Writing Your Motivation Letter for Studies Abroad
A motivation letter can make the difference between getting accepted or denied by your dream school. But how exactly should you write one?
- โณ 3-5 min read
- Applying to Study Abroad
Before you can pack your bags and head off to study abroad in France, the UK, or anywhere else, you may need to write a compelling motivation letter. The purpose of this letter is for you to convince the university that you're the perfect fit for their programs.
If you're unsure how to stand out, you've come to the right place! Let's explore how to craft your motivation letter properly, giving you an advantage over the other candidates.
๐ Motivation letter template
You can download our motivation letter structure to help you put everything together!
What is a motivation letter?
Think of it as your personal pitch to the university, a chance to showcase who you are beyond just your grades and test scores.
It's your opportunity to tell your story, discuss your aspirations, and explain why you're a great fit for their school. This letter typically accompanies your study abroad application and is structured into several key sections detailed in this article.
๐ก Pro tip:
Before you begin to write, research the country of the university you're applying to to learn more about their habits and culture so you can tailor your letter more efficiently.
Remember to also keep a professional tone throughout the letter. For example:
- Avoid: "I think it would be cool to study at your university."
- Rephrase: "I am excited about the opportunity to study at your university because of its innovative approach to..."
Section 1: Why do you want to study abroad?
The first section of your letter should present clear, heartfelt reasons for your desire to study abroad. This is where you set the tone and capture the reader's attention. To do it effectively, make sure to be authentic and use specific examples to help support your arguments.
For example, is there a specific culture or language that intrigues you? Maybe you've never been abroad and you have a burning curiosity about exploring global perspectives and learning in a diverse environment. Using significant moments in your life can help you make your case stand out, so take advantage of your past!
You can refer to our top 10 reasons to study abroad for inspiration.
Make sure to stay away from broad or irrelevant personal anecdotes. For example:
- Avoid: "When I was a child, I loved playing with [toys unrelated to the field]."
- Rephrase: "My early interest in [specific relevant topic, e.g., science experiments or creative writing] evolved into a passion for [field], which I have pursued through [specific activities]."
Section 2: Highlight your qualifications and experiences
The next section should showcase why you're the right candidate for the challenges ahead. Here, you'll list relevant academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work, highlighting your commitment and determination. If you've ever participated in international programs, internships, or projects, this is your time to mention them!
When it comes to this section, be specific and highlight as much relevant information as possible. For example:
- Avoid: "I have good grades, and I think I can do well in this program."
- Rephrase: "My academic performance in [specific subjects, e.g., organic chemistry and molecular biology] reflects my commitment to and preparedness for the rigors of this program. Additionally, my internship with [organization] has given me hands-on experience in [specific skill or area]."
Section 3: How studying abroad will benefit you
Finally, it's crucial to explain how this international experience will ultimately benefit you in your personal and professional life. What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain, and how do these align with your career aspirations?
Writing about this will enrich your motivation letter and, most importantly, showcase that you have a clear vision for your future.
Do some research on the program and point out how it aligns with your personal goals.
- Avoid: "This program will teach me everything I need to succeed."
- Rephrase: "This program's focus on [specific area, e.g., data analytics and practical case studies] will provide me with the expertise to tackle challenges in [industry or field] while complementing the foundational skills I've developed through [past studies or experiences]."
Here, you're not just stating what you want, but you're also introducing a roadmap that demonstrates you've done your research.
Conclusion
Writing your motivation letter can seem daunting at first, but don't forget that it's all about sharing your personal story and making a genuine connection with the reader. Admissions committees are eager to understand who you are, your reasons for studying abroad, and how you envision your future.
Don't forget to take your time, be honest, and highlight your greatest strengths through examples.
Read more:
educations.com Content Team
Author
Our core content team consists of experts in data science and communications who have all studied abroad themselves. Alongside guest writers and other contributors, we craft content we wish we had as students.
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