This summer, LBJ School global policy studies student Omar Eldaour (MGPS ‘26) is interning in Hiroshima, Japan, as a Global Expansion Graduate Intern at Volante Eyes, a startup using AI-powered technology to improve infrastructure safety.
Volante Eyes specializes in high-speed cameras and machine learning tools that detect failures in manufacturing and infrastructure systems—technology with direct implications for public safety and service reliability. In his role, Eldaour supports the company’s global expansion efforts and works closely with the CEO on international business development strategy.
His day-to-day includes drafting international IP agreements related to artificial intelligence, navigating liability and technology risk and benchmarking trade implications across ten countries. This kind of high-impact, cross-border work draws directly on his global policy studies from the LBJ School.
“The understanding of trade policy, data protection, and foreign direct investment from LBJ has been essential. It’s equipped me to assess regulatory risks, structure international contracts and support strategic decisions around market entry.”
Eldaour secured the internship through the LBJ School’s long-standing partnership with Hiroshima University. The program is led by Professor David Eaton, who coordinates LBJ’s international programs in Mexico and Brazil. That institutional support allowed Eldaour to explore how innovation and global policy intersect in real time.
Adjusting to Japanese work culture, which Eldaour describes as formal, hierarchical and indirect, was a learning curve. It taught him to be more thoughtful in communicating and working with people from different backgrounds. At the same time, the fast-paced, hands-on environment at the startup kept the work engaging and rewarding.
“It complemented LBJ’s training of understanding global perspectives by giving me firsthand experience in working alongside others who have different standards of practice and engaging alongside them despite our differences.”
Eldaour came to LBJ with a strong interest in AI policy, particularly in the public sector, and his time in Japan has reinforced that passion while also opening new possibilities. He now envisions a career that blends technology policy, international cooperation and real-world innovation. This could mean supporting ethical AI deployment within government or guiding global companies toward responsible tech development that serves the public good.
Eldaour’s experience in Japan reflects the LBJ School’s commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges at the intersection of policy, technology and global collaboration—equipping them to make an impact wherever their careers take them.
Learn more about our Master of Global Policy Studies. Applications open September 1.