logic. I know from experience that learning a new language is difficult and it’s easy to be self-conscious and quiet around native speakers. I would not want to make the students feel uncomfortable.

Along with helping students in the classroom, OPIE sponsors programs for students to experience American culture. I met and briefly spoke with Ana Wolf, an advanced ESL instructor and the program’s cross cultural coordinator. She told me that the program offers activities like a bowling night, game night and a trip to the Statehouse and Easton Town Center in Columbus. She also told me that they have a discussion section each Wednesday. The students come and listen to a speaker, who is usually from the area. She told me that I was welcome to come to any of the discussion sections. I was glad to hear this because I want to observe the students in some type of classroom setting. After her initial invitation, I, like the obtrusive journalist I am, asked if I could invite myself to the bowling night. Ana said that it would be fine and gave me directions to the bowling alley.