International Relations and Politics Personal Statement Example 2

From as early an age as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with the news, and as a child, used to ask "grown-ups" to explain to me what was happening and where. It was not, however, until the crisis and terror of September 11, 2001 that I realized the extent to which news from around the globe can affect our daily lives. I have many relatives in New York, and nobody seems clear as to why these things happen, exactly who is responsible, or how they can be prevented in the future.

I am determined to study International Relations, because it combines several subjects which I feel passionate about and enjoy studying, such as History, Law, Contemporary Society and different economic and political systems. I hope to gain a thorough knowledge of international affairs from the courses I have chosen. After graduation I intend to take my studies further and become involved in research, journalism as a political analyst, or perhaps I may apply to the Diplomatic School in Madrid.

I enjoy learning and using Modern Languages; I am fluent in Catalan, English, French, Hindi, Sindhi and Spanish. I am also interested in learning Chinese which I have decided to take as an extra-curricular subject next year. As I am of Indian origin, and attend an International School in Spain, I have been exposed to different cultures, as varied as Japanese, Korean, Russian or Latin-American.

I volunteered to participate in a Model United Nations programme organized by my school in Year 10. This gave me an insight into the major issues concerning world politics, and the way in which they are discussed and dealt with by worldwide organisations. My enthusiasm was sparked further by the experience.

Other than studying, I enjoy reading, and most competitive sports. I am very keen on American Football, and I coach an under 15 Football Flag Team. I have learnt from this the importance of discipline, team-work, physical and mental stamina, as well as the importance of good time-management. Last year our under 19 Junior League team was proclaimed Champions of Spain and two of us were rewarded with a fully-sponsored exchange programme with a top Swedish team in Nykoping. I spent 2 months living in a Swedish home and enjoyed learning about their life-style, language, traditions and political system. This year I will face the challenge of taking my studies to a higher level, and of representing Spain, as I have been selected to play in the European Cup with the National Team. I believe in setting myself ambitious goals and doing what it takes to succeed for, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, "it isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it."