personal statement for year abroad

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How Do I Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad?

September 26, 2023

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Writing a personal statement is an important aspect of the study abroad application process. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the practice, it can seem overwhelming. Have no fear – CIEE is here! Let’s review how to write a personal statement for study abroad.  

What is a Study Abroad Personal Statement?  

First things first. What even is a study abroad personal statement? Knowing the definition of what it is will help you write one.  

Simply put, a study abroad personal statement is a component of your CIEE application, specifically in the CIEE scholarships and grants portion (which every student should fill out, by the way). It is a brief essay (300 words) in which you explain how a CIEE study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or your future career plans.  

Read More: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps

What Are Study Abroad Personal Statement Examples? 

To give you a better idea of how this content should develop, take a look at a few short study abroad personal statement examples:  

• “Partaking in the Arts + Sciences program in Cape Town , South Africa will further my passion and dream career in public health by volunteering with local health and medical organizations and learning how to better support people in historically complex socioeconomic situations and aid them in finding the resources they need equitably.”  
• “The Sustainability + the Environment study abroad program in Monteverde , Costa Rica will provide me with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of different environments, like the Lowland Rainforest, and conduct research alongside professionals in the field. Eventually, I want to be a researcher that helps bring sustainability and conservation issues to the forefront of each and every country.”  
• “I want to be a Spanish teacher. I have always loved the language and learning more about diverse Spanish traditions, and there’s no better way to do both than by living and breathing the language and local culture during a study abroad program in Seville .”  

While your own study abroad personal statement will be a bit longer than these quick topic sentences, these examples directly explain how a CIEE Study Abroad experience will enhance a student’s passions and general career aspirations.  

How to Write a Personal Statement for Study Abroad? 

We have a few quick tips that will help you write your personal statement for studying abroad.  

How do you start a personal statement?  

Step #1: identify your “why”.

The best way to start a study abroad personal statement is by identifying what you’re truly passionate about. This should be an easy start – if you’ve always been enthusiastic about history, explain why. If you love Japanese manga, explain how you got into it. If you’re an avid hiker, describe when you first fell in love with a trek. Be yourself when writing about topics or activities that are important to you – we want to hear about it!  

Read More: What are Your Goals for Studying Abroad?

Step #2: Explore How Your Passions Translate into a Career

Next, think deeply about how you can turn your passions into a career, or at the very least, how you plan on practicing your interests in the future, whether in college or in a professional capacity.  

Referencing our former examples, if you’re fascinated by history, you might have plans to go to graduate school and study archaeology. As a manga lover, you might start a youth club on the topic in your local community. As an avid hiker, you might want to become a professional conservationist to not only keep your beloved trails intact, but also to protect wildlife and natural sanctuaries.  

Read More: How to Put Study Abroad on Your Resume: 4 Steps

Step #3: Align Your Goals with a CIEE Program

The last step is putting it all together and aligning with CIEE study abroad programs. Once you’ve detailed your passions and how you want to incorporate them into your future plans, pinpoint which CIEE study abroad program will help you fulfill your goals.  

As a history and archaeology lover, studying abroad in Greater China , with ancient battlefields and some of the most impressive structures ever built, might be the best opportunity to kickstart your career. As a Japanese manga fan, heading to Kyoto , home to the world’s first manga museum, will help you dive deep into the subject matter. To continue your hikes, traveling to the iconic Blue Mountains in Sydney will be your best bet.  

Read More: Is Studying Abroad Worth It? 10 Outcomes of Studying Abroad

How long should a personal statement be?  

Word counts for your study abroad personal statement will vary by CIEE program and by host institution (the university you’ll be studying at overseas). Prepare to write at least 300 words, which is a little more than half a page, single-spaced.  

Does CIEE Require a Personal Statement?  

CIEE’s study abroad personal statement requirements vary by program and not all guidelines are the same. Generally speaking, you should expect to be required to complete a personal statement if you decide to apply for CIEE funding (which, you totally should, as CIEE awards thousands each year to students like YOU!). Outside of any CIEE personal statements you may be required to complete, you should also check with your school’s study abroad office to see what their requirements may be.

Make the World Your Classroom

While writing a personal statement for studying abroad may not be required based on your program of choice, it’s still incredibly valuable, at the very least, to think about how a study abroad program will impact your college experience and/or future plans. Establishing this will provide a lot of meaning to your adventure and will really help you become the best version of yourself.  

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Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose

Learn how to persuade the admissions team at the university to give you a place by using your personal statement.

• Types of content that should be included in your motivation letter
• How to format a personal statement for university
• 5 Tips to make your personal statement more interesting
• Mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement
• Samples of university personal statements
• Difference between personal statement, cover letter and motivation letter

A Guide For Writing an Effective Personal Statement For University Admissions

When making your applications to your universities and colleges of choice, writing your academic personal statement is the first opportunity that you have to show your personality, to get across what motivates you, and ultimately to clarify why the admissions staff at your chosen university should accept you on the course you want.

Here you will find recommendations and advice on structure, content, as well as what mistakes to avoid when creating your personal statement for university or college.

Keep in mind that if you are applying to UK universities through UCAS you can only write one statement even if you apply to five different courses. 

Types of Content That Should Be Included in Your Motivation Letter

Most probably you know that you would be an excellent addition to any university, but we often freeze when we’re put in a situation where we have to explain the reason why. Writing about ourselves is not something most of us do under normal circumstances, so getting some practice before you sit down to write your first draft of your personal statement can help you organise the topics you want to speak about in your mind.  

Below you will find two planning tables to help you quickly and easily clarify what kind of skills and information about yourself you should include in your motivation letter for university.

Consider sharing some information about how you arrived at this point in your academic life. What exactly makes you passionate about the course you’re applying for compared to any other course?  

What challenges have you faced and overcome? This doesn’t have to be a dramatic example, but you can feel free to describe experiences such as conquering your fear of public speaking, being the only person in your family to go to university, and other ordinary situations. This is your chance to show off some of your virtues, such as how determined and hard-working you are when you have a goal.  

Motivation Letter Content Planning Table

Using this table you can start to create a vision for what you want to speak about, and what story you want to tell the reader.

Around two thirds of your personal statement should consist of the information that you use to answer these questions, and to do that you have to be aware of the character limit that has been established for your statement. In the case of UCAS’ personal statement, this is set at 4,000 characters (between 570 and 1000 words). 

The remaining third of the personal statement should be about yourself and why you believe you’re a good fit for the course that you are applying for, with this being focused on what would make you a valuable addition to the university. You should only include information that directly supports your case for studying at your chosen university , rather than talking about the dreams that you’ve had since you were a small child. The golden rule is that the more recent the information, the better , because Admissions Selectors want to know about the person you are today. 

Filling out the table below and having it with you as you write your personal statement can help you remember to include the qualities that you possess.

Brainstorming For Skills to Include in a Personal Statement

As always, all information that you choose to include should build upon the narrative of why the university should select you for the specific course you are applying for . This can be easy to forget while you’re expanding on your talking points.

Even though there are no rules written in stone about how to write a successful university application, you now have the information you need to get started with creating a unique and impactful personal statement that demonstrates to your chosen university why you should be accepted as a student.

Writing a personal statement that truly manages to make the author stand out from the crowd is a process that can take days or even weeks to finalise, while you get feedback from your teachers, friends and family. For this reason, start drafting your personal statement today and you’ll see that all you have to do is be yourself and present yourself in a way that is honest, authentic and enthusiastic. 

Hopefully, your mind is buzzing with ideas of what you’d like to speak about in your motivation letter – just make sure you follow the etiquette of how to present everything before you get started!

How to Format a Personal Statement For University

One of the main decisions you need to make about how to present your statement is how many paragraphs should be used. While there are no absolute rules about what admission staff will like, it is generally accepted that between five and seven paragraphs with a maximum of 500 words is the best approach . The reason for this is that you have to touch on a variety of topics, and separating them in this way allows you to organise them logically and make your point effectively.

You should speak in the past-tense when sharing your story of how you got to where you are today as a student and individual. Towards the end of your personal statement, you can change to the present-tense to give the reader a sense of narrative and purpose.

For example:

• “During my work experience placement, I had the opportunity to…”
• “From time to time, I volunteer as…”

Again, although there are no rules with how you should write, there are some formats that are reliable and have survived the test of time. One example of a format that helps applicants write clear and concise statements is the following template:

• Start by explaining why you have chosen this course , and very briefly let them know a little about your background. Keep it simple!
• Demonstrate to the reader what you know about the subject by mentioning current developments or important research topics, and how they impact areas of society in a broader way. Universities are not just looking for people who can keep up with the news, but people who show vision and enthusiasm. Be sure to check out the downloadable prospectus that your preferred universities offer, to make sure you have really understood what is being offered.
• Now is the time to speak about any extracurricular activities or experiences outside of academia that are relevant to the course you are applying for. If your experiences don’t directly relate to the subject, you can try to explain how the skills that you developed during these experiences will be meaningful in the context of your university course. With that said, be careful not to exaggerate here, as you may later have to answer questions about anything you include.
• Conclude your statement in a professional and formal tone by thanking the reader for their time, and expressing your eagerness to start university in the near future.

