The Education and Outreach team at Asia Society Texas Center works with high school and university interns each semester. We have a long-standing internship program with Houston Academy for International Studies in Houston ISD, a school that is a part of Asia Society's International Studies Schools Network. Through our internship program, students directly engage with curriculum-writing, program development, and outreach efforts. Interns learn more about Asian art, history, and culture while gaining direct experience in working with students and families.

We'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our high school interns, Justan Cormier. Justan, who will graduate as salutatorian from the Houston Academy for International Studies, is a hard-working, diligent student. He tackles each research task and activity design carefully, bringing a great enthusiasm for learning to each task. His collaborative, calming personality has made him a great colleague and friend to many of our interns.

Learn a little more about Justan and his internship experience below!

Justan Cormier

The first time I ever visited the Asia Society building was when I went on a field trip with my school. I remember being completely shocked when I saw the different beautiful pieces of art and learned about different customs and practices that take place in different Asian countries. It really encouraged me to learn more, so I went home and began looking at different volunteer opportunities that Asia Society offered. I ended up volunteering at the Lunar New Year event that took place in the Galleria. I had such an amazing time that I asked Ms. Kapral if there were any internship opportunities available, which is how I became an intern at the Asia Society.

During my time at ASTC, I have worked on a multitude of projects. These projects ranged from writing about the background and significance of the Diwali holiday, to creating crafts for the Eid al-Fitr festival. Due to COVID, the entirety of my internship has taken place online, so I have missed out on many of the in-person events that ASTC would have normally held. Instead, we have had to be very flexible, and create online crafts and games that could still be as entertaining as the events we used to have in-person. The projects that I have been assigned have allowed me to utilize my creativity to work with the many talented employees at ASTC. Although the difficulties of the pandemic have altered how I attend my internship, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern and would like to thank the Asia Society for providing me with this unique opportunity.

Education and Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Wells Fargo. Generous funding also provided by​ Margie and Joe Blommaert, Cathay Bank Foundation, Chevron, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, and H-E-B. Additional support is provided by Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in exhibitions and public programming to Houston.

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About Asia Society at Home

We are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.