SAMPLE MOTIVATION LETTER


Dear Sir or Madam,

With this letter, I would like to express my interest in studying at the University of Sheffield as
an Erasmus student.[u1]  PAR. 1


My name is Paul Newton and I am currently studying my master´s degree programme in Regional
Geography at Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. Having looked through the materials of the
Foreign Department of my university, I was very delighted to find the opportunity to spend one
semester learning geography at your university. I have decided to apply for this programme because
I am sure it would strongly enrich my future studies and help in my prospective career. Moreover, I
consider this programme as a great opportunity to get in touch with British culture and educational
system. Last but not least, I am curious about different approaches to the subject of geography at
your institution.[u2]  PAR. 2


I have chosen to apply for the University of Sheffield because I really like its module system of
study. I particularly appreciate the wide range of offered modules and the freedom in making your
own study plan. Many of the modules offered are unique for me as there is no equivalent at my home
university. Very important for me is also the “excellent” rating for teaching by the Geography
department and the overall friendly atmosphere at both the university as well as the city. The
third main reason why I have chosen your university is its Urban and Regional Policy Research
Institute – it specializes in interdisciplinary research on regional policy issues, which is the
field I would like to focus on in future.[u3]  PAR. 3


In my prior studies I realized that I would like to specialize in Urban and Transport Geography.
Your offer gives me a chance to come across these subjects through modules from both Departments of
Geography and Department of Town and Regional Planning. In my last year at university I worked on
an empirical study with the main focus on transportation costs in suburban areas. I really liked my
project and I am keen to continue in it. I would like to use my stay at your university for a
further development of my skills in empirical research. The possibilities you offer further expand
those at my home university.[u4]   PAR. 4


I would like to spend one semester at the University of Sheffield since this would give me a chance
to deepen my geographical knowledge in the inspiring, creative and cosmopolitan environment of one
of the largest British universities. Furthermore, I could improve my English and increase my
confidence in passing the Cambridge advanced examination after I return. I am confident that
experience in Sheffield would be very valuable for both my studies and overall general
development.[u5]
PAR. 5


Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.[u6]  PAR. 6

Sincerely,
________________________________

 [u1]WHY I AM WRITING

 [u2]WHO I AM, WHAT I STUDY and GENERAL REASONS FOR APPLYING

 [u3]SPECIFIC REASONS FOR APPLYING

 [u4]CONNECTING THE EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE WITH AREA OF SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS

 [u5]GENERAL CONCLUSION + IMPLICATIONS FOR STUDY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE


 [u6]FORMAL CLOSURE