Asia-Pacific studies degree personal statement example (1b) postgraduate, international student

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My educational background is quite diverse. I spent my last three years at the ******* College Australia, and have successfully finished year 12 there. My choices of subjects reflected the diversity of my interests - English, Mathematics, International Studies, Legal Studies, and Economics. I excelled in International Studies and was awarded Academic Merit. Upon my return to Surabaya at the start of year 1999, I attended IBMT (Institute of Business Management and Technology), an International University which follows the United States curriculum, at which I majored in International Management. The subjects I took were: Accounting I and II, Sociology, Psychology, World Civilization, English Composition, Public Speaking, and Organizational Management. I finished the semester with a GPA of 3.6.

The experience of living in such sharp contrast to my life in Surabaya, Indonesia, has given me a broader view of the world and the ability to adapt to a different culture which every international student must possess. Living isolated from Indonesian speakers has also made my English improve surprisingly fast. I'm a blend of two contrasting lifestyles, and my thoughts, ideas, and actions reflect this blend.

After finishing senior school, I would like to fulfill a life long wish, which is to study Asian Studies and International Studies. Indonesian reformation will open immense international relations opportunities in near future. I aspire to work closely with the United Nations and to be involved in Indonesia's international affairs. This is why I believe that an Asia Pacific Studies degree at Ritsumaikan Asia Pacific University would be the perfect course for me. There are three specific reasons why I want to study at APU, Japan. First, I wish to receive a high-quality Asia Pacific Studies degree. Second, I hope to take full advantage of one of the leading Japanese Universities in order to excel at my studies. Third, I desire to once again experience multicultural exposure and a dynamic learning environment.

I'm aware that generally, Asia Pacific Studies is a degree which develops many skills and covers facts that are valued and relevant in many walks of life. Whichever route I decide to take, I can be sure that the study will equip me with the necessary skills to continue to acquire new knowledge and understanding throughout my entire working life. Learning is what I do best, and in Japan I will have the perfect opportunity to excel at it.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My choices of subjects reflected the diversity of my interests - English, Mathematics, International Studies, Legal Studies, and Economics. I excelled in International Studies and was awarded Academic Merit.

At IBMT, I majored in International Management with subjects including Accounting I and II, Sociology, Psychology, World Civilization, English Composition, Public Speaking, and Organizational Management. I finished the semester with a GPA of 3.6.

The excellent quality of the University, as well as helpful teachers and friends, have contributed immensely to my success. In the classroom I can do much more than just warm the seat; I can add a lot to class discussions.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

As I have grown older and more mature, I have begun to realise the value and significance of helping others and contributing to my surrounding community. I was involved in many clubs and social activities such as the United Nations Youth Conferences, Geelong Radio Station, Peer Education Street Theatre, 40 Hours Famine Committee, Amnesty International, a badminton club, and basketball club. I also value very much my work experience at Weighton and MacDonald's Law Firm, Geelong.

My greatest accomplishment in social activities is to be one of the two students in my school selected and awarded a scholarship of AUD 1000 to attend the National Youth Reconciliation Conference in Darwin, Australia. After I returned to Indonesia, I became an active member of the Rotary Club and The British Council. These extra-curricular experiences have provided me with a balance for the rigorous school work and further developed my interests and talents while serving others.

Living in Geelong, a small yet cosmopolitan city in Australia, has influenced me interpersonally. The multicultural exposure and dynamic learning environments that I have experienced have prepared me to continue adapting successfully in diverse settings. This background, alongside my academic achievements, has prepared me for the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad.

Of course, if it wasn't for my parents giving me the opportunity to study in Australia, I wouldn't have been so privileged to have such an educational background. The combination of my past experiences and academic knowledge will qualify me as an Asia Pacific University student candidate, and furthermore will prepare me to achieve my career goals in the future.

Universities applied to:

• Ritsumaikan Asia Pacific University

Grades achieved:

• Year 12 (Australia)
• GPA 3.6 (IBMT semester)

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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