What to Keep in Mind When Writing Your Personal Statement

The way you write your personal statement gives the admissions committee an instant impression of how much care and attention you are capable of while producing an important piece of work, and for that reason we want to give the best first impression possible.

It’s important to remember that the university is not trying to trick you when they ask you to tell them about yourself . They don’t know you, and they would like to know more about what you do with your time, and where you would like to go in life. 

Focus on common themes that your courses of interest share, and avoid including the specific course or university names in order to keep it general . Those students who are applying through UCAS can find information on important deadlines here .

With everything in the right place in your motivation letter, the next task is to learn how to make your motivation letter as interesting as possible, as well as avoid some of the common pitfalls and mistakes.

5 Tips to Make Your Personal Statement More Interesting

Maybe you already know what type of content you want to include in your personal statement, and you just need a little help with how to structure everything. The following suggestions are a good place to start:

• An introduction that immediately stands out from other applicants. It’s important to appreciate that the people who read university applications have seen a lot of the same thing, so this is your chance to be different and grab the reader’s attention. This does not mean trying to be as unorthodox as possible, but just show your personality and don’t try to impress the reader.

• What your goals are and how the selected course will help you achieve them . To make sure that you give university tutors the impression that you fully understand what their courses are about, you should do some of your own research by reading the university’s prospectus. These can usually be downloaded from their official website, and often include external links intended to help the applicant understand the approach of a particular course.
• Why you have a passion for your chosen subject. Throughout your application, you should show how passionate you are about the subject in question. Was there an event in your life that made you pursue the path that you’re on? Let them know about it! 
• Show ways that you have immersed yourself in the subject outside of the classroom. Admission tutors are looking for evidence that your interest in your subject continues even when your classes are finished for the day. A simple but effective way to speak about this is highlighting the books you have read on the subject, or workshops and seminars you have attended in your own time. 
• Your participation in clubs or societies . This does not need to be strictly related to the courses you are applying for, as admission committees value your intellectual and creative ability to relate your experiences to your subject of choice.

Consider focusing on topics such as public speaking, staying organised, and the discipline and perseverance required to excel in a sport. Speaking about your experiences in this way will communicate that you are a person that pursues their goals earnestly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement is a process that can take time, and it would be a shame to commit the simple and avoidable mistakes that some students make. In this list you’ll find some of the most common errors when it comes to personal statements. 

• Avoid using your application as a chance to show how many sophisticated words you know . This is likely to be distracting from the overall point of what you’re trying to convey.
• UCAS and other organisations all use software designed to detect plagiarism , which easily detects when applicants use parts of their colleagues’ personal statements. Writing your own application is important, because you can be asked unexpected questions later during your interview.
• Related to the previous point: always tell the truth!
• Try to resist the temptation to procrastinate with getting started on your statement , as this is another common mistake that applicants make. This will be a process of writing multiple drafts, and getting your friends and family to proofread for you, and these things can take longer than you expect to get done.
• Humour and quotes are usually inappropriate . This doesn’t mean that you have to take an overly serious tone, but you simply never know whether the member of staff reading your personal statement shares your sense of humour. In the case of quotes, this is considered a cliché writing technique by most admissions officers, and if you do choose to use one then there should be a clear reason to justify it.

In the next section you will find some explanations from tutors at Oxford, Greenwich and Bangor University on their typical reasons why they might reject an application.

There are many potential reasons why admission staff might consider that an applicant isn’t suitable for the requested course, and the following are some of the points of view that tutors expressed when asked to describe their usual reasons for rejecting a personal statement: “I work at Bangor University, and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been reading personal statements and I see a sentence mentioning the name of a completely different university or course than the one the student is applying for. This makes a bad impression because it shows that the student hasn’t really planned their application properly, and this qualifies as an instant rejection for me.”

“Something I personally find off putting in their personal statement for Media Studies is when the student talks too much about their Dad who owns a radio station, or their Auntie who is a journalist. Not only is this irrelevant for us, but it gives the impression that the applicant is trying to look good based on the achievements of their family . I only want to know about the applicant and what motivates them.”

From these professionals’ perspectives we can see that a light, authentic and concise style is preferred . Even with their helpful points of view, you can benefit from checking out some visual examples of university personal statements.

Samples of University Personal Statements

Examining a diverse variety of university personal statements can help you get a sense of which tone and style you would like to use in your own statement , as well as the opportunity to observe some of the shortcomings or mistakes that have been made by others so that you can avoid making them yourself.

Below you can find two examples of personal statements from students, and a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses. Also you can check out this enlightening two minute video from a Dartmouth Former Admissions Reader to learn what admissions officers look for in college applications.

Personal statement from a biochemistry student :

“When I was eleven years old, my father was involved in a road accident with a lorry. His injuries were quite serious, and he was only able to recover after receiving a blood transfusion. Ever since then, I’ve had the goal of working in transfusion science myself, to do for other families what those professionals did for mine. As I’ve had the privilege of knowing what I wanted to do with my life from an early age, I’ve been able to do extensive research into the skill set that these kinds of scientists must have. I consider myself an efficient and focused person, which are critical attributes when it comes to being responsible for patients’ lives. I feel that I am academically prepared to take the next step on this career path due to my deliberate A-level choices in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths.

Due to studying both biology and chemistry, I’ve been able to develop laboratory skills that will serve as a good foundation for more advanced techniques at the university level. Maths has improved my ability to interpret numerical information logically, while Psychology has given me the chance to improve my writing skills.

During my time at school, I have always taken on positions of additional responsibility. I was elected as the form captain twice, and also Head Girl in my last year. This position was a challenge, because it was my job to represent my school at important events, but it was this challenge which sharpened my public speaking skills. I’ve received prizes for both biology and maths, and I was also awarded the Stubbs Cup, which I consider one of my main achievements.

In my spare time I go for long walks in the countryside with my two dogs, which are energetic huskies. Taking care of all their needs by myself requires discipline, since they are such a demanding breed. I also use this time to socialise with other people who are out with their animals, as I love to meet new faces. One of the reasons I’m excited about university is for the chance to meet so many new people.

Apart from that I also like to lift weights in the gym, because I find that keeping healthy makes me more motivated for other areas of my life. The gym I attend has a service that looks after clients’ children while they work out, and I recently started working there because I love working with children. In order to work here, I had to earn my first aid certificate.

I think that a career as a biomedical scientist would be an enriching and satisfying career for me because it’s a job that both improves and saves lives. Taking the next step to university has been my main aspiration for a long time, and I look forward to the challenges that it will bring.”

Personal statement from a drama student :

“From an early age I have always been fascinated by the stage. For me it’s much more than entertainment, as I believe that a well-produced drama production can make an emotional impact on an audience. My main involvement with the craft has been through acting, however I’m also very interested in learning other aspects of theatre such as lighting and set design in a university setting.

For my GCSE Drama final production, a group of us produced a play based on a short story by A.L. Kennedy. Because there were only six of us in the group, we shared a lot of responsibility. I played one of the main characters and was also in charge of obtaining the props we needed. These tasks were enjoyable but the most challenging part of the production was to adapt the story for the stage, and produce a script as close to the original story as possible. This was a demanding but enjoyable job and really opened my eyes to the complexity of adapting stories to the stage. 

As well as Theatre Studies, my other AS-levels are in English Literature, Sociology, and Biology. In English Literature we have just completed a module on plays in which we studied Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Shakespear’s Henry V. I go to the theatre as often as I can, and have seen many amateur and professional productions. My favourite playwright is Willy Russell. I think all his plays provide an interesting social commentary, and successfully blend comedy and tragedy. I have seen many musicals, but Blood Brothers is by far my favourite; I have now seen it four times! I am looking forward to discovering more playwrights while at university. 

My interest in drama and the theatre takes up a lot of my social life. I have taken part in all my school’s productions and am also involved in a local drama group ‘The Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Operatic Club’ –  BBLOC for short. Every year we hold a major production, the most recent being Oh What a Lovely War. I value the experience of being part of this group as I get to work with people of all different ages. I also have a part-time job in a local Beefeater restaurant. This job has taught me the value of being able to work as part of a team, and I think helps me improve my performance within BBLOC and at school, as good teamwork is crucial to a successful production. I am looking forward to joining a drama society at university, and also possibly a film society, as cinema and film are another of my passions. I feel I have a lot to contribute to university life and hope you will consider me for a place at your university.”

If you have made it this far then you now have a plan of attack for how to make an outstanding motivation letter – well done! Click here for tips on how to structure a strong academic CV and how to request notable letters of recommendation .

Frequently Asked Questions About Motivation Letters

What is the difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but if we want to get specific about it then in reality a motivation letter invites the writer to speak about the academic or work position they are applying for will be a crucial step in their career or personal development.

A personal statement’s content is more likely to be oriented in the past, describing the activities and achievements that have brought you to where you are today. 

In other words, very similar information appears on both documents, but the story that you’re expected to tell with that information is where the difference lies.

What is the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?

A cover letter is usually used in the context of applying for a job position, with the intention of demonstrating how the experiences that you’ve had and the skills you’ve developed make you the perfect candidate.

