Motivation letter

Hi! I'm new here and this is my first post... I hope you can help me! I'm applying for a master's degree in Japanese Studies at Leiden University and I would appreciate some advices about my motivation letter as I'm not a native speaker. The letter should contain about 700-1500 words. Thank you for your attention!!! ^.^

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in applying for a MA Programme in ***** at Leiden University starting Autumn 2011. I have graduated in year 2010 from the Faculty of Oriental Studies of ***** with a dissertation on ********* and got a bachelor degree in Oriental languages and cultures, curriculum in Japanese Language and Culture.

The emphasis of my studies was not only on Japanese language but also on the understanding of ancient and modern Japanese culture through the study of history, literature, art and religion. But I also learned about other diverse topics such as philology and linguistics that I found to be very interesting and exciting, other than very useful for the study of every language. Furthermore the topics in the art exams were wide-ranging, including a module on the Tea Ceremony that analysed not only the ceremony in itself but also the relationship with the ruling class and the influence that had in the economical, social and historical developments of that period. In addition to these subjects, I chose other topics concerning more detailed aspects of Japanese culture, such as a course on the evolution of the Japanese garden, a course about Mingei craft works and Japanese handicrafts, and one about the history and styles of the kimono.

I believe my educational background would enable me to take a strong contribution at the university.

In August 2008 I attended an intensive course lasting three weeks preparing for the JLPT 2 (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) at the Kudan Institute of Japanese Language School in Tokyo. During that period I asked to Kudan Institute to be arranged as an home-stay student and therefore I lived in a Japanese house as a part of that family. It was the first time for both me and my home-stay family being in such a situation and it took a little time to get used to each other but I think that it was the best choice for me: I had to speak Japanese everyday with native speakers and it allowed me to further deepen my knowledge of Japanese language. On the other hand I got to know the habits and lifestyle of a Japanese family and it helped me to better understand Japanese culture and customs. Moreover I was able to let my family understand a little more of Italian culture and customs and I liked very much to compare my experiences with those of my older sister's who went in Canada as an home-stay student for six months.

To complete my studies at the best, I have chosen to apply for this Master at Leiden University for many reasons:

Firstly, Leiden University stands out as the best-equipped institution for the study of Japanese language and culture from a multi-disciplinary standpoint. There is no other academic institution, either in the Netherlands or in the other European countries such as Italy, where as many languages have been taught to such an outstanding degree.

Moreover, between The Netherlands and Japan there have always been uniquely long and close relationships, which is one more reason to continue my studies in Your Country and especially at Leiden University: I know that this University has one of the oldest and most brilliant centres of Japanese Studies in the Western world.

Secondly, I am very interested in the opportunity to study for one year in a Japanese University: I think it is very important and constructive in this field to learn by experience and the best way is to stay a period of time in the country, whereas my previous University doesn't grant this opportunity to many students. It is also great to have the possibility to attend very prestigious Japanese Universities such as the ones with which Leiden University has contact.

Thirdly, another reason for choosing this Master Programme comes from the fact that in the near future I would like to get to know more things regarding, for example, Social Sciences and Politics and International relations. These courses would complete my knowledge about far-East and would be very useful for my future career even if unfortunately until now I did not have the possibility to study such topics at my previous Faculty.

Lastly at Leiden University students carry out their own research and are encouraged to put their own ideas forward. Also this university offers an intellectually exciting learning environment with high academic standards.

If I will get selected for this programme I will have the opportunity to learn from the best and the fact that I will study in an international environment will give me the the privilege to create new relationships with people from different countries.

I am also aware of the kind of dedication and perseverance I will need to have for achieving the best results and I believe my background will qualify me for such Master Programme.

I hope that you will consider my application favourably,