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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, where they focused on peoples and nationalities and cultivated a deep interest in cross-cultural understanding and diplomacy.

During this internship, they are 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 their 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 both challenged and grounded them, underscoring the power of community-based initiatives and strengthening their commitment to international work rooted in empathy and connection.

In their free time, Natalie runs a small ceramic jewelry business, creating pieces that connect people through art. They also enjoy exploring local ecology, learning languages, and participating in community events that bring people together.

Welcome to the intern team, Natalie!

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Intern Spotlight: Samuel Joon Fernandez

Meet Our Spring 2026 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Samuel Joon Fernandez, a graduate student of Global Studies at the University of San Francisco. He is enrolled in their accelerated 4+1 Global Studies program, which allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Having already completed the undergraduate portion of the program, Sam earned a double BA in International Studies and Dance and is on track to receive his MA after only one year of graduate school.

Sam was drawn to Global Ties San Francisco’s internship program because of the opportunity to contribute to proposal development—researching global issues, shaping compelling narratives, and supporting the process of securing international exchange programs that advance public and cultural diplomacy.

“I am most looking forward to exploring the practical applications of my academic studies while showcasing the importance of Global Ties San Francisco as an organization and International Studies as a profession.”

Sam’s biggest adventure in life to date was moving abroad to Germany during his junior year of university. This nine-month experience opened his eyes to the intricate nuances of cultural diplomacy and the dynamics of soft power across Europe’s closely knit countries. His studies in Germany also informed his undergraduate capstone project, which analyzed the Eurovision Song Contest as a case study of cultural export. Moreover, this experience encouraged him to continue traveling and inspired him to conduct master’s thesis research abroad in Denmark.

When he is not occupied with his graduate studies, Sam works as a dancer and choreographer, specializing in hip-hop and street-jazz dance.

Welcome to the intern team, Sam!

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Intern Spotlight: Amina Bakiyeva

Meet Our Fall 2025 Intern!

Meet our International Programs intern Amina Bakiyeva, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Human Rights at San José State University.

Her journey into international affairs began when she moved to the U.S. from Kazakhstan at the age of 13. Growing up in two culturally diverse environments sparked her passion for foreign languages and international politics. Throughout her academic career, she has studied multiple foreign languages, conducted research on international relations issues, and led culture-based organizations on campus.

With this foundation, Amina was eager to join Global Ties San Francisco, as its efforts to foster mutual understanding and support subnational diplomacy through cultural and professional exchange align closely with her interests. During her internship, she hopes to gain valuable skills and connections that will prepare her for a future career in diplomacy and international affairs.

“I am looking forward to contributing to the International Visitor Leadership Program, where I will help facilitate important exchanges that create lasting connections between foreign leaders and American communities.”

Outside of her academic and professional interests, Amina enjoys gymnastics, taekwon-do, dancing, hiking, reading, and spending time with her two cats, Lily and Evie.

Welcome to the intern team, Amina!

Explore Our Internships
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A Letter from Our President and CEO, Kevin Mather

As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I reflect on an extraordinary year for Global Ties San Francisco. This year, we welcomed 529 international visitors from 136 countries, creating countless opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and collaboration through our international exchange programs.

By fostering dialogues on critical global topics — from climate action and human rights to entrepreneurship and cybersecurity — our programs have built bridges across borders and strengthened San Francisco’s role as a hub for citizen diplomacy.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team and interns, the support of our partners, and the generosity of our Home Hospitality community.

As I prepare to step down as President and CEO of World Trade Center Northern California /Global Ties San Francisco, I am deeply humbled by the experiences we’ve shared and the impact we’ve achieved together. It has been a privilege to lead this organization and to witness the power of diplomacy in action. I am confident that the dedicated team at Global Ties San Francisco will continue to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the years to come.

Thank you to our supporters, partners, and community for making this journey so meaningful. While I may be stepping away from my role, I will always remain a proud champion of the work we do here at Global Ties San Francisco.


With warm regards and best wishes for the new year,

Kevin Mather
President/CEO
Global Ties San Francisco
World Trade Center Northern California

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Our 2024 Exchange Program Portfolio

Review all our 2024 international exchange delegations and highlights.

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Call for Interns

Global Ties San Francisco is currently accepting applications for Spring 2024 internships (fully remote and hybrid).

Embrace this opportunity to cultivate cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills, while refining written and oral communication, research, and analytical abilities. Become a member of our team and contribute to the success of international delegation visits. Interns provide critical programmatic support through community outreach, research, representation in sessions for our visiting dignitaries, and social media content creation.

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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.

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