Samantha Arias (Preferred Name: Sam)
Samantha Arias (Preferred Name: Sam) (she/they) - Stanford in New York
Major: Psychology
Minor: Communications
College year while abroad: Winter and Spring 2025
About the photo: My winter quarter roommate took this picture of me in Times Square at midnight on my 20th birthday! It was one of our first nights in the city, and by far one of the coldest nights that winter. The cupcake was bought at a nearby 24-hour bakery we stumbled upon.
Contact
Email: svarias@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in New York?
I chose New York City because I wanted to experience living in a place of unmatched chaos, culture, and creativity. Having grown up just outside the city in New Jersey, I spent my weekends exploring parts of it but always yearned for the chance to actually live there. New York is one of those rare places where you could be surrounded by your own communities and still constantly be exposed to new ones. Whoever you are, the city will always have something to teach you. There truly is nothing else like it.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
I really can’t express how much I loved the classes I took and how incredible all the professors were. Not only do the SiNY courses allow you to explore subjects you might never have encountered without studying abroad, but they also offer insight into different facets of New York City itself. During my two quarters in NYC, I took courses on a diverse range of topics—from understanding how entrepreneurship is a core trait of the city’s spirit to learning how the hundreds of languages and ethnic communities that find home and refuge here shape what NYC now is.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Living in New York taught me how important my identities and finding community are to me. While living at Stanford has brought me some of my closest friends and favorite memories, I had forgotten what it felt like to be surrounded by a strong Peruvian and Ecuadorian community: two of the largest Latin populations in the New York Metro area. Being near my communities and diverse identities, even ones I don't necessarily belong to, gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t realize I needed. It made me feel like anyone could find their place here.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
My workday started at 10:30 AM, which gave me some quiet time to myself in the mornings. While most internships required a daily train commute, I was lucky enough to live a 20-minute walk away. After finishing work around 5 PM, I’d usually head back to the dorm to get ready for dinner. The walk home was my favorite part of the day. It gave me a chance to observe the places around me without being in a rush. It was in those moments that I felt most connected to the city and an immense gratitude for the experience.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
My internship was one of the most valuable experiences I had in the city. It was my first internship outside of Stanford and made me realize that I do, in fact, want to work in a creative field post-grad. At Stanford, it can feel like there are only a few clear paths after graduation, but meeting professionals in creative industries showed me there are so many more options. Working in the filmmaking industry, I helped chase potential story ideas, screen and edit projects, and even worked on set as a production assistant. It was freeing to know that my career journey did not need to be linear.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
My headphones! While Brooklyn Heights (the neighborhood our dorm is in) is relatively quiet, most of the city is not. It’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings, but carrying headphones for moments of overstimulation makes a huge difference. I personally use the AirPods Max, which lets me listen to music while still hearing my surroundings. If you ever have the chance, listening to music on the subway can feel like an otherworldly experience, especially in those moments when you want to feel like you’re in a movie.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
While many tend to overlook this aspect, a large part of moving to a city like New York is taking the time to learn its history and understand the impact your presence has in its spaces. There has always been discourse around how transplants—people who didn’t grow up here—shape the city. New York constantly changes as people move in and out. As you experience the city, remember this: your job as a New Yorker is to add to the city, not take from it. Volunteer. Educate yourself. And always keep an open mind—everyone experiences the city in different ways.