A thank you letter for a scholarship, not very formal

Hi everyone.
I have to write a short letter as an assessment of a field research in Nepal. It should say why this field research has been so importan for me, etc.
I found myself to have difficulties with the tenses in English- it has been long time, since I have learned them and now I find some difficulties with combining present simple and perfect, and then past simple or present perfect- a big mix!
I would be grateful if you can have a look and correct some of my grammar or spelling where needed.
Thank you very much!!

Dear Madame, Dear Sir,



I am very glad to be at the point to assess my field research experience in ......., Nepal and to thank you for the chance you have given me, by granting me with a........ scholarship.



Since I started the Master Program “......." my wish to work in the field of development and international cooperation has been growing stronger and firmer.

During my Master studies I could enjoy friendly, international academic environment where I was able to gather both professional and personal experiences. I, however, was lacking the practical knowledge, so important for my future career.



Talking about the numerous problems in the developing world, stating statistical data and preparing presentations is one, but for me now, it is all worthless until a person experiences it himself/herself. This is what has happened with me, and this is why I say “Thank you”.



The topic of my Master thesis is “...........”. I started reading about the theme of my work four months before my trip to Nepal and I was convinced in my theoretical knowledge. Shortly after I arrived in ......, however, my world turned around. I have never been in a developing country before and what I have seen and lived through during my filed research in Nepal is an experience for life. Suddenly, all statistical numbers and percentages have acquired a real form and meaning to me, and words like: poverty, disaster, risk and vulnerability have turned into vivid and dramatic images.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the poorest in South-East Asia. More than 77 % of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$ 2 per day, and some 55 % survives on less than US$ 1.25 per day. Nevertheless, I could hardly realize the meaning of these, before I saw it myself.



Without the financial support of ....I would have not been able to afford myself the field research in Nepal. I would have most probably written paper-based master thesis and I would have graduated the master program on a theoretical base.

But to me, it is this unforgettable practical experience that matters; it is the chance to see, feel and realize situations and conditions I have never witnessed before; it is the chance to really understand what developing world means; to observe and analyze the obstacles and constrains of this world towards development and to search for solutions and opportunities.



Thanks to ..... and the its MSc field research scholarship, I believe, I have become not only a better specialist but a better person, too

Now, I am convinced that I have found the field of work that fits me well, and I am keen to embrace the new challenges in my professional and personal life.