Through the English Conversation Partners (ECP) program, the Office of International Affairs matches American students with international students who are interested in learning more about American culture and the English language. The program enables international students to practice English communication skills and become better acquainted with U.S. culture, and domestic students have the chance to share their linguistic and cultural knowledge, and learn more about another country. The deadline for students to apply for the program is Wednesday, September 17. Learn more about the ECP program and sign up today.

The Office of International Affairs recently awarded the Jutta and Peter Neckermann Study Abroad Scholarship to eight undergraduate students. The students have been accepted into study abroad programs in Germany that include a wide range of disciplines from language to the applied sciences.

In this issue of Global Perspectives you'll find the following stories:

1. Wolfe family $1 million gift doubles endowment to support scholarships to study abroad
   
2. Ohio State assistant professor and two students have been awarded prestigious Fulbright-Hays grants
   
3. International Affairs grant recipients
   
4. Learning about the material conditions of life in East Africa
   
5. Area Studies Centers encourage the study of language through speech competitions
   
6. Mershon Center supports 14 students in study abroad
   
7. Design of new Latin American M.A. program moves forward
   
8. From Ohio to Iraq to Gummy Bears and Halwa Halib
   
9. International students made to feel right at home
   
10. East Asian studies M.A. program reaps success

The Office of International Affairs recently awarded nine faculty members and 24 students with grants totaling $90,000 to be used for research projects or student programs that are international in scope. The International Affairs grant program supports projects that advance the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and peoples through academic study.

Grants are given for projects that explore the languages, cultures, arts, politics, economy, or socio-demographic aspects of a foreign region. Proposals addressing global issues are also eligible if these issues are explored in a regional context. This includes proposals about public health, public policy and climate change, among others.

Kathryn Anne Carlson and Barbara Anne Papalios have each been awarded the Isabel Liu $1,000 scholarship to study abroad. The Office of International Affairs administers this grant that is made possible through the generosity of Isabel Liu and her support of the study abroad program for undergraduate students at Ohio State.

The Office of International Affairs recently awarded a Phyllis Krumm Memorial International Scholarship to three graduate students, Stewart Birkby (Education), William Lywood (History) and Scott Powell (Political Science). The Krumm Scholarship is given to graduate students for research or study in a European country or in China.

The Office of International Affairs has awarded four undergraduate students the Francille M. Firebaugh study abroad scholarship. Megan Cairns, Lisa Miyake, Jessica Williams and Colin Day, all have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.