OSU Students chosen for Lieutenant Governor’s delegation to Japan

Stillwater, OK – This summer four Oklahoma State University students will travel to Oklahoma’s Sister State of Kyoto, Japan.  Three are graduate students in the School of International Studies.  Robert Garrett and Jason Hunter are SIS students with a focus in International Trade and Development, and Mary Pyles is a spring 2006 SIS graduate with a focus in International Human Relations, Society and Education.  Michael Tapley, who graduates this spring, is an undergraduate student majoring in International Business and French. 

All four will travel to Japan for ten days in July-August as part of the Kyoto International Exchange Program sponsored by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.  They are four of only seven students who were selected for the program from a pool of 80 applicants from colleges and universities throughout Oklahoma.

“It’s pretty amazing that three of us are part of the School of International Studies,” said Pyles.  OSU will have a majority representation among the students going on the exchange.

“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 strengthening our Sister State relationship," Hunter adds.

Since 1985 the Office of the Lieutenant Governor has sponsored the annual delegation of Oklahoma students to visit Kyoto Prefecture in order to experience Japanese culture first-hand.  The students from Oklahoma colleges and universities serve as representatives of the State of Oklahoma and are selected based upon their career aspirations in the international arena, involvement in international exchange and youth activities, a 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. 

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 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 an M.S. and Certificate in International Studies and the Master’s International Peace Corps degree.  More than 147 OSU faculty members participate in School activities.

For information: http://ieo.okstate.edu or
http://www.okcommerce.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=353&Itemid=436
Contact: pybus@okstate.edu
Phone: (405) 744-5749

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