Writing a motivation letter
Are you thinking of studying abroad in two or three year’s time?
Then make sure you do what the Erasmus Mundus Student Handbook recommends:
Try to write a “personal” targeted motivation letter, in which you explain why you are
especially worth to be selected. Moreover, you should clearly explain your reasons to
apply for this particular Master programme.
If you have any work or volunteer experience, be sure to mention it. The same is
true also for any publications of your previous research. Being able to indicate your
scientific interests […] is also viewed as a plus. State clearly what your expectations
are and what you would like to do with the knowledge that you acquire during
Erasmus Mundus after having successfully finished the programme.
It does not matter which country or university you choose. What does matter is that
you prove to be a suitable candidate who knows and can clearly, as well as logically,
describe what their aims and reasons for studying abroad are.
Below comes a sample motivation letter including the typical features of this genre:
formal style
appropriate salutation
clear structure (introduction, personal statement, conclusion)
specific information introduced by formal expressions and polite phrases
individual ideas linked by linking words making reading for the target reader easy
Your task is to read this letter, identify its positive features mentioned above, and
use your first draft of the personal statement you wrote in the first lesson to produce
a short letter of motivation. If you like, send me a copy by mail for checking so that
you have got it at hand once you decide to apply for a stay with Erasmus or IFMSA.