Posts

Intern Spotlight: Jane Rudenko

Meet Our Summer 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Jane Rudenko, a politics major at New York University. She is eager to apply her studies of policy, theory, and history beyond the classroom and explore how academic ideas translate into meaningful, real-world work.

Jane is passionate about people-centered work, a commitment put into practice in her recent role as an Emergency Medical Technician. This transformative experience taught her the importance of supplementing preparation with adaptability and strengthened her ability to connect with and support people in a range of situations.

Drawn to this internship’s focus on international relations and community collaboration, Jane is excited to continue building meaningful people-to-people ties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“During my time at Global Ties San Francisco, I look forward to interacting with current and emerging leaders from around the world and experiencing diplomacy through human connection. I am excited to see how the exchange of ideas can foster long-lasting relationships between nations.”

In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking, and taking road trips with friends.

Welcome to the intern team, Jane!

Explore Our Internships
/by

Intern Spotlight: Natalie Amanian

Meet Our Spring 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Natalie Amanian, who recently graduated with a degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis, with a focus on peoples and nationalities and a deep interest in cross-cultural understanding and diplomacy.

During this internship, Natalie is especially looking forward to supporting program development and engaging with delegates from around the world. The chance to collaborate with professionals shaping global diplomacy strongly resonates with Natalie’s own aspirations.

“This internship with Global Ties San Francisco felt like a rare opportunity to be directly involved in the kind of cross-cultural dialogue that I deeply care about.”

One of Natalie’s most meaningful adventures was traveling to Armenia to tutor and mentor youth in rural villages. The experience was both challenging and grounding, underscoring the power of community-based initiatives and strengthening Natalie’s commitment to international work rooted in empathy and connection.

During free time, Natalie runs a small ceramic jewelry business, creating pieces that connect people through art. Additional interests include exploring local ecology, learning languages, and participating in community events that bring people together.

Welcome to the intern team, Natalie!

Explore Our Internships
/by

Become a Home Hospitality Host in 2024

Global Ties San Francisco implements the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), along with a variety of other international exchange programs, bringing over 700 visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area annually. A core offering for our visitors that is often regarded as the most impactful part of their exchange experience is Home Hospitality—the opportunity to enjoy a meal with local residents. The success of our international exchange programs would not be possible without our amazing Citizen Diplomats who open their homes to visitors, providing a welcoming window into life in the U.S., and creating lasting memories and connections. These Citizen Diplomats, called Home Hospitality Hosts, know that nothing sets a table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal.

Read more
/by