Motivation letters are generally used for describing to the reader where you want to go in the future, and how that would become a real possibility by becoming a part of their organisation.

What should I write in a motivation letter?

The answer to this depends on what type of organisation you want to apply to, because the content and style can change significantly depending on the context. Just a few different scenarios that would change the delivery of your motivation letter might include:

• Student exchange programmes
• Internship positions
• Scholarships
• Job selection processes
• Undergraduate education
• Graduate education

The post above is intended to help anybody drafting their motivation letter in an academic context .

Craig Plunkett

Fabiola López Marín

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Writing a Personal Statement for Studying Abroad

When you are applying for a study abroad program you may be asked to write a personal statement. If you aren’t sure about what a personal statement is, what it looks like, or what it includes, you can find out right here with our guide to writing a personal statement…

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is often the only opportunity you have to set yourself apart from all the other applicants who also want to study your chosen course. Many admissions officers use it to make their final decision on a shortlist of candidates. Primarily it is a way for them to find out the reasons behind your application answers but they will also want to know what makes you unique. What will you bring to your class that is different? You need to convey your enthusiasm for the subject making sure you give an honest explanation.

You may also need to write a personal statement for a scholarship application, which could mean the difference between studying and not. There is no need to panic though as writing a personal statement for studying abroad is not as hard as it sounds. Just follow our guide and you’ll have a great statement in no time.

What does a personal statement look like?

Most personal statements are just one or two pages that focus on one or two clear themes, and give an in depth explanation of your abilities or interests in that area. Don’t try to fit in your entire life story or all of your achievements, as this will waste valuable space.

The best personal statements have a clear structure – a compelling introduction, between two and five body paragraphs that give solid reasons or explanations for studying, and a strong conclusion. But before you start writing, make sure you read any instructions that were sent. Not all personal statements are the same so be sure to check what your admissions office requires. Once you know what they require, make sure you keep to that format – if they want two A4 pages double-spaced, then don’t send in four pages. If they ask you to answer three specific questions, do so clearly. Otherwise your statement could be rejected before it has even been read.

What does a personal statement include?

• A strong introduction
• A summary of your achievements
• Details of your skills and abilities
• An explanation of why you would be a good fit for the degree or scholarship
• A conclusion that rounds out your statement nicely and brings it all together

Introduction

Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention. It sets the tone for the rest of the statement. Avoid clichés or long-winded explanations. Instead, spark their interest and get to the point – in just one paragraph. Because the introduction is so important, you may want to write it last. That’s OK!

In the body of your personal statement, you need to demonstrate some reasons behind your theme. Think of this as an argument, just like an essay – and just like an essay, you should back up all of your statements. Don’t just state your achievements, explain what is behind them, giving examples of when you have shown certain abilities or skills, as this adds credibility to your argument and can make a big difference in making your statement stand out from the crowd.  You are trying to persuade the reader that you are the best possible student for this class or scholarship so it’s also a good place to mention achievements that you were unable to include in your main application, but only if they are relevant.

Your conclusion needs to flow from the rest of the copy. An attention-grabbing sentence at the end will help give impact to your statement, so be sure you emphasise your desire to study. You may wish to include a specific reason for choosing that university in your conclusion – some unique feature that ties in with the points you have outlined on your goals and experience. It’s a good way to show that you have researched that institution, and that this is not just a generic statement.

Whenever possible, leave your statement overnight and then look at it again with fresh eyes. Check that it flows well and ensure there are no grammar and spelling mistakes. Now you’re ready to show it to some friends and relatives asking them for constructive feedback. A second point of view can really add to your statement and is well worth taking the effort. Personal statements are so important and could be the reason for your application to the institution or scholarship failing.

If you’re not confident about your English ability, ask a fluent English speaker to proofread it. This is critical, as your personal statement demonstrates your ability to write and communicate in English when you study. For many admissions officers, clear English is the first thing they look for.

A good writer always thinks about the reader’s point of view. In this case, the admissions officer may have only two minutes to review your statement. He or she may read thousands during the admissions process. So keep it clear, simple and to the point.

SEE MORE:  10 reasons your scholarship application may fail

Following this guide will help you to write an excellent personal statement. If you are still unsure of the course you wish to apply for, you can use our course search tool at the top of the page to find your ideal university.

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Personal Statement Tips for International Students

Posted: 25.10.2023

• Personal Statement
• University Application

Why Your Personal Statement is so Important

Applying for a place at university – particularly in a foreign country – can be filled with excitement, anticipation and, sometimes, a dash of anxiety. A crucial part of the process is putting together a compelling personal statement – the document that introduces you to the university’s admissions committee, and gives them a glimpse into your academic aspirations and plans.  

Crafting a Personal Statement for UK Universities  

It’s worth taking the time to create the perfect personal statement, as it will set you apart from other applicants and show the admissions committee why you are the ideal candidate for their institution. So, we’ve put together a few useful tips as to the key elements you should include in your own personal statement.

Why Have You Chosen the Course?

The first thing to do is clearly outline why you chose the course you’re applying for. You should demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and explain how it fits with your career goals. Be specific about any aspects of the course you particularly find appealing – for instance, particular modules may offer an in-depth study of an area you want to specialise in.

Why Do You Want to Study Abroad?

Choosing to study in a foreign country is a significant decision, and your personal statement should talk about why you’ve chosen to do so. Discuss the quality of education, the cultural diversity and the opportunities available for international students, or any other factors that influenced your choice. Highlight what studying in this country offers you that you might not experience in your home country.

Showcase Your Experience

Ideally, you need to stand out from other candidates, so make sure you include any professional experience you’ve gained. This could be internships, volunteering, shadowing or even placements during your education. If you’re applying for medical programmes or high-ranking universities, they will also look for experience outside your academic career. Bear this in mind during your studies if you’ve yet to gain experience in your chosen field.

Future Plans Once You Have Your Degree

Finally, outline your post-graduation plans. Whether you intend to start work, pursue further studies or contribute to your home country, link these plans with the course and country to which you’re applying, to show the admissions team you have a clear vision for your future.

A Few More Tips for a Winning Personal Statement 

• Be genuine: let your unique voice come through rather than trying to fit a mould. 
• Stay focused: keep your statement concise and avoid unnecessary details that don’t add value to your narrative. 
• Proofread: always read your statement multiple times, checking for grammar and spelling errors.
• Get a second opinion: ask someone else to read your statement to give you a fresh perspective or catch errors you might have missed.

Present Your Best Self!

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to shine. It should showcase your passion, dedication and long-term goals to those deciding your academic future – so make it count! 

Need Extra Help?

At NCUK, we’re committed to helping you throughout your application process, so if you need any further support or have any questions, simply get in touch with our team directly.

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Top tips on writing a personal statement

Read our guide to writing a personal statement, including how to approach writing it, what you can write about and more.

Almost every university will ask you to write a personal statement to gain a clearer idea of who you are and why you want to study a particular course. This is your chance to demonstrate your interests and skills to show that you should be considered for a place. If you’re an eighteen year old undergraduate, you have likely never attempted something like this before. When writing extensively about all your qualities, there’s also a delicate balance with not sounding repetitive or egotistical.

Writing a personal statement can seem daunting at first, but we’re here to point you in the right direction with this step-by-step guide. 

How to start a personal statement

The best way to begin your personal statement is with a plan. Your writing needs to be concise and to the point. Universities receive a lot of personal statements, with many indistinguishable from one another. You should take some time to think about what to include. Here are a few tips to help you start:

• Write out a list of your reasons for choosing the course
• Why do you think you would benefit from this teaching?
• Mention any previous experience that relates to the subject

For some courses, work experience is obligatory. However, for others it is valued, but not compulsory. For example, if you want to study veterinary science, relevant experience tends to be a must, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic.

Remember that your personal statement could be the deciding factor when being considered for a place on your desired course. Think about what each paragraph is trying to convey to avoid waffling. You might even want to ask a teacher, family member or friend about your strengths. Sometimes it can be hard to think of your achievements so a gentle nudge from others might be beneficial. In fact, at most colleges and sixth forms, teachers will have a wealth of experience when it comes to personal statements, so make sure you ask for help if you’re a bit stuck.

Complete all required information

It may seem basic, but fill out ALL the required information about you on the page. By failing to do so, you can come across as sloppy or inattentive to details. From an administrative perspective, missing details makes the lives of admissions staff tougher, and they are the ones with your destiny in their hands. It simply makes sense to appear as favourably as you can without them having met you. If they have to struggle to process your application because you have left out mandatory information, they may simply pass and move onto the next application in their very large pile.

What to include

Most prospective students around the world will be writing personal statements as part of their university applications, but there are a few requirements for international students in particular. See below for the key content you need to include:

• Proof of English language proficiency  (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL)
• An explanation of why you want to study in that country
• Why you want to study abroad instead of in your home country
• Any skills you’ve acquired e.g. music grades, languages
• Related wider reading
• Work experience/volunteering/shadowing
• Trips abroad
• Clubs/activities you’ve been involved in
• Career/academic goals

Don’t worry if you haven’t got any work experience, you can still sell yourself in other ways. For example, computer skills, interests and hobbies. Do you regularly visit museums and galleries? Are you part of a sports team? All of this helps to paint a picture of who you are and the points to the skills you might have gained.

