Could someone please look at my "Statement of Purpose"?

Hi! I'm applying for a study abroad spot at an Australian university but I've never written a letter like this before, so I was wondering if someone could look over my grammar, and maybe give me some tips on how to improve the letter itself (what to cut and what to add).
I would really appreciate it! 

Statement of Purpose

Dear sir or madam,

with this letter I wish to apply for a study abroad spot at ....... University for the autumn semester, starting September 2009.

I will finish the 4^th year of my law degree at the University of Oslo in May, and wish to use the next semester studying abroad at .......... University. I would describe myself as a positive and outgoing girl. I like to be part of social happenings and other activities, at the moment I'm having a lot of fun putting together a cabaret show at my faculty along with a large group of other students. I also enjoy reading literature on my spare time, and I work part time in a bookshop. I like to challenge myself in both my studies and my personal life, and I think a semester abroad would be both challenging and exiting, in addition to broadening my horizons.

My reasons for choosing ........... are many, I have spent a lot of time looking for information on your webpage, and the courses I have read about is my main reason for applying. I am especially interested in gaining an insight into the legal thinking, doctrines and techniques of the Common Law system, as it is very different from the Civil Law-based system used in Norway, and I feel the best way to learn more about it is to study law in a country where it is used. I am also quite interested in you courses in …....... and …........ I also like the small teaching groups and the international profile of the University. It makes it easier to learn, and to get to know the other students, which is my two main goals for this semester abroad. As for the country itself I have always wanted to come to Australia because of the fantastic nature and animal life, but I have never before had the opportunity because of the long distance from Norway. This made my choice of both country and university easy.

I'm not sure exactly what I want to do after I complete my law degree, but working for a big international corporation advising them on their legal affairs is something that seems really exciting, and I think a semester abroad will help me better understand the differences in law and culture across the world. This knowledge would be essential when working with legal advice in an international firm. A semester at …... would also be a wonderful chance to make friends and meet useful contacts from all over the world, because of the high percentage of international students.

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to your reply.


Yours faithfully,


(Name)