Here's the first draft. There are more words then required, I'll polish it later :-) I would appreciate your comments.
Thanks
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For as long as I remember I always knew what I enjoyed doing best (in my life). Learning languages, studying different countries and cultures has always been my passion. For this reason I chose tourism because I knew I would succeed in what I like most.
I have graduated about five years ago and, ever since, I have dedicated my time to work/to gain experience in this area. Working in the public sector tourism gave me an enormous start-up arming me with rich industry experience and a broad understanding of the structure of the tourism sector of Uzbekistan, its resources and potential.
Probably the most valuable experience was the one I obtained abroad. I underwent tourism management and development trainings in Malaysia and Singapore – two of the most popular destinations in Asia. Having been outside my country for the first time ever I opened my eyes wider and my mindset changed.
The visit to the small village of Perak in Malaysia within my homestay-training framework has offered me the opportunity to observe a unique part of their civilization. It was interesting to watch indigenes living deep in the rainforest; indigenes, who -thanks to tourism- were able to preserve their centuries-old unique subculture despite the effect of globalization. Hearing that their community was thriving thanks to the financial support they received from tourists, government and tourism businesses was truly pleasing. I was amazed to see people living a lifestyle and practicing rituals which were even unique to Malaysia itself, and which were being conserved.
To be frank, I knew that no other industry could compete with travel and tourism when it comes to the level of influence on both economy and social life of a country, and hence offering a win-win solution compromising its economic needs with social values of its people.
For me there was one question left to answer: how would I help others with my capacities and my commitment? In homestay programs I found the perfect prospect.(although I'm not so sure here). The principle of "helping people help themselves" and the chance of benefiting the society I am living in were depicting an ideal purpose.
I was really content to see that I could make a change. In partnership with a regional agency GTZ (German Cooperation Agency) and under my counseling, "Uzbektourism" was able to initiate the first homestay in the village of Farish, Djizakh. However, I found it difficult to initiate such projects in the government sector because of financial and bureaucratic obstacles. I tend to use my knowledge, experience and a wide range of existing networks that would consists of government and private sectors as well as international organizations aiming to promulgate homestays across Uzbekistan. This would most definitely offer obvious benefits to all the stakeholders.
Uzbekistan's unique multicultural society with over 80 nationalities living in one land could indeed make this country Makah for cultural tourism. However, modern development represents a real threat to the survival of cultures and subcultures in my country. I am sure that tourism business of Uzbekistan has the potentialof preserving the existing cultures and reviving the lost ones.
In order to follow this path I require an advanced knowledge in international tourism management. I believe that the program offered by XXX will fill gaps in my understanding of tourism in the global context and give me expertise in strategic management. What can make me a successful student? It is five years of working and learning in this domain,as well as my hunger to learn. I am more of a practitioner; therefore, I am confident that I can well combine my field knowledge with specialized knowledge a university offers. Moreover, I am eager to be exposed to the community of other outstanding fellow students with different backgrounds. I would like to believe this is the first step to make in order to achieve my goals.
All in all, my decision to continue studies in tourism is another display of my ambitions and the promise of a better future, for my country, for its people, for our culture.
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