July 18, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — Brandon D. Roberts, a May 2011 graduate of DePauw University, has been selected for the Japan Exchange and Teaching
(JET) Programme. Administered by the Japanese government, JET brings native English
speakers into public schools and government offices to teach and
translate. Roberts, who double majored in East Asian studies and economics, "will be a coordinator for International
Relations (CIR) in Toyohashi, Japan, assisting local government offices
in international exchange at the local level," notes today's Muncie Star Press.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, now in its 24th year,
is aimed at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan
and other nations. The number of countries sending participants has
risen over the years, as has the number of participants. In 2010, JET welcomed 4,334 participants from 36 
countries.
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) administers the JET Program in cooperation with local government organizations. JET has gained acclaim both domestically and internationally for its role in advancing mutual understanding and for being one of the world's largest exchange programs.
Learn more here.
In 2009, Brandon Roberts -- who graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude -- received the Chicago-Osaka Sister City Special Award (seen above), which was presented by the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. Details are available in this previous story.