Fancy a quick break? Watch our video of graduates reading back through their personal statements:

How should I write it?

The tone of your personal statement needs to be formal yet enthusiastic. Try to avoid humour as this could be off-putting and may be misunderstood by an admissions tutor. You should also steer clear of long sentences as this can affect readability. Aim for clear and concise writing, as this will help the reader to understand your key points.

To check whether your personal statement makes sense, read it out loud either on your own or to someone else. This will help you notice any grammatical or spelling mistakes which you might miss just reading silently. Making these mistakes could suggest that you didn’t double check your work or that you couldn’t be bothered. So, make sure that you triple check and proofread before submitting.

Show personality, but not too much

What you should take away is to distinguish yourself the best you can in your personal statement. You have to get across the individual that you are. While you may be applying for the same course as a hundred other students, you should stick out as unique and be remembered; just ensure it is for the right reasons! Unless requested to do so, do not include an image of yourself, nor anything to make your statement stand out. You will be asked to submit a portfolio of your work if you need to, for particular courses like  art .

The tone of the statement should always be formal. Mentioning extra-curricular activities is always encouraged as they help distinguish you as a real person, as long as they reflect in some way the course you are applying to. Charitable endeavours or those activities affiliated with your previous educational community are usually received well. Think carefully about what your activities and personal interests say about you as a potential representative for that institution.

Don’t go wild with a thesaurus

Sometimes keeping things simple is for the best. If you can say something in five words rather than ten, do that. It can be tempting to use a thesaurus or look up synonyms online to appear more intellectual; but if you use too many in the wrong context, a sentence can lose all meaning. This is especially true if English isn’t your first language; if this applies to you, then writing a statement to even a good standard will impress whoever reads your statement (they will be well aware that you are an international student).

Most of all, make sure your statement is easy to read and flows well from one point to another in an order which makes sense. If you use a word incorrectly, it will stand out and be confusing. Written assignments may well be a key part of your assessments, and your statement will indicate if you will be capable of these. The key thing is that the officer enjoys reading your statement, and may one day want to meet you.

When should I start writing my personal statement?

Your school/college/sixth form should tell you when to start thinking about university and when to apply. As institutions can set their own application deadlines, particularly for international students, you should check the website of the university you are applying to first. There is such variation that we cannot provide a single deadline date for your personal statement.

How long does my personal statement need to be?

The word count varies according to each country and even each institution in some cases. In the UK, there is a 4000-character limit which equates to roughly 500 words. In Australia, you should aim for 700 words (approx. 1400 characters) and in the U.S. the recommended length is about 500-800 words. So, in general, a personal statement can be anywhere between one to two pages long, but we recommend checking with the institution you are applying to.

Now that you know more about writing a personal statement, why not start planning yours today!

IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which should you take?

All international students who want to study in an English-speaking country must show they have the required level of English. There are a few English language exams that are accepted by universities all over the world. We’re going to focus on two of these: IELTS and TOEFL.   Before we continue, let’s look at what these names mean. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Top 20 FAQs about the IELTS exam

What is the IELTS exam? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language exam which is recognised worldwide by more than 11,000 universities, employers and immigration government bodies. The IELTS test explained   What are the benefits of the IELTS test? As mentioned above, the IELTS exam is recognised all over the world and is used for university education and immigration purposes. It’s

Applying to university: Essential documents you need

You’ll learn as an international student, that nothing can be done unless you can successfully prove who you are. In countries where immigration policy and security are of utmost importance, this can be easier said than done, with long procedures involving lots of paperwork and waiting.   Originals vs. Copies However, you can make things a lot easier for yourself if you keep to hand a file containing the following important documentation. This

Understanding English language test scores

If you’ve been researching and investigating studying abroad you’ll know by now that being able to demonstrate your English language proficiency is an essential part of the application process if you intend to study at an English medium university. Universities require you to submit scores from approved English language tests to show that you can meet the criteria needed for academic study.   One thing that can prove tricky is understanding how the

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Study Abroad Guide

Writing a Personal Statement for Studying Abroad

August 2017

If you're planning on a study abroad program at an undergraduate or post graduate level, you will be required to write a statement of purpose. Personal statements are one of the most crucial parts of your study abroad application; it demonstrates your ability to effectively write and communicate in English and plays a significant role in the admissions decision making process. When writing your personal statement, it is extremely important that you do not include anything that isn't true, rather discuss what is important to you and the ambitions that you have. Remember this is your chance to stand out from the other applicants. Every admissions office will have certain instructions when it comes to writing one, however, before you begin, it is important to note what these instructions are. Mentioned below are some important points to keep in mind when drafting an essay.

Take Your Time.

When writing your personal statement, ensure that you take your time. Create a draft of what you wish to include, this will help you organize your thoughts. Rushing the process can lead to errors, your best ideas will come to you with time.

While writing, be sure to structure your paragraphs. Writing your personal statement in paragraph form makes it more readable. The strategy here is to have a powerful introduction so the reviewers take notice. The admissions committee want to hear your story and this is your chance to make it a compelling one. Your goal here is to make yourself memorable.

Focus On Your Strengths.

When drafting your statement of purpose, focus on your strengths. In addition to writing about your passions, you can also discuss how past experiences have helped you grow into the person you are today. Be sure to also include why you should be accepted and what you will bring to the program. Your positive attitude will be highly regarded by the university admissions.

Mention What You've Done Outside The Classroom.

Write about any extracurricular activities you may have actively been involved in. For eg, be sure to include any volunteer work or work experience in your statement. This shows how relevant your experiences are to the ambitions you now have.

Plagiarism- Don't do it.

Your personal statement should contain your own work, this means you should not under any circumstances copy material from other sources. Passing off someone else's work as your own is plagiarism and your application can get rejected.

Proof Read.

It is very important that you set aside time to proof read your essay before you submit it. This way you can check for any grammatical errors you may have made while writing. You can also have your friends and family read it; they will be able to provide you with some valuable feedback.

What Edwise Students Saying Abroad Says?

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""One of the best consultants in India I liked the attention that Edwise gives to each student and how they stress on each admission." Name- Ankit R Solanki Country- UK University- University of Hertfordshire

"The staff at Edwise is very friendly and helpful. Edwise efficiently enrolled me in an excellent University without me experiencing any pressure. Thanks for making my Dream come true." Name- Badodariya Dhajrya Subhashbhai Country- Canada University- Fanshawe College

"Edwise went out of their way to help me prepare for my applications even though my course was a unique and a specialized one. They ensured that I met all my deadlines. They over prepare you for the Visa interview which I really appreciated. M whole heartedly Thankfull to Edwise for its good work." Name- Rahul Shindebr /> Country- Ireland University- University College Cork

"Edwise has really helped me in choosing the right university which has enabled me to take a giant step towards a successful career .All the counselors at Edwise are well trained and well versed in providing information to students. Today owing to the efforts of Edwise many aspiring students have been shown the right direction. Thank you... Edwise." Name- Nosheen Nadiadwala Country- Singapore University- MDIS

Edwise Overseas Education Consultant

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide. Start your education overseas with valuable information on everything you need to know about studying abroad from study permits, temporary resident visas and how much it costs, to finding the best suited program for you. Do visit your nearest Edwise branch & choose your university carefully under our expert guidance and ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but also to a life experience quite like no other.

Also read: What Not To Do When Studying Abroad?

Back to all "study abroad / overseas education articles, resources, tips and tricks", for complete information of study abroad programs contact edwise international- overseas education consultants, on 1-800-200-3678 (toll free) / 08600911333..

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Student Guide

The Study Abroad Application

While not every school will use the same study abroad application, I am willing to bet that most applications will have pretty similar components. Based on my own experience with the study abroad application process, I’ve compiled a few helpful hints to get you thinking on the right track, as well as provide guidance in case you run into some difficulties.

The study abroad application will look almost like a regular college application. Remember how much work you put into those? Put the same amount of effort into your study abroad application. Unlike the college selection process, there’s no back up or safety net… you only get one shot at this so you need to do it right.

More than likely, it will consist of the following: A personal statement, letters of recommendation, possible course selections, health clearance forms and a general information form.

API programs offer students the opportunity to earn college credit toward their degree programs in the U.S. by completing coursework in a wide variety of disciplines, including such fields as business, the social sciences, medical studies and the arts.

General Information Forms

This will probably be just a generic form requiring the basics like personal information, emergency contacts, degree information, etc. Nothing complicated. Just fill in the blanks.

Study Abroad Health Clearance Forms

You’re going to need to get a complete physical, and the doctor will have to confirm that you’re fit enough to go abroad and that you’re up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Understandably, no country wants a foreigner bringing in diseases. Your doctor will have to fill-out the forms after your physical and send them to the school study abroad office or wherever instructed, so don’t procrastinate on these! Doctors are always busy, and it could be a while before they get yours done.

