Statement of Purpose

Migration and cultural issues leading to it is not a recently emerging problem. But, for me it
was nearly non-existent few years ago because of my lack of knowledge and exposure. Living
my whole life in Pakistan I never heard of the fact that at that time, Pakistan was biggest refugee
hosting country in the world. I never saw any advertisement to help refugees, no campaigns on
media and we never discussed refugees as a target for psychological care during my Psychology
studies. I came across the issue of intercultural studies and significance of it when I had courses
like culture and psychology, social psychology and human relations. I started my Master’s in
social work in Turkey in 2015. It familiarized me with methods of working with diverse
population. This was the time when I was introduced to the issue of refugee and migration
problems.
The motivation behind coming into the field of social work was already to help people in
need. But with more academic experience and media exposure I realized that I want to know
more about this state of refugees. I made friends who are refugees and listened to their stories.
This inspired me to the point that for one semester exchange program, I chose an organization
for Internship in Germany that host minor refugees (fleeing from African and South Asian
countries) in Nuremberg. I was involved in helping minor refugees get adjusted there. My
supervisor guided me about the need of education related to different cultures, gender
stereotypes, religious tolerance, values etc. So, this guided supervision along with hands on
experience with minor refugees taught me a lot about the process of cultural adjustment of
people coming from different backgrounds.
Master’s thesis allowed me to study the difference two host countries (Turkey and Germany).
Their perception about integration of their children and cultural practices while living in the host
country was explored in the research. The legal system to accept and host migrated people in
Germany is different from system in Turkey. The way public reacts to this is also different and is
related to a lot of factors including country’s history, economic situation, political knowledge,
nationalism etc.
All this experience told me that these are the people I want to work with. I have now this
ambition of knowing more about the legal system and political reasons behind this situation in all
continents who are affected by it. With my little experience of interacting directly with refugees I
might have awareness of their desires and how they think about this entire situation because of
my background of psychology and clinical social work. But I lack the intensive knowledge of
the context of global refugee problem and the system that is there to protect them. If I want to
effectively use my existing knowledge about refugees I need to have more theoretical and
research-based knowledge about the home and host countries of refugees. Only having a kind
humanitarian heart is not enough to work professionally and have impact in the welfare sector in
efficient way. I need to understand the bigger picture and EMMIR program is one rare option to
achieve this purpose.
My motivation to apply for this program is to get trained and educated particularly in this
field. I will be able to work later on in my discipline of social work and well-being of this
population. My academic writing which is very important for writing protocols for grants for
projects and policies will improve with more training. I will have the opportunity for practical
and research experience in different countries with students coming from diverse background
leading to my understanding of multiculturalism and diversity issues like religion, tolerance and
human rights. The support structure available for individual creative ideas in EMMIR program is
welcoming for me. As a whole I am looking forward to see myself as an initiator in taking
decisions and being able to work in different countries and contexts in future.
To be of assistance to refugee population, understand the work done by wider organizations
involved, migration controlling policies, negotiating with them in a professional way and to
understand the variety of reasons behind voluntary and forced migration from specific countries,
I need to equip myself with insight, academic guidance and skills offered by EMMIR program.
In Pakistan there is currently no program related to migration and refugee studies that can be of
my interest. Even though there is a great need to understand the after-effects of mass deportation
and current situation of refugees in Pakistan. EMMIR program is intriguing and has core courses
to help develop my understanding and skills. I know that I have made the right decision by
choosing and applying for this degree.
Thank you
Aqsa Khalid