An International Friendship Forged in OPIE
Unlikely friendships are forged across the OHIO campus and one of the most likely places for such friendships to happen is in the classrooms of Gordy Hall.
October 9, 2024
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Last spring, two students from very different parts of the globe met for the first time in their English class in the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE). Kanta Shimazu, a student from Japan, and Al Faysal Khalifa Al Busaidi, a student from Oman, quickly became close friends as they worked diligently together to develop their English language and intercultural communication skills. Throughout the semester, they learned about each other’s culture and became fascinated by the differences and even more surprised by the many similarities. And so, at the end of the semester, they promised to stay in contact and possibly visit each other in their respective homelands.
Kanta “enjoying” an unusual view of Dubai on a side trip from Oman with Faysal. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is in the background.
This summer, Kanta followed up on that promise by visiting Faysal in Oman – a place he never imagined visiting before their meeting in OPIE.
"OPIE was a was a crucial place for me to not only learn English, but also to fulfill one of my dreams of making friends all over the world," Kanta said. "The learning and friendships I have made at OPIE are something that is with me now and in the future, not something of the past. I’m proud to be a part of OPIE and grateful to all those involved. I hope to one day give back to the organization, the OPIE faculty, and my friends."
Faysal showing Kanta the famous Al Jalali fort in Old Muscat.
Faysal displaying Japanese artist Hokusai’s “Under the Wave,” a gift from Kanta during a visit to Faysal’s home in Oman.
Faysal was delighted by Kanta’s visit to Oman and reflected on his own experiences on the Ohio University campus:
" My experience with Kanta at OPIE was great," he said. "We worked together in class and from there our friendship started. I learned a lot about Japanese culture by talking with Kanta and got to know him and his family better. I also gained the skill of dealing with different nationalities around the world."
In a world of busy schedules and overwhelming to-do lists, this is a glowing reminder of how rich and dynamic gaining an international friendship can be on the OHIO campus.