Possible Study Abroad Course Selections

This may be called either a home approval form, or course approval form. Make sure you’ve looked at your progress toward graduation. Compare classes from your host school’s course catalogue with those classes you’ll need to complete your major/ minor and fulfill general requirements, and also identify classes that just generally seem interesting.

Letters of Recommendation for Study Abroad Applicants

Depending on how many are required, ask your favorite professors and mentors if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. If you don’t have a close relationship with any professors, it’s ok to choose a few that may have liked you, or in whose class you did particularly well. If they don’t really know you, don’t worry. Professors are used to writing recommendation letters, and will probably have a generic letter that they can use. In this case, if your personal statement is already done, give them a copy along with anything else you think might help them get a better picture of who you are and why you want to go abroad.

Forum-Nexus

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad has a track record of 29 years of successful intensive summer programs around the world. Since 1990, over 3,400 students have participated in Forum-Nexus international multi-country summer programs in 15 countries.The courses are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to alumni seeking professional development.

Personal Statement - Study Abroad Essay 101

This is the part of the study abroad application that some people dread, and some people love. Don’t worry; I’ll break it down step by step. You already know the reasons you want to go abroad, now you just have to put them on paper to try and convince your school that you should go. Here’s writing your study abroad essay 101:

First, in a nice intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. If you're still deciding your best course of action, review some of our deciding to study abroad resources . Just give a general overview since you’ll be getting into the specifics later in the essay. Include why you want to go abroad, what originally interested you in going abroad, what school you plan on attending, along with anything else that seems relevant.

Academics are always going to be number one in the minds of your deans, advisors and faculty, so it’s not a bad idea to go there next. Explain how going to class in a different culture will expand your capacity to learn and interpret new information. Let them know if by going abroad, you’ll be able to complete certain requirements for your major or just make progress toward your degree in general. Be sure to mention if there are classes offered abroad that aren’t available at your home school.

Next, go into depth about why you chose the location and the school that you did. Does the school have a great reputation internationally? Do you have family roots in a particular country? Really get into the fact that you want to explore the specific culture of that country or region. The more sincere and direct you are about why you want to go where you’re going, the more likely the study abroad admissions staff will approve your application.

Don’t forget to include personal reasons and interests as well. You still need to be selective in what you write – the study abroad admissions office will need to see that you’re mature enough to live in another country, but don’t be afraid to go beyond academics. One of the biggest reasons I went to Scotland was because of golf, and I wrote that in my essay. I didn’t say I wanted to wake up and be lazy on the golf course every day. I explained that golf is a huge aspect of Scottish culture; it holds a different place over there than it does in the States, and it would greatly help me integrate into the local culture.

Studying abroad is more than just an academic experience — it’s a life experience. A CEA education abroad expands the boundaries of your education and transforms the world into your classroom. With destinations in 21 cities across 12 countries, CEA offers a balance of academics and adventure to thousands of students each year. Where will your learning take you?

Writing Tips for Your Study Abroad Application Essay

Sentences like, “I am excited to learn about the culture of Scotland through golf,” are a good start, but something even better might be, “It would be the pinnacle of my golfing career to experience the game of golf in its finest form in its birthplace of Scotland. There, golf is not just considered a sport, but also a vital element of Scottish culture.” Make the effort to write with quality in mind and of course honesty.

End the essay with a strong closing paragraph. Express interest in learning about local culture, such as in Japan where you’ll enjoy both the historic artistry of the culture and the modern amenities of the country. Talk about getting an education, not only in terms of academics, but in life as well. Be specific and explain your desire to pursue those interests and hobbies that you’ve picked up in college, and earlier, in a foreign country.

This is just as important as any other admissions letter you’ve ever written. Use correct grammar and avoid spelling mistakes. Write multiple drafts and have someone competent edit it for you. Better yet, have two. And of course, get it in on time!

Be sincere, be honest, and be smart.

There you have it. Those are my suggested ins and outs of the study abroad application… not as scary as you may have thought.

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The Personal Statement: Your Ticket To Studying Abroad

The personal statement is a document necessary for applying to most Universities abroad, and as such should be given careful consideration. It offers you a chance to show the admissions teams exactly what set you apart from the other applicants, in just one document.

What is a personal statement and why is it important?

A personal statement is a concise essay about yourself. It is an opportunity to sell yourself to the admissions committee and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for their course.

A personal statement should be well-written, grammatically correct, and free of typos. It should be clear and concise and give the reader a sense of who you are and what you have to offer.

This is your chance to stand out from the crowd and convince the admissions team that you are worthy of their time and attention. It is important to take care in crafting your essay, as it will be used as a deciding factor in whether or not you are accepted into the university.

If you are planning on applying to a UK University, be sure to put some thought into your personal statement. It could very well be the difference between being accepted and being rejected.

The key components of a strong personal statement

When it comes to writing your personal statement about studying abroad, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind. First and foremost, be honest! Admission teams can spot a mile away when an essay is insincere, so don’t try to fake it. Just be yourself and write about what you’re passionate about.

Another important aspect to remember is that your personal statement should be just that – personal. This is your opportunity to let your unique voice shine through and tell your story in a way that only you can. Avoid regurgitating information that can be found elsewhere in your application, such as your grades or extracurricular activities. Instead, use this space to share something meaningful about who you are as a person.

Finally, make sure to proofread your essay before hitting submit. A few well-placed typos can hurt your chances of being accepted, so take the time to edit and revise until your essay is error-free. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to writing a strong personal statement that will help you stand out from the rest of the study abroad applicant pool!

What you should avoid in your personal statement

There are a few details you should avoid if you want your personal statement to be successful. First, don’t make it all about you. The admissions team is looking for students who are well-rounded and have a variety of interests. Second, don’t focus on one particular experience or activity. Instead, focus on how that experience has made you the person you are today.

Third, don’t use clichés or make your statement too sentimental. Be honest and try to be unique. Finally, don’t simply list your accomplishments or activities. Instead, tell a story that will help the admissions team get to know you as a person. Ensure that you also pay attention to the word/character limits that are set out by the universities that you’re applying to.

Develop interesting content for your statement.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, with a little planning and creativity you can develop interesting content for your statement that will capture the attention of the reader. Here are some tips on what to be aware of when writing your personal statement.

1. Know your audience: The first step is to understand who will be reading your statement and what they’re looking for. Are you writing for a specific program? What are their priorities and values? Keep these ideas in mind as you write so that you can tailor your statement to their needs.

2. Be honest: The personal statement is your chance to show universities who you are, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Write about what truly interests and motivates you, and be sincere in your desire to study abroad.

3. Be specific: A well-written personal statement will include specific details about why you want to study abroad and what you hope to gain from the international experience. 

4. Write concisely: There will be times during the writing process where you run out of ideas and begin repeating yourself throughout the document. You must keep your key points concise.

Final Thoughts

After reading this blog, we hope you feel more confident in writing your personal statement if you would like to study abroad! Remember to be genuine, and to focus on highlighting your strengths and experiences. We are here to help support you in your academic pursuits!

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Guide for Writing Creative Study Abroad Statements

Table of Contents

Going to a foreign country for an extended period to study can be a daunting but ultimately rewarding experience.

It can provide students with new insights into other cultures as well as themselves. And it isn’t surprising that more and more students are electing to take this path every year.

There is one catch, though. For many potential students, the thought of writing a personal statement about how they plan on benefiting from studying abroad fills them with terror!

This guide will help make the process less frightening by walking you through what admissions officers are looking for in these statements. We provide some tips on how to write your own. In addition, you’ll find an  example of study abroad personal statement  you can use.

How to Write Your Study Abroad Personal Statement

The single most important thing is to know what admission officers lookout for. Knowing this and writing your personal statement to suit these needs could improve your chances.

When an admissions officer is reading a personal statement, they identify several things. The subsequent paragraphs explain these things.

Why Do You Want to Spend Time Abroad?

First and foremost, they want applicants to explain why spending time overseas matters specifically to them. Simply saying that you want “to gain global perspectives” or “see the world” doesn’t cut it. You need to be more specific.

How Well Have You Researched the University and Your Program of Choice?

Secondly, officers like applicants who have researched the specific program they’re applying to and can speak knowledgeably about its requirements and offerings.

Demonstrating that you’ve made an effort puts you ahead of other candidates whose only justification for wanting/needing international experience seems vague. 

How Well Can You Write?

Admission officers also read your statement to assess your writing skills . The goal is to write in clear terms devoid of vagueness and ambiguity. We have a few tips to help you write better personal statements for your overseas study.

One of the best ways to ensure that your personal statement shines is by starting early! Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm topics and gather information about courses/countries you’re interested in studying (the internet makes this easy). Starting early allows you to write multiple drafts before settling on a final product. You’ll have enough time for revision and editing to make your essay clear and purposeful.

First, brainstorm some ideas about what makes you unique and why traveling abroad for studies is important for you. Then, use these points as a foundation for your essay. Be sure to tailor your personal statement specifically to the school of your choice by highlighting its specific strengths and qualities. 

Write Your First Draft

Don’t wait for all the pieces to fall in place before writing the first draft. Get on with it and look through it at a later time to add a bit more to it.

