Motivation Letter for bachelor degree

Hello Everyone!
This is a motivation letter I'm going to apply for a bachelor degree.
I'd be glad to get your assistance and hear every comment or suggestion that can improve the letter.
Thanks,
Eyal.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby apply to the Computer Science program at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
First, I will start with some background information about myself and later on explain why I would like to study in Amsterdam in general, and in the Computer Science department at the VU in particular. I am 25 years old from Hadera, Israel. Immediately after graduating high school I was recruited to the intelligence wing of the IDF, the Israeli army, for my compulsory military service. My compulsory service was for a period of three years, yet I decided to extend my contract for additional six months.

Ever since I remember myself, I've been drawn to technology and innovation, and have learned developing and programming languages. Up until my high school graduation I was sure I was going to study a field related to computers, but after 3.5 years in the army I thought I should try another direction. I started studying economics and political sciences in The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. However, the only course I really liked was an elective course in Python programming.

I became familiar with the VU through friends who study there. I heard very complimenting reviews from students about the structure of the computer science program and the level of the professors. I also had the chance to walk around the campus and was very impressed by its infrastructures. Furthermore, I browsed through the Internet to receive more information about the university and I realized the VU has a dignified reputation and employs distinguished professors. Additionally, I learned that it has one of the leading Computer Science programs in the Netherlands.

During the past three years I had a Dutch girlfriend, therefore I visited the Netherlands and especially Amsterdam quite often. I was enchanted by the Dutch culture and customs, the urban vibe in Amsterdam and the stunning beauty of the Dutch countryside. As a result of my increasing interest and fondness to the Netherlands, I decided to deepen my affiliation to the Dutch culture and began studying the Dutch language by myself through the Internet and books.

Studying abroad is an unusual and very unique experience. I wish to receive the chance to study and associate with international students from all over the world and broaden my horizons. Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of the most diverse and international cities in the world. Moreover, the computer science program of the VU is one of the best in the Netherlands. Hence, I believe that intertwining these two aspirations would get the best out of me.

In the future, I would prefer to focus on helping people improve their lives through cutting-edge technology, rather than using technology for mere entertainment. For example, creating elder-oriented applications that will enable elders to manage their lives more easily, devising apparatuses for people with physical disabilities and so on. My goal is to acquire these tools for deepening my knowledge and achieving these goals with the VU.

Thank you very much for your time and considering my application.

Sincerely Yours,
Eyal Cohen.