Internship Program
The Houston Office of Protocol and International Affairs (HOPIA) maintains a year-round internship program for current graduate and undergraduate students. These positions permit students to view diplomacy and international relations from a unique perspective and provide exposure to the opportunities available in the field of international affairs.
Students may apply to one of two tracks in the program: Protocol Internship and Protocol/Sister Cities Internship. The best-qualified applicants for both tracks will have at least two years of college experience, knowledge of a foreign language, and preferably some experience living abroad. Strong writing skills are important, and computer proficiency is expected. The time commitment required is a minimum of ten hours per week. Due to the nature of our work, interns must be responsible, poised, and mature. Internships are unpaid, but parking and work-related expenses are reimbursed.
Protocol
Interns will be exposed to all areas of HOPIA's operations by participating in the daily activities of the office and by providing vital assistance to staff members. Each intern will also have an opportunity to complete a special project independently. These projects are chosen by consideration of both the student's interests and the needs of HOPIA; often they involve research, surveys, event planning, and writing.
For more information regarding this program, please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to the address below, or contact 713.227.3395.
Houston Office of Protocol and International Affairs (HOPIA)
Internship Coordinator
City Hall
901 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
Protocol/Sister Cities
Candidates for the sister cities internship must meet the aforementioned criteria for the Protocol internship track.
Protocol/Sister Cities interns will be exposed to the same operations as Protocol interns, in addition to: cultures associated with Houston’s seventeen sister cities; internal and external operations of Sister Cities of Houston, a non-profit organization; and interaction with volunteers and international groups.
Interns will also have an opportunity to complete a special project independently. These projects are chosen by consideration of both the student's interests and the needs of the sister city program.
Additionally, interns will assist the Sister Cities Coordinator by:
- Data and report compilation
- Event coordination for sister city programs and official delegations
- Planning and implementing itineraries and schedules
- Attending Sister Cities of Houston board meetings (schedule permitting)
- Other duties as assigned by the sister cities coordinator and other staff members
For more information regarding this program, please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (3-5 pages each) to the address below or contact the Alma Maldonado at 713.227.3395.
Houston Office of Protocol and International Affairs (HOPIA)
Sister Cities Coordinator
City Hall
901 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
Deadlines and interview dates for internship
Fall Semester
Applications accepted August 1 – 31
Interviews September 1 – 15 (weekdays)
Spring Semester
Applications accepted December 1 – 30
Interviews January 2 – 15 (weekdays)
Summer Session
Applications accepted February 1 – 28
Interviews March 1 – 31 (weekdays)
Previous interns had this to say about our their experience:
“Gaining an understanding of international relations in a real life application was a valuable part of the internship.” Duke University student, summer 2006
“I enjoyed the continuous variety of work. I felt like I could ask questions and make suggestions.” – St. Thomas University student, spring 2006
“The small office really allowed me to get a good idea of what everyone does – I [left] with a good understanding of protocol.”– Harvard student, summer 2005
“I enjoyed attending the arrival of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohamed Burhanuddin Saheb. It personalized the work I had been doing.” – University of Texas student, summer 2004