Proofread and Edit

Finally, proofread and edit your essay carefully before submitting it! You could ask a more experienced person to help you look proofread the essay. The ultimate aim is to make sure you submit a well-written essay.

Example of Study Abroad Personal Statement

If you need an  example of study abroad personal statement , you’ll find a few you can use here.

I am interested in studying abroad because I want to get a more global perspective on the world. In our increasingly interconnected world, it is important to have knowledge of other cultures and how they operate. By traveling and living in another country for an extended period, I will be able to gain this understanding first-hand. With career opportunities becoming more internationalized, exposure to different work environments and business practices will give me an edge when applying for jobs. 

Another reason why I would like to study abroad is that it can provide an opportunity for personal growth. During my undergraduate years, I had several challenging experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Participating in a study abroad program will allow me to take on new challenges while also becoming more independent and resilient. I am someone who doesn’t shy away from obstacles. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone is something that excites me. Traveling out for further studies fits the bill.

Lastly, as someone with a mixed cultural background, interacting with people from all over the world has always been intriguing and enjoyable for me. Doing so full-time as part of my studies just feels like icing on the cake!

I am interested in studying overseas because I want to experience a new culture and improve my academic skills. I would like to attend the University of Oxford because it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It would be an honor to study at Oxford, and I believe that it would help me achieve my academic goals. 

I have always been fascinated by other cultures. And I think that studying overseas will give me a unique opportunity to learn about different people and their customs. Additionally, I believe that living in a foreign country will improve my language skills, which are important for any academic career. The University of Oxford is highly respected worldwide, and attending this university would be an incredible achievement. In conclusion, studying abroad is something that I am very excited about, and I believe that it will benefit me academically and personally.

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application to study abroad at one of the esteemed universities in Europe. As someone who has always been passionate about learning new cultures and lifestyles, this opportunity would allow me to attain a more well-rounded worldview. In addition, I’ll be able to expand my professional skill set. 

The process of selecting a program was daunting. But after much deliberation, I decided on an international business course through Lancaster University Management School (LUMS). This top-ranked institution offers an extensive range of options for students looking to gain experience in the global market. Since LUMS is situated right in the heart of London, I knew that this program would provide me with endless opportunities for cultural exploration. 

No doubt, studying abroad will be a life-changing experience. It won’t only enhance my academic knowledge, but it will also give me insight into different ways of living and working. It is because of all these reasons that I firmly believe that studying overseas should be mandatory for all college students! That said, I feel incredibly fortunate to have this chance and am eager to get started on what promises to be an incredible journey.

Wrapping Up

This guide has demystified everything about writing good personal statements for your university application . The tips and templates are enough to get your bearings and start your journey to the university of your dreams. 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Writing About Your Experiences Abroad

You studied, worked, or volunteered abroad. Now you want to include part of this in your personal statement as part of an undergrad, AMCAS or other application. Maybe you want to show that you’ve experienced a different culture and expanded your perspective through your eye-opening experiences meeting new people, mountain-climbing, assisting in a rural community, or some other opportunity to help people who genuinely need it.

Don’t forget the most important question: WHY?

But, at this point, you’ve also realized that many other applicants have had similar experiences. While the experience may have been transformative for you, requiring you to learn how to operate without your usual safety net in a foreign environment, you need to ensure that your study abroad experience serves a role in your essay as something other than window-dressing.

But you also know that your experiences aren’t unique to you; other applicants will have had similar adventures. 

There’s an old Onion article that jokes about a person whose short work experience in Africa allowed her to post a better Facebook photo. Without asking yourself the most important question of why your experience was transformative in some way, your travel descriptions might resemble the person parodied in that article.

I’ve read many essays with lush descriptions of exotic scenery and people who speak different languages, yet the writer does not seem to have changed. Unless you can articulate how you have changed from these experiences, your stories will simply blend together with those of other applicants. The admissions committee will get the impression that you traveled simply to add another notch to your resume.

You may consider that your travel experience really was transformative for you, requiring you to learn how to operate without your usual safety net in a foreign environment, a pivotal moment in your life journey. The key is for you to be able to explain in your personal statement exactly why . 

[Click here to read a sample diversity essay]

What, specifically, did you learn from your immersion in another culture? It can’t be enough to just tell a story about someone you met on a bus, train, or in a classroom. Explain why and how that person’s influence changed you. How do you think, act, and perhaps even plan differently now as a result of this exposure?

An admissions committee member once told me that an applicant’s actual experience mattered less than how they talked about it . Even a seemingly dull experience can be transformative to someone who is really paying attention.

Do you need help taking your experiences and using them to create a unique, compelling – even exciting – personal statement? Explore our Admissions Consulting & Editing Services and work one-on-one with an expert advisor who will guide you through the admissions process to acceptance.

Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbac Program and is a former Accepted admissions consultant.  Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

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Travel and Tourism Personal Statement Examples

What is a travel and tourism personal statement?

Your travel and tourism personal statement should tell the universities you are applying to all about your strengths, abilities, achievements and career plans.

It should give admissions tutors a good picture of who you are and why you would be a valuable asset to their department.

How do I write a travel and tourism personal statement?

We always recommend starting your travel and tourism personal statement by brainstorming ideas. Your notes should include the following:

• achievements
• coursework you have enjoyed
• research projects you have completed
• academic results
• part-time or Saturday jobs
• volunteering
• wider reading
• extracurricular activities

as well as anything else you can think of that is relevant to your travel and tourism course.

Take a look through our travel and tourism personal statement examples above to give yourself an idea of what a successful statement looks like.

Once you have put together an initial draft, it's a good idea to ask for feedback from family, friends and tutors. They will be able to look at your statement objectively and suggest ways it could be improved.

Incorporate their comments, and ask for further feedback. Don't worry if you have to do this three or four times - it's important you get your statement as perfect as possible before sending it off on your UCAS form.

What shoud I include in my travel and tourism personal statement?

• Look at the content of the course and make sure your statement addresses the specific aspects that you enjoy most.
• Demonstrate important skillls that are required for a travel and tourism degree, e.g. analysis, research and communication. Talk about how you have developed these, either at school/college, at your job or during hobbies or other activities.
• Most applicants spend the opening of their statement talking about why they want to study travel and tourism at degree level. Think carefully about whether there was one particular incident that sparked your interest in this subject, e.g. an exotic holiday abroad as a child, visiting an iconic landmark or flying on an aeroplane for the first time.
• Don’t include any over-used phrases or quotes in your statement that university admissions tutors will have seen and heard before.
• Now is also not the time for jokes or humour - it often doesn't work well and admissions tutors might not be impressed!
• Make sure you've covered everything from hobbies and extracurricular activities to motivations and personal achievements (as long as it's all relevant).
• If you get stuck, read our personal statement writing guide and check out our personal statement editing services.

For more help and advice on what to write in your travel and tourism personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

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Chinese studies degree personal statement example (1a) with year abroad

From my first memories, China has been a huge part of my life. Since the year I spent living in a Communist era apartment in Nanjing, China has left an indelible mark on my identity. My first experience of formal education was in a Taipei playschool but it was the contagious energy and forward-looking attitude captured my heart after another year in Nanjing a decade later. China is also fascinating from an academic perspective. On the back of a suspect human rights record and miraculous economic growth, China has become a world power in 30 short years. Just thinking about how that can be encourages me to transform a passion into a degree.

Necessary to any serious future in China is the ability to operate in Chinese. Starting during my second year in Nanjing and continuing via enrichment classes and further trips to China, I have experienced how rewarding it is to progress in such an alien tongue. Just being able to banter with a taxi driver was incredibly gratifying. However, my Chinese is in the infantile stages, which I am keen to change. Likewise, my study of pre-Mao China remains cursory so I would relish the opportunity to expand upon that as well as my knowledge of Chinese literature. Similarly, in order to properly comprehend what modern China is like, it is important to have an appreciation of classical history and language. The obvious cultural wealth of Beijing is evermore amazing when one considers the chaos the city underwent during the Cultural Revolution. Clearly, even Mao placed importance on the remnants of classical China, and therefore it is necessary to understand classical Chinese not just attain better literacy but also to better understand China.

Lastly, I look forward to a greater comprehension of the Chinese state of mind. Despite frequent outbreaks of turmoil, the economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. The elder generations have undergone Japanese torture and Maoist chaos. How China can thus be an emerging superpower is remarkable. From rulers such as Mao to writers such as Wang Shuo, the revolt against tradition has been both damaging and rejuvenating, as John Pomfret illustrated in his book, Chinese Lessons. To me, unraveling such complexities is simply fascinating. Indeed, my entry to the Julia Wood prize, “Taiwan: Democratic Blueprint for the People’s Republic?” allowed academic license in the wake of exams.

