📨Study Abroad Motivation Letter – Example of a Good Structure
Each motivation letter has a more or less similar structure, which you are expected to follow.
📌Introduction
A good hook ensures that you have the attention of your audience, but you don’t have to invent hot water in the first paragraph. In fact, leave that for the second. Introduce yourself and emphasise your interest in studying abroad at this particular university. You can provide information about your latest academic achievement (e.g. graduated from or completed Nth year of study) and specify your field of study.
Main Text
The bulk of relevant information should be presented here:
📌Academic background and interest. In this section, you can explain your interest in the study path you’re pursuing. Anecdotes that demonstrate what inspired you to study are usually well-received, but be sparse with storytelling – if you can explain how a trip to the zoo inspired you to study zoology in a few sentences, go for it, but do not draw it out too much. Instead, focus on your academic achievements in the classroom and outside of it. Good grades do matter, and you have every right to be proud of them. If you’re applying for a specific program, focus on your achievements in that particular field.
📌Practical experiences. You should definitely mention various extracurricular endeavours you’ve participated in – they do count as work experience too. Volunteering, courses, certifications, lectures you’ve attended or given – your letter of intent is a chance to show that you’re a versatile person who can grapple with both formal and informal education. Don’t get lost in listing everything you’ve ever done; that’s what your CV is for. Select several (ideally three) of the most relevant engagements and tie them back to your field of study and/or motivation to study abroad. For instance, if you’ve attended a Summer school in another country, you can mention intercultural competencies you’ve acquired that have inspired you to pursue education abroad.
📌Why this country and this university. The fact is that you’re already enrolled at your home university – what is it that the university you’re applying to has that yours doesn’t? This can be highly acclaimed work in your field that is conducted at the host university, special laboratories, interest in the language/culture/literature of the country (especially if you study philology), emphasis on international cooperation, or the aspects of the field that are studied at the host university but not at your home uni.
📌Career aspirations. Everyone loves a student with a plan. Outline how your interest in the field, international experience, and future plans come together.
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Each motivation letter has a more or less similar structure, which you are expected to follow.
📌Introduction
A good hook ensures that you have the attention of your audience, but you don’t have to invent hot water in the first paragraph. In fact, leave that for the second. Introduce yourself and emphasise your interest in studying abroad at this particular university. You can provide information about your latest academic achievement (e.g. graduated from or completed Nth year of study) and specify your field of study.
Main Text
The bulk of relevant information should be presented here:
📌Academic background and interest. In this section, you can explain your interest in the study path you’re pursuing. Anecdotes that demonstrate what inspired you to study are usually well-received, but be sparse with storytelling – if you can explain how a trip to the zoo inspired you to study zoology in a few sentences, go for it, but do not draw it out too much. Instead, focus on your academic achievements in the classroom and outside of it. Good grades do matter, and you have every right to be proud of them. If you’re applying for a specific program, focus on your achievements in that particular field.
📌Practical experiences. You should definitely mention various extracurricular endeavours you’ve participated in – they do count as work experience too. Volunteering, courses, certifications, lectures you’ve attended or given – your letter of intent is a chance to show that you’re a versatile person who can grapple with both formal and informal education. Don’t get lost in listing everything you’ve ever done; that’s what your CV is for. Select several (ideally three) of the most relevant engagements and tie them back to your field of study and/or motivation to study abroad. For instance, if you’ve attended a Summer school in another country, you can mention intercultural competencies you’ve acquired that have inspired you to pursue education abroad.
📌Why this country and this university. The fact is that you’re already enrolled at your home university – what is it that the university you’re applying to has that yours doesn’t? This can be highly acclaimed work in your field that is conducted at the host university, special laboratories, interest in the language/culture/literature of the country (especially if you study philology), emphasis on international cooperation, or the aspects of the field that are studied at the host university but not at your home uni.
📌Career aspirations. Everyone loves a student with a plan. Outline how your interest in the field, international experience, and future plans come together.
Leave your reaction. It will encourage me to post more