Preface

As you may know I tried to get into an exchange program to study a year in Japan. Sadly, I was not accepted into the program. Probably due to my somewhat lacking study-plan, I did not have time to fully prepare and contact the schools to get a course-list and such, and probably partly because students are ranked on their student-related social-activities, of which I have none. All my social activities are about trying to build a company and improve myself by studying outside of school. Anyways, for the application I wrote a Statement of Purpose, a letter saying why I wanted to study in Japan. I’m somewhat happy about it so I thought I’d publish it here. It is slightly edited to remove things specific to the school the application was meant for.

This text is obviously geared toward studying science and technology in Japan but could easily be applied to a more general sense of why one should always consider studying abroad.

Statement of Purpose

In a globalized marketplace one must know what is great in other parts of the globe. This is why I have always been very interested in traveling and experiencing other cultures first-hand.

During my personal travels I have been to Japan twice, staying for a month each time. Of all the places I have been, I have always felt most at home in Japan.
Japan has a bustling science community filled with extremely bright and innovative people. If I had to choose one thing that signified Japan with me it would be technology. As an Engineering student I put technology at first hand, I believe we can solve the worlds problems and change the way we think, act and live with technology.

Japan is constantly evolving technology and solving difficult problems with innovation. In my view they are far beyond the rest of the world in many fields of study. I think I could gain great insight by studying technology in the Japanese way.

I am convinced that I will be part of Japanese society at some point in my life. If not during my education then in my work after school. It is a wonderful country with so much to offer, so much diversity and culture and an absolutely wonderful atmosphere of peaceful and respectful people.

I believe that I could benefit hugely from being able to take part of the Japanese education system and being able to experience the country and the science taking place there during my own education. I think it would lead me to become a much better scientist and engineer.

What I would like to do while studying in Japan is of course to continue my current educational direction, which is scientific research and technological development.

I have also chosen to study in Tokyo because I have been almost all over Japan but I have yet to find a place so wonderful as Tokyo. Wether I’m emerging myself with technology in Akihabara or enjoying the wonderful scenery of Tokyo Bay from Odaiba, Tokyo is the one place in the world I truly feel at home.