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:

San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Maj. General Juan Ayala, Interim President & CEO
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:

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:

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:

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

Chennai, India

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:

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).

Protocol Services

The International Relations Office is THE resource for all your protocol inquiries. Whether you have a question regarding an obscure formality or want to know generally about a culture or region we can help. The International Relations Office has standard protocol presentations on file for citizens making ready to depart for a foreign country. Traveling to Japan? China? Saudi Arabia? Mexico? We can help you prepare for a successful business meeting abroad.

More information can be found at the links listed below:



Discover Diplomacy

CIA World Factbook

Protocol Officers Association

Office of the Chief of Protocol – U.S. Department of State 

Order of Precedence for U.S. Government  

Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence and Dates of Presentation of Credentials 

U.S. Passports Information

Passport Applications by City of San Antonio

International Travel

Internship Opportunities

Intern with the global engagement team!

The Global Engagement Division welcomes undergraduate and graduate students to apply for internships. These selective internships will provide successful candidates with a valuable insight into the world of international diplomacy, protocol, and international business. The internships are unpaid but may count as college credit depending on pre-approval by the student's college or university. 

Eligibility:

Applicants Must:

• Be currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning and in their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year of undergraduate studies (or any year of their graduate studies). 
• Have a major in International Relations, International Business Studies, or a related field. 
• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or above
• Have an interest and be enthusiastic in the field of International Relations or International Business
• Possess a willingness to learn, display a positive attitude and be highly motivated
• Have excellent writing skills
• Commit to either one or two consecutive terms of internship

Application Process:

Applicants Must:

1. Visit the City of San Antonio's Career Center and fill out a General Intern Application.
2. Submit an email/letter of interest to the Global Engagement Team: 

• Those interested in internships related to international relations, please email Mr. Ian Cruz, Sr. International Relations Specialist. 

• Those interested in internships related to international business, please email Mr. Danny Khalil, Sr. Economic Development Specialist 

            Please also include the following in your email:

• Cover letter stating your interest in joining the Global Engagement team as an intern. Please also list any relevant international/intercultural experience. 
• A recommendation from your university, preferably the department chair, dean, or lead faculty member.
• CV or Resume with professional/work/educational experience.
• Number of hours per week/semester available.

         3. Complete a competitive interview process and pre-employment processing before beginning internship.

 Please note that there is a specific selection process involved and not all applicants will be selected.

 A note for international students: The Global Engagement Team welcomes internships by international students who are currently enrolled in a San Antonio institute of higher education. Due to the guidelines of the City of San Antonio's Human Resource Department, a Social Security number is required to complete the application process. Therefore, international students who seek to intern with the Global Engagement Office must have a Social Security number. It is recommended that students work with the relevant office on their school's campus in order to secure the necessary paperwork to obtain a Social Security number if they do not have one. More information on Social Security numbers for non-citizens can be found HERE.

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.