OSU student’s interest in Asia leads to opportunities

SIS graduate student Jason Hunter with Ambassador Shinichi Kitaoka, Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations, at the Houston Retreat for Young Specialists in March 2006.

Stillwater, OK – Jason Hunter is a graduate student at Oklahoma State University working towards an M.S. degree in International Studies with a focus in International Trade and Development.  His particular interest in the field of East Asian Affairs has brought him many opportunities.  The Japanese Consulate in Houston invited Hunter to participate in the Houston Retreat for Young Specialists 2006: Cooperation and Challenge in East Asia and was published in the American Review of China Studies, a Journal of the Association of Chinese Professors of Social Sciences in the U.S.

The Retreat, hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston and the Baker Institute for Public Policy, was held March 18-19, 2006 in conjunction with the 65th anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston, Texas.  Those in attendance were greeted by Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo, and listened to keynote speakers Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, founding director of the Baker Institute for Public Policy and Ambassador Shinichi Kitaoka, Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations.  The conference also included panel discussions and the presentation of findings related to the topics of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, Energy and Natural Resource Competition, and Public Perception and Nationalism.  Hunter was a member of the Public Perception and Nationalism panel.  The conference was a rewarding opportunity for young specialists and established professionals to come together to discuss issues facing the Asia-Pacific region.

\Hunter’s article entitled “Will Chen Shui-bian Continue to Push His Policy for Taiwan’s Independence or Will He Compromise His Plans?” was published in the Spring 2006 issue of the American Review of China Studies.  The article discusses the important public policy issues developing between Taiwan and China in regards to the independence of Taiwan. 

Hunter will add to his growing list of accomplishments this summer when he travels to Kyoto, Japan as a member of Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin’s delegation representing the Kyoto International Exchange Program.  Since 1985 the Office of the Lieutenant Governor has sponsored the annual delegation of Oklahoma students to visit Kyoto Prefecture to experience Japanese culture and represent Oklahoma to its Sister State of Kyoto, Japan.  Delegates are selected based upon career aspirations in the international arena, involvement in international exchange and youth activities, desire to interact with international students, and a GPA of 3.5 or higher.  The scholarship covers roundtrip airfare to Japan, as well as transportation, accommodations, and meals. 

 “I am honored and privileged to represent my country, state, and university as an ambassador on the Kyoto International Exchange Program.  I will enjoy serving as an interpreter for the trip and introducing my fellow Americans to various aspects of Japanese culture," Hunter added.
           
This semester, Hunter passed Level 2 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, administered by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.  His previous work experience includes the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program through which he worked as a special government employee/interpreter for Nanto City, Toyama, Japan from 2004-2005.  He currently works as a graduate assistant in the International Bureaus of the School of International Studies where he researches topics relating to East Asia.

The mission of the School of International Studies is to provide a university-wide focus to expand international opportunities in instruction, research, and outreach for individuals and organizations seeking a greater understanding and involvement in international affairs.  The School is part of the International Education and Outreach unit, which helps carry out the University’s mission of providing educational programs and services beyond traditional campus boundaries. 

The School of International Studies coordinates academic programs and opportunities with OSU colleges and departments system wide.  School components include the International Bureaus, English Language Institute, Study Abroad, a Peace Corps Recruiting Office, Fulbright Information Center, Mexico Liaison Office, Phi Beta Delta, and a Graduate Program offering a M.S. degree and Certificate in International Studies and the Master’s International Peace Corps degree.  More than 147 OSU faculty members participate in School activities.

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