In this blog post, we’ll explore what kind of international perspective and global vision should be included in a statement of purpose for a diplomacy program, and learn how to persuasively express your interest in international issues and your career goals.
Motivation for Applying (Reason for Choosing the Major)
While reading Kim Gu’s *Baekbeom Ilji* (Diary of Baekbeom), I was deeply moved by his great spirit—a spirit that prioritized the nation and the people over his own well-being. Since elementary school, I have taken an interest in domestic and international politics and current affairs through newspapers and broadcasts, and I have long hoped for the reunification of the Korean people. Through various essay contests, speech competitions, and my role as school president, I established my personal values.
While deciding on my career path, I sought a field of study that would further elevate my values in a positive way, which led me to choose diplomacy. Upon enrolling at your university, I wish to acquire the specialized knowledge necessary to become a diplomat who can elevate Korea’s standing amidst the evolving landscape of international relations. The fact that all courses are conducted through English-language discussions was also a key factor in my decision to choose your university’s Department of Diplomacy.
I believe that by studying, writing reports, and taking exams in English from my freshman year onward, I will be able to master English for practical communication, moving beyond mere language proficiency scores. While it is unlikely that anyone will graduate having mastered the language 100% perfectly, I applied to the Department of Diplomacy without hesitation because I believe it offers the best conditions for improving my English skills while studying subjects that interest me.
Academic Plan and Goals
If I am admitted to your university, I will first channel my passion for English into focusing on foreign language study. I have heard that your curriculum includes an overseas field study program, and I plan to participate in this program to experience firsthand the local language and global trends while studying.
In addition to my major studies, I will actively participate in events hosted by international organizations to meet people from diverse cultural backgrounds. I want to go directly to the arena of international exchange, encounter diverse languages, cultures, and ways of thinking, and experience political, economic, social, and cultural phenomena firsthand. I also plan to use my vacations to practice sharing through overseas volunteer work with organizations such as the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, while also traveling extensively to broaden my horizons and cultivate an open mind.
I will participate in current affairs discussion groups to develop the ability to think about international issues from diverse perspectives. I will regularly read relevant books and magazines to build a solid foundation of knowledge on international issues, including current affairs, politics, diplomacy, international relations, the UN, and the global economy. I aim to become a university student who can grasp the realities of international relations with a broad perspective and explore the path forward for Korea within that context.
Post-Graduation Plans
After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a master’s degree at a graduate school of international studies, specializing in diplomacy and security. Since I dream of working for an international organization in the future, I will make extensive preparations to qualify for employment there. I have heard that passing the JPO exam administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade allows one to work at an international organization for two years with government support, so I will devote all my energy to studying for this exam.
I dream of working at the WFP, a UN agency that supports the economic and social development of developing countries through food aid and emergency relief activities. At the WFP, I hope to find professional fulfillment by doing meaningful work for people suffering from hunger and poverty. One person alone cannot make the world a better place. A world built together through the practice of sharing—that is the true face of the international community. I am now ready to take on this challenge with passion to achieve my dream.
Self-Introduction (Philosophy of Life, Values)
“Prepare as if you will live a thousand years, but act as if you will die tomorrow.” This has been the motto I have always kept close to my heart.
While preparing for the academic festival in high school, my final exams overlapped with the event, leaving me unable to properly handle either. However, when faced with difficulties, I never gave up or backed down. Instead, I calmly faced the reality of the situation, boldly took on the challenge, and gave my all to find the best solution.
In the end, the academic festival concluded successfully, and this experience remains a valuable lesson that confirmed the validity of my approach.
It’s not as easy as it sounds, but I strive to live with the mindset of never looking back with regret. I know that regret over not giving my best grows over time, far more than the regret that comes after having done my best. That’s why I want to do my absolute best whenever the opportunity arises and avoid living with regret. This is because if I don’t do my best today, no matter what success I achieve, I will inevitably end up regretting it later. No matter what others said, if I felt regret, I didn’t hesitate to start over from the beginning, and if I was satisfied, I stopped there and moved on to something else. Someday, I will ask myself again: Have I truly walked a path without regret? Have I become the kind of person who always does their best and satisfies themselves so as not to have regrets?
