Masters in International Affairs Personal Statement

Masters in International Affairs for Graduate School Empowering Bolivian Indigenous Peoples

As a dreamer and doer, I am a 24-year-old Bolivian woman living in Ottawa. Coming from a developing country, I recognize the importance of equal opportunities. I aim to contribute to the development of policies that enhance opportunities for disadvantaged Bolivians, especially the most excluded and vulnerable, thereby supporting my country's overall development.

I am known for being hard-working and creative. I have developed some innovative research ideas and believe I can make a valuable contribution to the academic community through them. My Bachelor Thesis for my law degree, titled "Indigenous Peoples as New Subjects of International Law," involved extensive research pertinent to the program I am applying for, and it received an ‘Honorable Mention’.

I have taken part in various conferences, courses, and seminars. A notable event was a student gathering called ‘Worldwide Indigenous Peoples and The Diplomatic Academy,’ organized by the Bolivian Diplomatic Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I volunteered as a coordinator for the event, where prominent international Indigenous peoples' experts, such as Bartolome Clavero, Nina Pacari, and Rodolfo Stavenhagen, participated. I was particularly engaged by a simulated UN debate where Indigenous people shared their perspectives on issues they wanted the international community to address.

This event truly ignited my interest in International Affairs, especially in how it can positively influence the development of Indigenous Peoples. It helped me understand the connection between development, culture, and identity for Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that true development respects the cultural, economic, and spiritual choices of the affected communities and is not merely economic.

I am particularly eager to conduct research in the area of linking development, culture, and identity, and exploring ways to enhance the involvement of Indigenous peoples in decisions affecting their lives. I firmly believe that the traditional concept of development, which focuses solely on economic growth, has significantly contributed to the global crisis. Therefore, it is essential to develop a new concept of development that incorporates ecological, cultural, social, and spiritual criteria, providing more meaningful measures both nationally and globally.

I believe that acknowledging and applying the connection between development, culture, and identity in policy-making will not only empower Indigenous peoples and preserve their cultures but also enrich society as a whole. It will positively impact society by preventing and resolving conflicts, enhancing democratic governance, and sustainably managing the environment, alongside offering genuine economic advancements.

I am confident that the esteemed MA program in International Affairs at XXXX University is the ideal ‘next step’ for me to achieve my long-term goals, and I hope to be given the opportunity to participate in it.

Thank you for considering my application.

Masters in International Affairs Personal Statement