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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: Song Held

Meet Our Spring 2025 Intern!

Song Held is a spring 2025 International Programs intern at Global Ties San Francisco and a student at the University of San Francisco, majoring in International Studies. As she refines her academic concentration, she finds particular interest in peace and conflict studies with a regional focus on the Middle East.

“During this internship, I am most looking forward to learning about the processes, management, and impact of such a globally connected organization. I am also excited to be part of a team that connects inspiring figures to address global issues.”

One of the most transformative experiences in Song’s life to date was a three-month exchange program in Berlin, Germany, where she lived with a host family, attended school, and immersed herself in a new culture and language. This study abroad experience sparked her interest in International Studies and ultimately led her to Global Ties San Francisco. She was also drawn to this internship because of her passion for journalism as well as foreign and legal policy — topics she is eager to explore further through our hands-on experience.

In her spare time, Song loves to cook, write, run, and travel when possible. As part of the Global Ties San Francisco intern team, she looks forward to meeting new people, contributing to the planning of critical exchange programs, and learning more about the world.

Welcome to the intern team, Song!

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Intern Spotlight: Sydney Tweedley

Sydney Tweedley is one of our spring 2024 International Visitors Programming Interns at Global Ties San Francisco.

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Intern Spotlight: Jensen Zack

Jensen Zack is one of our spring 2024 International Visitors Programming Interns at Global Ties San Francisco.

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