My wider education has introduced me to good study habits. The experience of coursework demanded hard work and accuracy but it was my struggle with the source-based History course that led me to see the need to research with discretion, also useful in distinguishing between fact and spin during my politics course. The study of authors such as Chinua Achebe made me realize that subjects often span beyond narrow definitions; it was the social commentary provided by these authors that was so fascinating. As part of my French course, I went on exchange to Montpellier. This provided an opportunity to apply my language skills in a practical situation. Beyond this, I had to engage in a very different routine and lifestyle, challenging and this developing my self-organization and communication skills as well as immersing into a different culture. The most important lesson I learnt was that perseverance pays off, for it was in the end a very enjoyable experience. Outside of the classroom, writing for the student newspaper developed my sense of teamwork with deadlines fast approaching. It was also a wonderful excuse to indulge in international affairs, focusing primarily on Middle Eastern politics.

The attraction of university is the opportunity to evolve. The year abroad will develop my sense of self-responsibility but it is the chance to immerse myself among like-minded people and learn new skills against the backdrop of a subject that I have loved since my first years that is so profoundly attractive. For me, this is simply the next exciting step towards a future in China.

Universities Applied to:

• University of Oxford (Chinese Studies)
• The School of Oriental and African Studies (Chinese Studies)
• University of Manchester (Chinese Studies)
• University of Leeds (Chinese and International Relations)
• University of Sheffield (Chinese Studies)

Grades Achieved:

General comments:, comments on the statement:.

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The Unexpected Perks of Studying Abroad: South Korea

Alyssa Taylor ‘24 shares her experience and the unexpected benefits of studying abroad in South Korea during the 2022-23 academic year.

As a government and politics major with a concentration in international relations—Alyssa Taylor’s experience in Korea studying at Seoul National University played a key role in exploring her goals of working within international diplomacy, taking an active role in service work, and promoting social justice globally. 

“My mentor introduced me to a foreign service officer working at the  U.S. Embassy in Seoul at the time, and he took me under his wing—he was also an alumni of UMD,” said Taylor. 

Through this connection, Taylor was invited to participate in a multinational roundtable event with both Korean and American students, where they bonded over the shared experience of needing to find jobs after college. The transition from student to working professional is navigated by individuals worldwide and studying abroad might just provide you with a global support network—something many study abroad alums draw from after returning home, professional or otherwise. 

Yet, what Taylor didn’t anticipate proved most impactful: serving as an English teacher for a North Korean defector (refugee). Not only did this work supplement her interests in gender issues and feminism in South Korea, but provided an opportunity to get hands-on with service work she otherwise wouldn’t have experienced in the U.S. 

“She really humanized North Korean people for me, just having someone sit in front of you and talking to them, hearing about their life story and their dreams for the future—it made me, now that I’m back at UMD, want to be more of an advocate for North Korean people,” said Taylor.

When going abroad, it is essential to outline your personal goals. However, leaving room for surprise in how they manifest, whether they may be service, professional, cultural, or social opportunities, allows your experience to take a shape of its own. What you can’t plan for may become the essence of your way forward when you return to campus.  

What unexpected benefits did you gain from studying abroad? We want to hear from you!

To read more about Alyssa’s time in Korea, check out her experience  with the Gilman scholarship . 

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Studying abroad personal statement

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Growing up in a family filled with Businessmen and Entrepreneurs made my vision change Immensely. I can recall when I was young, I have always loved the way my father ran his company, it made me more passionate about studying in the business field. I always used to go along with my father to work when I was younger just to see and witness how it feels to be in the action. Most of my vacations I have spent in my father’s company. I felt like studying business is the key to many different opportunities out in this world, that’s why I decided to study Business Management.

I can foresee the future of this world, with the technology evolving around us and how fast everything changes, this made me more interested in studying Business, because what I admire the most about business studies is that it combines many factors of life and how to operate through it, and I feel that this is where I belong and I also feel like I can excel in this specific major due to my past experience with studying business studies in high school and also working in my vacations with my father in his company. I supposed that in order to achieve my goals, I had to expand my vision and move to the UK to join a University there because I was certain that the UK education is capable of developing me to be the best version of myself.

Considering Universities in the UK has made me so much motivated because UK Universities are known for their respected level of education and their highly respected reputation. Studying abroad wasn’t my easiest decision to make because I am very connected to my country Egypt and my family and friends, but I had to overcome everything just for the sake of a better education that would help me to accomplish my dreams and be a source of pride to my family and my country. Studying abroad will also have a positive effect on me as a person, it will make me be more independent and will expand my knowledge, education, and my cultural experience.

In High School, I used to enjoy to participate in many extra-curricular activities, I took part in many charity events hosted by my high school, as well as many athletic activities, I took part in the High School Varsity Football Team which made me a better athletic person and also it helped me to make new friends.

Born and raised in an Arab country could be challenging. Arab countries have their own principles and traditions, which may be different from any other country in the rest of the world, but being taught in Modern English School, Cairo which is the best school in Egypt according to rankings by the Egyptian government, has utterly changed my mindset making me a more understanding and a smarter person. Studying at such a high-level institution has encouraged me more to study abroad in the UK. I know for a fact that I definitely wouldn’t have any trouble communicating in the UK because I have been taught by teachers from the UK and the US ever since I started school which made my English language better, therefore I feel like I am confident and qualified to study abroad.

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Dr Disrespect Issues Lengthy Statement on Twitch Ban: 'I'm Not Perfect,' but 'I'm No Predator'

"i should have never entertained these conversations to begin with.".

Guy Beahm, the popular streamer best known as Dr Disrespect, has issued a lengthy statement on the recent allegations that have emerged over his ban from Twitch in 2020.

It's the most substantial response Beahm has ever issued on the situation, which was reignited last week after a former Twitch employee said on X/Twitter that he was banned from the streaming platform for inappropriate messages with a minor on the Twitch Whispers feature, a claim corrobated by reporting in The Verge and Bloomberg . Beahm's response addresses that claim, as well as his recent ousting from the game studio he co-founded, Midnight Society.

THE TWITCH BAN Hello, I'd like to make a quick statement.. Lets cut the fucking bullshit, as you know there's no filter with me. I've always been up front and real with you guys on anything that I can be up front about, and I'm always willing to accept responsibility... which… — Dr Disrespect (@DrDisrespect) June 25, 2024

In the statement, Beahm admits that there were indeed "twitch whisper messages with an individual minor back in 2017." (The word "minor" was edited out from the original version of the post, but then added back in).

"Were there real intentions behind these messages, the answer is absolutely not," he adds. "These were casual, mutual conversations that sometimes leaned too much in the direction of being inappropriate, but nothing more."

He goes on to say that no charges were brought forward, and re-iterates that "nothing illegal happened."

"Now, from a moral standpoint I'll absolutely take responsibility," he says. "I should have never entertained these conversations to begin with. That's on me. That's on me as an adult, a husband and a father. It should have never happened. I get it. I’m not perfect and I’ll fucking own my shit. This was stupid."

Beahm insists, however, that he's "no fucking predator or pedophile," and that despite a previously announced "extended vacation," he seemingly plans to continue streaming.

"They want me to disappear... yeah fucking right," he concludes.

IGN has asked Twitch, which has not commented on the situation in recent days, for comment.

As for his ousting from Midnight Society, Beahm says the decision for him to part ways with the studio was something he and the team came to "collectively." Shortly after Beahm posted his statement, studio co-founder Robert Bowling issued his own personal statement on X/Twitter, caveating that it had not been run through a PR or legal department.

"If you inappropriately message a minor. I can not work with you," Bowling wrote. "Period. I promised to only act on facts, and I did."

This is a statement from me personally. It does not reflect any of my companies and has not gone through any legal or PR approvals. If you inappropriately message a minor. I can not work with you. Period. I promised to only act on facts, and I did. — Robert Bowling (@fourzerotwo) June 25, 2024

Gaming headset and accessory company Turtle Beach also announced earlier on Tuesday, before Beahm posted his statement, that it would be ending its partnership with the streamer.

The situation surrounding Beahm's four-year-old ban from Twitch caught fire last Friday, June 21, thanks to a X/Twitter post by former Twitch account director of strategic partnerships Cody Conners ( Disclosure: Conners briefly worked at IGN in 2011). Conners didn't mention Beahm by name, but it was both widely assumed and later confirmed in The Verge's and Bloomberg's reports that he was referring to the popular streamer when he wrote, "He got banned because got caught sexting a minor in the then existing Twitch whispers product. He was trying to meet up with her at TwitchCon."

Conners' post became massive news, shedding light on Beahm's mysterious ban that came down almost exactly four years ago . Twitch offered no specifics on the reason for the ban, and Beahm himself claimed not to have been informed why initially. He would go on to sue Twitch over the ban in 2021 , and the legal dispute was resolved in 2022 .

In the days following Conners' post, Beahm had issued a number of statements, but none as substantial as the one posted on Tuesday (he claims that he's able to offer more information "now that two former twitch employees have publicly disclosed the accusations"). In previous statements , he continued to stress that "no wrongdoing was found" in regards to his dealings with Twitch.

You can read Beahm's most recent statement in full below:

Thumbnail credit: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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Students Abroad

A solid education combined with wide-ranging, real-world experiences–including international travel–often add to a successful and fulfilling professional and personal life. Stephanie Ohigashi, the Coordinator of our Office of International & Regional Partnerships is having herself one busy summer. Thanks to her leadership efforts and the seeds she plants all year, we have students traveling to three separate short-term educational programs in Japan this summer and fall–one focusing on Early Childhood Education, one on the Culinary Arts, and one on Fashion Technology.

