Lysez Angelyn Santos
Lysez Angelyn Santos (she/her) - Stanford in New York
Major: International Relations (BA)
College year while abroad: Spring 2025-26
About the photo: Lysez standing on Bow Bridge in Central Park.
Contact
Email: lysez@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in New York?
As grateful as I am for growing up on the tiny island of Guåhan, I felt culturally sheltered from the rest of the world. I wanted to experience the exact opposite of that, to learn more of myself by living a completely different way of life. New York City was the perfect place to do that, because it offered something for everything I enjoyed: art, photography, cuisine, fashion, being the global center for diplomacy, and a rich history and culture. For being known as a fast-paced city, leaving Stanford to live in New York City for 10 weeks instead felt as if time slowed down, because there was so much to see and so much to do!
How did studying away support your academic growth?
Ironically, the professional career experience I gained studying away helped me to work backwards and re-evaluate my academic path. As an International Relations student, working at the United Nations was an eye-opening experience for me, given that it was also a broad space with many different scopes of specialties. Thus, being able to explore that broad space in real-time helped me to choose where I wanted to specialize in long-term, such as investing more in learning about states' and islands' roles in shaping climate and ocean action through a scientific lens.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Before coming to New York, I was nervous about taking the subway because 1) I was raised in a car-centric environment and 2) I knew I was the type of person to space out easily, which is dangerous having heard the horror stories that happen on the subways and on the platforms. It was definitely a learning experience during the first week, but I challenged myself to learn how to use it by riding a random line to a random stop and figuring out my way back home from there. This made me more comfortable with the environment and helped build my mental map of the city as I memorized the different lines. Of course, the SiNY staff teaches you safety on public transit and I got used to being alert on my commute without being extremely anxious.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
On the weekdays, I spend my mornings walking along the promenade and then having my breakfast with a view of the NYC skyline before heading off to Midtown East for my internship. I especially loved when I was tasked to attend a meeting at the UN Headquarters because I was able to network with people from other offices and Missions. My favorite part of my daily life was actually looking forward to whatever spontaneous activity I would find myself in after work or during the weekends. Some of my highlights were: Wednesday Yoga at Bryant Park, meeting a member of the Black Eyed Peas at a Philippines Mission reception, and attending a Knicks Championship watch party at Madison Square Garden--all of which were spent between my 5-9 after my 9-5.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
Working at the United Nations HQ with the Palau Mission demands consistent physical presence. With social capital (reputation, socializing, remain visible at many events) being the day-to-day of the industry, I was able to strengthen my professionalism and communication skills the most. I contributed to securing 121 of the 193 member states' votes in Palau's first UN Committee election campaign by drafting and sending official letters to other missions, note-taking at important bilateral meetings, and organizing two key receptions at the Palau Mission for officers to get to know our candidate. Lastly, on my own time, I made it a point to research people in the UN I wanted to meet and networked with them through my mission/other staff members through coffee chats.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
A sturdy all-around, everyday bag! I was always prepared to be out of the dorm all day. Having a bag that could hold my other essentials, survive my 40-minute subway commute, a day at the UN or in the center, and even the changing springtime weather was non-negotiable. It definitely enhanced my overall experience and my peace of mind, because you never know where you'll end up in New York City; so, having everything on you from the get-go lets you have freedom with your time---especially if you find a last-minute event to go to on the other side of the city!
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Mindset is really important in getting the most out of a study-away experience, especially going to New York City. Being comfortable with being out of my comfort zone introduced me to new experiences, places, and cuisines I used to be afraid of trying. Most of the students in my cohort, including me, were from small towns or rural areas; so we would try new things together on the weekends, like exploring other boroughs, seeing broadway shows, going to flea markets, and cafe-hopping. Being open to try new things is just one part of the experience, but who you get to experience it with is just as important.