Get Involved!
Throughout the year, San Antonio showcases its diverse community by hosting several international events. With a variety of local organizations ranging from cultural and ethnic societies to internationally-focused social groups, there are a number of ways to get involved! The International Relations Office engages with our Sister Cities in many ways; however one of the most important methods is through engagement with our local community partners.
Please find below a selection of local groups and organizations that are devoted to international activities. Though many are not dedicated specifically to a Sister City relationship, these activities fall under the umbrella of these organizations’ missions. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of internationally-focused organizations in San Antonio.
General Internationally-focused groups:
World Affairs Council of San Antonio (WACofSA)
Ms. Leslie Palmer, President
website | email
San Antonio Council for International Visitors (SACIV)
Ms. Cecilia Cross, Executive Director
website | email
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
Ms. Angelica Docog, Executive Director
website | email
San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Rebcca Q. Cedillo, Interim President & CEO
website | email
Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Sarit Kapur, President
website | email
Summer of Service (SOS) San Antonio
Mr. Amir Samandi
website | email
Sister Cities-related groups:
Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council (SAMFCO)
Ms. Frances Schultshik, President
website | email
Bexar County Medical Society
Ms. Melody Newsom, Chief Operating Officer
website | email
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Canary Islands Descendants Association of San Antonio (CIDA)
Ms. Mari Tamez, President
website | email
Gwangju, Korea
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Korean-American Cultural Center of San Antonio
Dr. Deukhee Gong, Director
website | email
Korean American Association of San Antonio (KAASA)
(210) 590-7555
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Kumamoto, Japan
Japan-America Society of San Antonio (JASSA)
Mr. Nobuaki Yokoo, President
website | email
Bexar County Medical Society (Sister Medical Society with Kumamoto)
Ms. Melody Newsom, Chief Operating Officer
website | email
Chennai, India
AnujaSA (Chennai-San Antonio Sister City organization)
(Information about the annual Diwali festival also available)
Ms. Kausi Subramaniam, President
website | email
Bexar County Medical Society (Sister Medical Society with Chennai)
Ms. Melody Newsom, Chief Operating Officer
website | email
Wuxi, China | Suzhou, China
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
San Antonio Chinese Alliance
Ms. Nancy Du, Membership Director
website | email
The Greater San Antonio Chinese
Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Yen Yan, President
website | email
Windhoek, Namibia
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Mr. Bob Braubach, Honorary Consul of Namibia in San Antonio
email
Darmstadt, Germany
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Beethoven Maennerchor
Mr. Claus Heide, President
website | email
Tel Aviv, Israel
There is no organization dedicated solely to promoting this sister city/friendship city relationship. However, the following organization is an important community stakeholder we work with in relation to this city:
Jewish Federation of San Antonio
Ms. Ronit Sherwin, President
website | email
Flag Loan Program
The flag loan program is one of the many services that the International Relations Office offers to the community. The flag roster includes 37 flags from all over the world, as well as important domestic flags, including the US, Texas and San Antonio flags. Our flag inventory goes all over the city for various community, educational and business events where protocol is observed. If you need to make use of the flags please give us a call at 210-207-8100 and make a reservation. Upon receiving them, you will be asked to sign a form that will enumerate those which you have borrowed, as well as identify an appropriate return date. The International Relations Office also accepts flag contributions, so if you have flags that you wish to make available for public use, bring them by. The flags are here and waiting, what event will you use them for?
Check out our Flag Roster (PDF).
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunity at the International Relations Office
The International Relations Office welcomes students to apply for internships. These selective internships will provide successful candidates with a valuable insight into the world of diplomacy and
protocol. The internships are unpaid but may count as college credit depending on pre-approval. Eligibility will be determined by the student's college or university.
Eligibility:
Applicants Must:
- Be currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning under programs related to International Relations/Studies and on their Junior or Senior year
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or above
- Have an interest and be enthusiastic in the field of International Relations
- Possess a willingness to learn, display a positive attitude and be highly motivated
- Commit to either one or two consecutive terms of internship
Application Process
Applicants Must:
- Submit an email/letter of interest to Ms. Martha Henry, International Special Projects Manager. Please also include the following:
- A recommendation from your university, preferably the department chair or dean.
- CV or Resume with professional/work/educational experience.
- Number of hours per week/semester available.
- Complete a competitive interview process before beginning internship.
Please note that there is a specific selection process involved and not all applicants will be selected.
Other Related Internship Opportunities
Many San Antonio college students have asked about internships with an international or political science focus. Below we have compiled a list of possible internships organized by local, state, and federal level.
Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Program, City of San Antonio (paid)
- Ambassador Summer Internship Program.
- Summer internship through City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services
- San Antonio high school graduate or permanent resident of San Antonio
- Complete at least one full year of college
- 2.5 GPA
- (special consideration for applicants attending school out-of-town or out-of-state)
- 210.207.2507
City of San Antonio, all departments
- Career Center
- application can be found on website
- Applicant must have completed first year of program of study
- Must be able to commit to 12 weeks in spring or fall and 8 in summer
- paid and unpaid internships available
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
San Antonio Council for International Visitors
World Affairs Council (unpaid)
- World Affairs Council Opportunities
- 3 month commitment 12-15 hours a week (6-9 months preferred)
- Must have an interest in world affairs, be fluent in written and conversational English, and possess experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Publisher, Outlook, Powerpoint)
- fall, winter, spring, summer
- application on website
Office of the Governor (unpaid)
TX State House (unpaid)