Estefania Ramirez

Estefania Ramirez is a junior majoring in International Relations with minors in Human Rights and Italian. She spoke with us about her study abroad experience, favorite IR classes and work experiences. 

What’s your favorite class you’ve taken in the IR department? 
My favorite class that I've taken in the IR department was The U.S., U.N. Peacekeeping, and Humanitarian War. This class looked at the history of U.N. Peacekeeping with regards to its action (or inaction) against genocide. We read Samantha Power's book A Problem from Hell and looked at the decisions made by U.S. leaders when genocides were occurring. Professor Bertrand Patenaude made the class engaging and interactive despite it being on zoom, and now I am considering doing a thesis on one of the topics covered in this class.

Tell us about your study abroad experience 
I have studied abroad in Santiago, Chile and Florence, Italy, and I loved both experiences! In Santiago, I took a class with Germán Correa called Modernization and Its Discontents:
Chilean Politics at the Turn Of the Century, which was one of the most enlightening classes I have taken at Stanford. Learning about Chilean politics directly from someone who was so involved in them was a unique experience. Outside of classes, I traveled around Chile to see the diverse geography of the country. One of my favorite places was Chiloé, an island that was simply breathtaking. In Florence, I took a class on the Economics of the European Union, and this was one of the best economics classes I have taken at Stanford. I also did a lot of traveling in Italy before the pandemic started and we had to return to the U.S., but I can't wait until I am able to return! 

How have you explored your interest in IR outside of the classroom?
This past summer I interned with Mayor Eric Garcetti's Office in Los Angeles with their Office of Immigrant Affairs. Los Angeles is one of the major global cities, so I was proud of the opportunity to advocate for immigrants' rights with their team. I have also interned with the New York City Commission on Human Rights and was truly inspired with the work they do. As the U.S. city with the most progressive human rights law, NYC is the epitome of what every city and country should strive for. Next summer, I hope to participate in the U.S Foreign Service Internship Program upon approval of a Security Clearance!