If you dream of studying abroad, this text was written for you. Between the wish to go on an exchange program and the bureaucracies involved, we offer valuable tips to help you save time: perhaps the most important and least known is the production of a Letter of Motivation. You’ve probably never heard of this type of document until you have to produce one. Relax, it’s no biggie: the letter of motivation is merely a personal introduction in writing required by most of the selection committees in teaching institutions.
This type of curriculum, based on “Objective”, must be personalized according to the place where you wish to study, since each one has its own criteria. However, this is just a small adaptation in a “general text”. Before a step by step to the Letter of Motivation, you must first understand that you have to check if you fulfill the pre-requisites of the institution: specific course, academic formation, experience, minimum evaluation in an English test, among other criteria. That done, let’s go on to the most important issue: how to write your proposal, since it must not, as is usual, be left for last.
In other words, don’t write hurriedly or haphazardly. On the contrary, the letter must be well structured, in order to convey your ideas in a well-organized manner, and with time left for you to read, re-read and correct. The most important tip is to write a Letter of Motivation in the literal sense. It is indispensable that you be honest and authentic as to your intentions. Don’t be afraid to show who you are, because – in some institutions – this is exactly what will ensure your scholarship. The evaluator really needs to know why you deserve the opening, what motivates you, when reading and understanding your personality, your passions and your dedication to your aims. The letter mustn’t be formal, but as personal as possible – which doesn’t mean, of course, that you should use informal language.
Here is a second tip: avoid drama and clichés in your text. Think: the evaluator is going to read hundreds of such letters, therefore, their personal character is what will make a difference, and not an adapted text from the internet. Avoid famous phrases, even if it is most tempting to quote William Shakespeare or Jose Saramago – many other letters will use ready-made phrases. Remember: this won’t show an erudite character, it will only be one more among many. So, be objective: it isn’t a monography where you must fill in space, but a short text with a maximum of 250 words.
It doesn’t seem much, does it? But this power of conciseness says a lot about the candidate since it shows focus and self-knowledge. In this case, less is really more. Do not seek perfection, although the spelling is impeccable. Read, re-read, consult dictionaries, but know that grammatical mistakes are tolerated, as long as they don’t interfere with the understanding of the text. They show the candidate’s effort at translation, and tell a lot about the candidate since his work must be compatible with his proficiency grades. Or do you think the evaluator would not notice the discrepancy between your perfect English and your average proficiency grades? See how easy it is? Sincerity, objectivity, and good luck, candidate!
