Erasmus Motivation Letter Social Work

I would greatly appreciate any feedback given! THANK YOU!!

Dear University of Lisbon Committee
With this letter I would like to express my interest in applying to the two year Masters of Social Work with Families and Children program for Fall 2013.
I would like to start off by introducing my interests and myself. My name is XX I am currently finishing my Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Women Gender Studies at the University XX. I am on my final year of my bachelor’s degree and anticipate graduating in May 2013. After graduation I plan to continue my education by going to graduate school and fulfilling my dream of becoming a social worker. Through theoretical and practical work I feel as though I have gained quite a bit of knowledge in social work.
This past year I have been a research assistant for my University’s Community Psychology lab, where I would conduct research and interviews for families who were involved with social services and were at risk for their children being taken away due to child neglect, abuse, or monetary means. By working first hand with families I was exposed to many different types of families and learned that each situation needs to be treated differently. My passion for social work grew the more I became involved with working with families and children first-hand.
From July to November 2012 I was accepted into” The Learning for Sustainability Community Engagement Program” at the University of X, South Africa. This course was taught at a local primary school situated in the rural area at Lynedoch eco-village. The majority of students who attend this school are from backgrounds of abject poverty and their lives are often characterized by impaired bio-psycho-social well-being. I taught fourth grade twice a week and my lessons revolved around children’s rights. Being a student teacher at this school instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and listening skills that I believe helped me realize that a career in social work is what I am passionate about.
While researching different master programs, I was delighted to find the Erasmus program had every aspect in a masters program that I had hoped for. This program offers students the mobility to spend four semesters in four different countries. I believe that this is a one in a lifetime opportunity that I cannot afford to pass up. This program will not only prepare students to excel as social workers but also give them the gift of becoming more culturally aware of other countries and people and give the students a new perspective.
I have continuously aimed to specialize in children and families through my studies of research and could not imagine a field that would fit me better. Given my past history of eagerness to experience working with families first-hand I am confident that I will bring a high level of energy and enthusiasm to this program. Through both my academic and practical knowledge I feel as though I am able to exceed what is expected of me as an Erasmus student.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm Regards,