ATHENS, Ohio - Students from around the globe are developing their English language skills at Ohio University this summer as part of several programs hosted by the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE). Approximately 260 students will be enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences program at Ohio University. The program has been providing English language training and acclimation to American culture to international students since 1967.

"The programs are significant in that they represent a cross-section of the world and that the sponsors have specifically chosen Ohio University and the Ohio Program of Intensive English because of our long and outstanding history in quality English language and cultural training," OPIE Associate Director for External Affairs Gerry Krzic said.

This summer's OPIE participants and their sponsoring agencies include:

• Chubu University -- Fifty-three students from Chubu University in Kasugai, Japan, are studying English, interpersonal communication, industrial technology and American culture June 18 through July 21.

• South African Summer English Teacher/Trainer Institute -- Twenty-eight teachers, trainers and Ministry of Education officials are on campus June 18 through July 21, studying English teaching methodology, entrepreneurship education, environmental education, HIV/AIDS education and civics. The participants are funded by the U.S. State Department.

• English Fluency and American Culture 1 -- Seventeen students from Taegu University in Korea are studying English and American culture July 2 through Aug. 3.

• Getulio Vargas Foundation English & Business Program -- Fifteen business professionals from the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil are studying English for academic and business purposes July 2 through July 27. The program is in conjunction with the Ohio University College of Business.

• Taiwan Ministry of Education Summer American Culture and Language Program -- Forty-five students from National Taichung First Senior High School in Taiwan are studying English and American culture July 9 through Aug. 3. The participants will be involved in extracurricular activities with the Kids on Campus program and with National Honor Society students at Athens High School.

• English Fluency and American Culture 3 -- Twenty students from Feng Chia University in Taiwan, 15 students from Pukyong National University in Korea and five students from Musashi University in Japan will study English and American culture July 23 through Aug. 17. The Korean students are sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education and will take engineering seminars. Feng Chia and Musashi University students are the first group of participants coming to Ohio University under new sister-school agreements.

• Fulbright Scholar Orientation -- About 40 scholars will study English for academic purposes and U.S. culture July 20 through Aug. 17. The program is sponsored by the Institute for International Education.

For more information about OPIE, visit its Web site at www.ohiou.edu/opie/intro.html.