Example Personal Statement to Study Abroad in Hong Kong

As a Chinese-American born and raised in the United States, I expect to see surprised expressions when I say that "I have not yet been to China. As a result of my travel inexperience I consider myself unworldly, and although I have been to Mexico, I would like to go beyond the North American hemisphere. But this lack of realization for my Chinese heritage is not the only reason why I wish to study abroad to Hong Kong. Introduced to the opportunity of studying abroad by the Honors program at UC Riverside, I set out to do some careful research both online and through asking many friends and family on where I could potentially study abroad. My curiosity about of my cultural background has led me to consider Hong Kong as an exceptional option for a Cantonese speaker such as myself. I am excited to explore the culture of the roots of my family and p\ut my Americanized Cantonese to the test in its country of origin; I want to expand my understanding of different cultures, social settings and languages. In addition to the exciting cultural and social experience, Hong Kong also seems to be an Asian country with a fierce and different business world, making it an exciting and intriguing option for a Business student.

As a Business Major going into upper-division Business a quarter early in spring 2009, I will be declaring and concentrating in a certain area of business. I have narrowed my choices down to either Accounting, or some form of management; specifically, an interest in International Management. Since completing my first accounting class in fall 2008, I have gained a better understanding and perspective on accounting, but I have yet to experience management at a reasonable level. Being able to complete lower division GED requirements a quarter early will be in advantage in helping me make a solid decision on whether or not I will want to pursue a concentration in International Management. I plan to take required upper division classes in Spring 2009, and see if International Management interests me enough to concentrate in after I take courses in Hong Kong; courses that will also count as credit towards my upper division Business requirements. Even if I decide not to continue with International Management, I know that I will be basing my decision on solid experiences that are unparalleled in exploring the international side of management. Either way, I will become a well rounded business person having explored International Management in an international business environment.

Although I have not left the United States, I grew up in a Cantonese household and can speak Cantonese quite fluently. Because my parents placed me in a Mandarin-Speaking Chinese school as a child, I not only know how to speak Cantonese, but also have enough skill fluency in traditional Chinese and Mandarin that I was able to test slightly above entry level Chinese at UC Riverside. To further prepare myself for studying abroad in Hong Kong I am currently planning to complete finished Chinese 2 and 3 by the end of spring 2009. With my strong Cantonese background and a review of the Chinese language these coming quarters, I am eager to put the fluency of my Chinese to the test and improve my fluency of my Chinese in a real Chinese environment.

Naturally, I am quite curious about my culture. By being a member of the Chinese Student Association throughout my freshman year at UC Riverside, researching online, and asking family and friends about Hong Kong, I do not have any worries about studying abroad and only positives to look forward to. I am curious as to how people in a different country act towards one another; social mannerisms and interactions must almost be entirely different from the manners and interactions in the United States. The business world in Hong Kong is also going to be a whole different game than the business world in the United States and I would like to see the comparisons. Recreationally, I want to experience all of the food, music and sports that Hong Kong has to offer. I sometimes regard the purpose of life as simply to satisfy my taste buds, and after hearing the mouthwatering stories of the cheap and delicious foods of the Hong Kong night markets and street vendors, I cannot wait to compare it to Chinese food in the United States. In addition to appeasing my taste buds, I also consider myself an audiophile and a lover of sports. Listening to a wider array of music and seeing how and what kind of sports and how they impact the lives of the people of Hong Kong intrigue me endlessly.

With the option to live on either on-campus dormitories or apartments with not only international students, but also local students, I know that this experience will be filled with submergence in the Hong Kong lifestyle. Living with other international students will give me a sense of home, while living with local students will make it easy to make new friends who really know about the culture of Hong Kong. When we are not immersed in our class work and studies, I will have the opportunity to have my new local friends show me around Hong Kong instead of just blindly wandering the streets. I will also seize this opportunity to create an international network for not only myself, but also my new Hong Kong friends.

With my interest in Chinese culture at its peak, I cannot wait to study abroad in Hong Kong. I can hardly consider myself a well rounded person until I have experienced a culture other than the culture of the United States where I have lived for the past nineteen years; so why not start with the culture of my origins? Goal-wise as a business major, I wish to expand my views on business and international management and perhaps even start my worldwide network. I look forward to experiencing the different foods, lifestyle and culture of the people of Hong Kong, especially the food since I have been told that Chinese food in the United States cannot even begin to compare. Studying abroad in Hong Kong is the best opportunity for me as I take the next step in my life to becoming a well rounded and worldly person both in business and life.