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, Gia Hernandez. Gia is a creative artist, bringing fresh, exciting ideas to each meeting. Her love of learning about different cultures shines through in her work, and her skills with digital media, website design, and filmmaking helped us develop many great virtual activities and fill a great need during this pandemic.

Learn a little more about Gia and her internship experience below!

Gia Hernandez

My name is Gia Hernandez, and I’m currently studying as a senior at the Houston Academy for International Studies in Houston ISD. I plan on majoring in linguistics at Utrecht University in Utrecht, Netherlands, and hopefully someday getting to work on different creative media in terms of international film productions.

I’m also working as an intern at the Asia Society Texas Center, which has helped me get accustomed to an ideal work environment in the arts. I wanted to know how I would fit in or what I would need help adjusting to when working at a place that’s interested in the same things as I am, such as art and other cultures. Through working on projects like craft tutorials, mini essays, and videos for specific holidays and events, I’ve been able to learn about the significance of art in different Asian cultures, including those that aren’t as known as they should be — which has been one of my favorite parts whilst working here.

I started interning at ASTC during mid-October, when I had just caught up with my virtual school life again. I was prepared and excited to take on a new responsibility, and since ASTC had been recruiting virtual interns before me, none of my assignments felt too difficult for me, thankfully! However, seeing as it is still a virtual internship, this also means that I missed the chance to experience the unique Asia Society environment physically. A bit of a disappointment, especially when it comes to events like Night Market, but it also makes me appreciate the fact that I still get to know what goes on behind the scenes: a lot of fun planning, planning that involves a lot of care and commitment. Getting to work with bright, educated, and motivated coworkers gave me a new environment to look forward to.

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.