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:

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.