Motivation Letter for European Volunteer Service - ESV

I tried to write a motivational letter to apply to European Volunteer Service - ESV but I really need someone who kindly help me.
Would you please read if it works, and maybe give me some advice on how to improve it?
Do you think it is too long for a motivation letters that is generally requested to be one page long?
Thank you in advance for your support.
Giulia

Dear Ms ***
I am Giulia, a 28 year old Italian living in Verona. With this letter I would like to apply for the participation as a volunteer in ***. I have found your program in the database and I hope it is still activated. I loved the opportunity to volunteer for an EVS project at first sight, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it. I think that to participate in a social work, in a project like this, is the best way to do something that really fits to me. I feel the need to grow as persons enriching my culture, language and learning from people that are working right in what I’m interested in. Moreover, the opportunity of a EVS project in Europe will provide me with a huge opportunity of having international exposure and multicultural perspective.

In March 2008 I obtained a master degree *** at ***, after a first degree in ***.I love everything about communication, especially related to visual, like photography and film making.

I attended a Photojournalism course at ***, during my Erasmus program. In this period I made a photo reportage on an ecological disaster. Some of my photos were used as part of a university photo exhibition around Spain. At the same time I developed my interest in video. In January 2005 I cooperated with a group making a brief video reportage on Porto Alegre World Social Forum. From December 2006 to June 2007 I attended a laboratory on participatory video and the resulting video is the film “Bologna integra?”, produced with the cooperation of some refugees living in Bologna. Participatory Video is a set of techniques used to involve a group or community creating their own film. The idea behind this is that this process can be very empowering, enabling a group or community to take their own action to solve their own problems, and also to communicate their needs and ideas to decision-makers or other groups and communities. As such, it can be a effective tool to engage and mobilize marginalized people and it could also be effectively used in anthropological research.

I have as well a high interest in organizing events, especially cultural events. Aside from university, I work in a group that organizes social and cultural events in ***. In June 2006 we organized a fund raising event and a photo exhibition for a non-profit organization; in October 2008 we took part in the organization of a project conceived as a laboratory of conservatory and academy students and directed to involve citizenship in musical events; I also have some experience in projects and budgets: in 2007, with a group of people, I wrote and presented a social communication project for a ministerial competition.

I am particularly interested in the project, because my aim is to work in an international field related to film making and I want to know much more. I’m sure I can learn to much from you and I hope to give my little contribute also. More specifically I have become much more interested in visual anthropology, after visiting a friend in India. She is doing PhD in visual anthropology and introduced me to an association that works in *** organizing screenings and debates and hosting documentary festivals like ***. This opportunity would mean a great deal for my professional and personal growth. I am a highly motivated, tolerant and dynamic individual with outstanding communication and organization skills.

During my time as a student I obtained experience in working with a wide variety of people. I have been a waitress, a bar maiden, a English-Spanish-Italian fair interpreter and an airhostess. I enjoy working with people and know how to deal with conflicts that may arise. I can adjust easily to fit into any work environment and have no problem working as part of a group. I can also function individually by taking the initiative and the responsibility to accomplish my tasks on my own. I can perform equally good in any environment and cope effectively the stress of reaching a deadline. I am quick to adapt to new situations and enjoy challenges in my work.

My other activities and interests include listening to music, watching movies and spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy sports especially kayaking and snowboarding. Reading is also an important part life.

I am eager to new challenges and ways to improve myself. I am ready to learn and I would be very grateful if you would give me a chance to contribute to this project.

I thank you for your time spent reading this letter and I hope for a positive response.
If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail.

Looking forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely
***