Another of these short-term programs took late last month in Montreux, Switzerland. A cohort of six 2024 Automotive Technology graduates–Ryan Cabebe, Jaden Givensel, Kalewa Kalanikau, Junnel Lagazo, Jydhen Pigao, and Zachary Ramos–none of whom had ever traveled to Europe, participated in a unique international automotive retail simulation called NUCARS. It was developed by Toyota as an automotive strategy game for its management trainees and dealers and then introduced to Northwood University (Michigan) students in the early 1990s. Since then, it has expanded globally and been hosted in North America, Europe and Asia. “As a result of a collaboration between UHMC and Northwood on an eSports project, Northwood’s Vice President of International Programs, Dr. Mamiko Reeves, toured UHMC and took note of our Automotive Technology program,” explains Ohigashi. “That led to our students being invited to this year’s NUCARS.”

About 50 students from European and U.S. schools participated. They were sorted into teams of six or seven and all our students were on different teams. The better to promote international understanding and team work. And they all brought unique skills and ideas to the party.

Basically, each team was tasked with creating a dealership–and everything it would need to be successful–and given a budget of about a million dollars. “I’m so proud of our students,” says Lawrence Martinson, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of our Automotive Technology Department who accompanied the students to Switzerland. Our program focuses on the technology rather than the business side.

“Our students brought practical knowledge to their teams. And they quickly learned to be strategic in business, as well.”

Junnel Lagazo, who is already working his way up through the service department ranks at Island Honda, was on the winning team. “We named our team, ‘Hakuna Matata’, (the phrase and song title made famous by The Lion King)” says Lagazo. “It means ‘no worries,’ and we wanted to create a business where our customers would never have to worry about their cars. We had four or five different models, all targeting families. Our main build was for safety and quality.”

“NexGen” was the name Jaden Givensel and his teammates chose. “Our dealership was an economy car brand aiming for middle income families who need a reliable car without the bells and whistles,” he explains. Givensel calls the trip “one of the greatest learning experiences of my life.” He’s in the process of moving to Colorado where he’ll continue to work as an Auto Technician, the position he held previously at a shop here on Maui. As a result of the trip, he wants to continue studying the business side of the industry.

Ryan Cabebe and his team, Makena, “wanted to create great, affordable cars that everyone could purchase, like Toyota in Hawai’i, generally.” And the name? “We wanted to get the feeling of that great, perfect vehicle to go to the beach with family and friends,” he explains. Cabebe works at Maui Auto Care. He says the trip enhanced his “go-getter,” independent mindset.

Everyone acknowledged the value of being exposed to the business side of the automotive industry. The “real-world” experiences also made important impressions. For Lagazo, it was making new relationships and the new friends are staying in touch via their What’s App group. Cabebe’s biggest takeaway? “I learned that I really love Maui. And I just want to be able to take care of my family and my community.”

Short-term programs like the ones taking place this summer and fall are available to our students every year. In addition, we have one-semester and full-year opportunities to study in Canada, Korea, Okinawa, Taiwan, Norway and more. The opportunity to travel and study abroad is just one more reason we hope you’ll consider continuing your education with us here at UHMC. For complete information about UH Maui College, please visit http://maui.hawaii.edu/

* Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Hawai’i Maui College. Ka’ana Mana’o, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Sunday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from UH-Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.

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Trump Says He Would Give Green Cards to All Foreign College Students at Graduation

Mr. Trump’s promise to Silicon Valley investors was a sharp departure from immigration curbs he enacted during his presidency. His campaign walked it back soon after.

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By Chris Cameron

• June 20, 2024

Donald J. Trump said he would push for a program that would automatically give green cards to all foreign college students in America after they graduate, a reversal from restrictions he enacted as president on immigration by high-skilled workers and students to the United States.

But hours after Mr. Trump’s remarks aired, his campaign’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, walked back the former president’s comments, saying in a statement that there would be an “aggressive vetting process” that would “exclude all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges ” and that the policy would apply only to the “most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America.”

Appearing with the host David Sacks, a Silicon Valley investor who backs the former president’s 2024 campaign , on a podcast that aired Thursday afternoon, Mr. Trump had repeated his frequent criticism of high levels of immigration as an “invasion of our country.” But he was then pressed by Jason Calacanis, another investor who hosts the podcast, to “promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America.”

“I do promise, but I happen to agree,” Mr. Trump said, adding “what I will do is — you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges.”

It would have been a sweeping change that would have opened a vast path to American citizenship for foreigners. The State Department estimated that the United States hosted roughly one million international students in the academic year that ended in 2022 — a majority of whom came from China and India. The United States granted lawful permanent residence to roughly one million people during the year that ended in September 2022, so such a policy change would significantly increase the number of green cards issued.

Mr. Trump suggested on the podcast that he had wanted to enact such a policy while in office but “then we had to solve the Covid problem.” The Trump administration invoked the pandemic to enact many of the immigration restrictions that officials had wanted to put in place earlier in Mr. Trump’s term .

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ITR Filing 2024: Vital checks to ensure accuracy, and smooth filing of income tax returns

The income tax department has recently started providing an elaborate annual information statement (ais) which contains data about various specified financial transactions carried out by you during the year.

To ensure the ITR filing process is smooth, you must carry out certain checks before filing your ITR. Let's discuss.

Verify your AIS and Form 26AS

For quite some time, the Income Tax Department has been making your form No. 26AS available, containing details about Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from incomes like various income like interest, dividends, salaries, etc., paid to you as well as Tax Collected at Source on payments made by you (TCS). This statement also details taxes you pay directly, like advance tax, self-assessment tax and tax on regular assessment. You also find the particulars of the income refund issued during the year.

The Income Tax Department has recently started providing you with an elaborate annual information statement (AIS). The AIS has widely expanded the scope of data available to you. The AIS contains data about various specified financial transactions carried out by you during the year, like property purchase and sale, transactions in shares and mutual funds, bank fixed deposits, credit card payments, amounts deposited in our bank account, saving bank interest, etc. The availability of these data hugely helps us in filing our ITR correctly.

Since the tax department processes the ITR filed by us based on available data, it is strongly advised that you verify the details of tax credits as reflected in form no. 26AS, and information about your specified financial transaction is reflected in AIS. Both these documents can be viewed by logging in to your income tax account on the Income Tax Department website. If you find any discrepancy in the AIS, you can submit your feedback online.

This exercise will help you ensure the maximum possible correctness of the ITR to be filed. It will also help you identify certain financial transactions you would have forgotten to incorporate into your ITR. Details like interest accrued on your bank FD are reflected in your AIS but would not have been included in the ITR due to oversight. Even if you follow the receipt basis for offering such income, such comparison will help you furnish the details of tax deducted at source in the ITR, which you wish to carry forward to subsequent years. For correctness, you may also verify the volume of transactions regarding shares and mutual funds. In case any tax deducted is not reflected in the 26AS/AIS, the fact needs to be brought to the notice of the deductor for taking corrective action.

Verify the form number 16 /16A

By now, you must have received all your forms for TDS, be it form no. 16 or form No. 16A. Please verify that your PAN is correctly mentioned on form no. 16 issued to you by your employer, especially in case this is the first year of your employment. Please also verify that all the exempt allowances, like HRA, LTA, etc., claimed by you are correctly shown as exempt in Form 16 in case you have opted for the old tax regime.

There may be some discrepancy due to you failing to submit the required documents in time, and consequently, the employer must have deducted tax on it, treating it as taxable. It is also advised to verify the number of various deductions available to you for various payments made by you, like life and health insurance premiums, home loan repayment, interest on education loans, school fees, etc., is correctly mentioned in the form no 16 as your Chartered Accountant in all probability will generally rely only on form no. 16 while filing your ITR. In case of any discrepancy in form no. 16, please bring it to your employer's notice immediately and request to get it corrected. In case of deviation between Form 16 and the ITR filed, you may get a notice from the department, which can be avoided by ensuring that the details in Form 16 are correct.

Similarly, verify the form no. 16A received by you, particularly from the bank, for correctness of PAN number, amount of income shown and amount of TDS mentioned on it.

Open the capital gains account before 31st July 2024

In respect of taxable long-term capital gains , you can avail of tax exemption either under section 54 or 54 F by investing in a residential house. Though the law allows you a period extending beyond the due date of ITR for investing in a residential home, it requires you to deposit the unutilized money in a capital gains account to be opened with specified banks by the due date of ITR. So, even if you feel unable to file your ITR by the due date, please ensure that you deposit the unutilised amount in the capital gains account well in time to avoid any litigation on this count in future.

Scrutinise various statements for correct reporting of income

Please obtain the annual account statement from your broker, mutual fund house and the bank to verify that all the transactions that reflect these statements are being correctly incorporated in the income statement being prepared for filing of the ITR

I am sure the above will help you better prepare for the filing of your ITR.

Balwant Jain is a tax and investment expert and can be reached at [email protected] and on @jainbalwant on Twitter.

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