Sociology Personal Statement Example (International Student)

I have always been interested in the unwritten rules and workings of society, but it wasn't until I stumbled upon the book "Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behaviour" by Kate Fox that I really began considering sociology as a potential career.

Sociology appeals to me because it is a globally relevant subject that connects people worldwide and is a driving force in resolving issues of inequality and injustice, and I think my personality and experiences would make the study of it both useful and enjoyable.

In my life I’ve been lucky enough to travel and spend time in different cultures, which made me want to learn more about how society differs around the world and how different countries might deal with social and political issues. One issue that is of particular interest to me is the Syrian refugee crisis.

I think it's really interesting to see how different countries balance the moral and economic dilemma of how many refugees to accept. I’m also very interested in the movement for gender equality, especially in schools and in the workplace.

My natural curiosity and interest in how society functions make me really excited to learn more about sociology. The experiences I've had through Rotary Youth Exchange and People to People Student Ambassadors have given me a sense of independence and self-reliance that will be beneficial in university and throughout my life, as well as a wider perspective on people in general.

Although the US school system doesn’t leave much room for courses outside those required, I was part of a Multicultural Studies class in which we discussed cultural differences around the world and how these differences affect politics and international relations.

This year, I'm in a Mythology class, which deals with how different cultures relate to one another in storytelling and myth and helps us improve our writing and analytical skills.

Throughout my school career, I’ve developed creativity, critical thinking skills, presentation techniques, and self-confidence, all of which will be useful in university and for the rest of my life.

In 2011, I went on a People to People Student Ambassador trip to Europe with a group of students and teachers. This was my first experience with traveling, and it led to my current passion for travel and exploration. In 2014/2015, this passion led me to Dachau, Germany, where I lived for eleven months as an exchange student.

At the beginning of the year, I was 15 years old and couldn’t speak German. Having to adjust to a new language and culture was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but also one of the most rewarding.

Throughout the year, I was able to travel throughout Germany and other countries in Europe and meet other exchange students, which improved my communication and teamwork skills. Overall, my exchange year helped me develop a greater appreciation for subtle aspects of culture and society, and increased my interest in sociology on a global scale.

To me, one of the most interesting and beautiful aspects of culture is art. I love how it’s a universal form of self-expression, and how it can carry powerful messages in the forms of political cartoons or city art, like the art on the Berlin wall. In school, I’ve participated in the band, choir, and musicals.

I play piano, guitar, and ukulele as a way to unwind and stay positive, and I’m seldom without a sketchbook. At university, I hope to participate in some sort of band or choral group in my spare time.

Since coming home from exchange, I have been more determined than ever to see more of the world and learn more about different people and places.

My goal is to study sociology at university to build a foundation for a career in research or social work. Going to university in the UK would be perfect because studying in another country would further broaden my perspective on international issues and politics, and would be the first step to building a career and taking control of my future.