Letter of motivation for studying abroad

Hey everybody,
I would like to study one semester abroad in the US and therefore I have to apply for it and send a letter of motivation to the foreign university. Because I think my English is not the best I thought maybe someone here can help me with my letter.
I'd be very glad if somebody could read my letter and give me some feedback about it.
Thank you very much in advance.

Letter of motivation: studying one semester abroad in xxx xxx, USA

Dear Sir or Madam,

herewith I apply for a place at the xxx xxx State University to spend the fall semester in 2009 at it.

My name is xxx xxx, I‘m a 24 year-old student from xxx, Germany. Currently I‘m studying computer science in media in the sixth semester at the „xxx xxx University“ in xxx, Germany. The focus of my studies is on computer science, media, economy and design. My seventh semester will be the study abroad semester.

Before I began my studies in xxx I successfully completed an three-year apprenticeship as an IT application specialist at a small enterprise in xxx. After my apprenticeship I decided to improve my learned skills and knowledge by studying computer science in media.

Because my future field of work will probably be in an international operating enterprise I think it‘s pretty important to have a lot of experience of life, language skills and a strong personality. These are a few reasons why I think it‘s important to study one semester abroad to learn about all these things.

xxx xxx has it‘s own culture, identity and way of life which are totally different from the German respectively European culture. To get in contact with a lot of different people and their culture and get to know and experience them personally are very important stages to develop your personality and broaden your horizons. Therefore xxx xxx will be a great opportunity to develop my personality, get in contact with many interesting people, experience their way of life and in addition to improve my English.

But what made me choose the xxx xxx State University? By comparison of many foreign universities around the world I was surprised and immediately convinced by the broad range of courses offered by the xxSU. The fact that your university is a partner of the „xxx xxx University“ in Germany was important for choosing it too. Another reason are the very good reports of several fellow students of mine which confirmed my decision. Additionally it has always been a dream of mine to visit xxx xxx one day.

I would be very thankful if you give me the opportunity to spend one semester at the xxx xxx State University and want to thank you very much in advance for your help .

Yours faithfully,

xxx xxx