Personal Statement - International Development

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As a child my father always pointed out the glacial features of the mountain as we skied, or the formation of a valley as we drove. Geography has always intrigued me, and from this interest stems my love. Most of my early understanding of how the world was formed was from my fathers’ one-on-one classes or by reading my sisters pocket encyclopaedia. When I began to have lessons solely dedicated to geography my fascination grew. I also realized that by studying the subject properly I had a natural ability.

Both the human and physical characteristics of geography fascinate me, from the plate tectonic theory to Ulman-Harris’s land use function model. Over the past several years, I have been on geography fieldtrips to study urbanisation, tourism and river formations. Fieldwork helps me understand how it all works. This is probably why I enjoyed my father pointing out geographical features so much as a child, as it made it seem so much more real.

Geography focuses on the present and the future. I think this reflects my character and why sustainability is so important globally and personally. My international background makes me aware of global problems and sustainable development. Developmental Studies contains my favourite aspects of geography; the social, political, economic and cultural.

I have studied German, Turkish, basic French, and Spanish. I find it very unnerving to arrive in a country and not be able to communicate and want to continue my study of languages further.

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

Both the human and physical characteristics of geography fascinate me, from the plate tectonic theory to Ulman-Harris’s land use function model. Over the past several years, I have been on geography fieldtrips to study urbanisation, tourism and river formations. Fieldwork helps me understand how it all works.

Geography focuses on the present and the future. This reflects my character and why sustainability is so important globally and personally. My international background makes me aware of global problems and sustainable development. Developmental Studies contains my favourite aspects of geography; the social, political, economic and cultural.

I have studied German, Turkish, basic French, and Spanish. This academic background has prepared me well for international development studies, enabling me to engage with diverse cultures and languages which are critical to understanding global issues.

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

I am involved in a diverse amount of extracurricular activities. The CAS program at our school is very varied. In June 2006 I was fortunate enough to visit a small village nearby and set up a library and kindergarten. Seeing the children so happy to have things that most people take for granted made me realize how much I want to help people. During my gap year I plan to travel to Australia and work with those less fortunate than myself, teaching and working. Australia being such a large island has so much to offer geographically. I cannot wait to see Uluru, the varying climates, and the Victorian Alps.

I am very aware of the rapid spreading of the AIDS pandemic. I want to help those who are infected and those who are unaware. I have been in contact with the leading AIDS/HIV doctor in Turkey and plan on helping at the hospital along with organizing fund and awareness raising functions at school.

Though I do not participate in many athletic activities, I love football and badminton. When my school had a girl’s football team I was actively involved, and plan to be again as the team restarts. I also play badminton outside of school and have taken part in university courses.

When I was fifteen I helped to found a literary magazine to showcase talent at my school. Since then I have been the editor-in-chief, a role I enjoy greatly, involving reading submissions, forming layouts, and delivering the finished product.

Having studied at international schools, I have experienced many different cultures and believe language is crucial to understanding culture. Language makes up such a large part of a country’s culture that without effort to learn it, however limited, we cannot fully enjoy the culture. Growing up in countries where English is not the national language makes communication skills even more important to me.

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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