Motivation letter for univserity inside - needs feedback and correction :o)

would be lovely if somebody could give me some feedback and help me with this letter. especially the paragraph about my EU-motivation and my working-experience could get more compact and precise. i'm not that big poet, so the second paragraph could also be revised. thank you very much in advace!

tom


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Dear Mr.xxx

I am currently studying Political Science and History at the University of XXX. I am preparing for my diploma thesis and intend to finish my Studies in Political Science within the next four semesters. I would like to apply for the study abroad partnership program between my Home University and the University of Queensland (February till June 2007, Semester 1) because I feel confident and able to undertake this challenge.

Australia is not only a huge island on the other side of the world, more further it is the first country that I did not experienced as a tourist. After my final exams from school I did a little round-the-world trip. America, Australia and New Zealand were part of it. But Australia was more than only a part. I do not know what it exactly was: the friendly and open-minded people who always had a helping hand when needed, the climate, the atmosphere or the positive native’s attitude. Maybe it was a combination of everything. Since then I knew that this would be the place where I would like to stay for longer. I don’t know if you remember, but in my first semester at University I had visited you and asked about the conditions to go to Australia. Now I’m eligible. Sydney and surroundings, were I had stayed most of the time, were impressive, but I think that a smaller city like Brisbane would fit my interests best. What I have heard from friends, colleagues and relatives who had been to Australia, Brisbane is a charming place to live and study.

Apart from my personal motivation, Australia fits perfectly into my studies of Political Science. Right from the beginning I focused on the European Union combined with the comparison of political systems. From that point of view, Australia is the ideal country to examine the European Union from a different position. To become more precise:

The issues of European Union policies are an often discussed topic within the EU and the USA. But Australia is not that much affected by any European political decisions like the USA or EU member states. On the one hand because of its geographical distance, on the other because of their hardly existing business relations. Therefore it is a perfect neutral place to examine this matter and get a different point of view. Skimming through the course catalogue of the UQ, I have found a lot of interesting courses that would suit my field of interest. “European Political Issues” or “Australian Foreign Policy”, to name only a few, would be very intriguing. As a student of History, Australian history (especially the Aborigines and Australia’s immigration policy) with all their consequences to present day politics would also be an interesting field to enrol for (“Australian Political Institutions” or “Citizenship and Australian Democracy”). The Fakultätsstudienleiter of my Institute, Dr. XXX, supports me with my plans of spending an exchange semester in Brisbane and I am also totally convinced that Brisbane would promote myself, my further academic way and my diploma thesis which will be related to the European Union.

This study abroad program would also go hand in hand with my future career plans. Beside my studies I am working as a PR-Assistant at the XXX where I am responsible for a broad range of activities. Furthermore I am doing an Internship at the “Europäisches Forum Alpbach” (EFA) this summer, where I will be responsible for public relations among other things. At the EFA, influential decision-makers and researchers will discuss current issues related to the future of Europe. This will be an unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge about the EU and extend my abilities in public relations. But my professional goal is to work in an International Organisation like the United Nations after my graduation. An exchange semester in Brisbane would improve my language skills and provide me with a deeper insight into an international life that an exchange semester would definitely bring along.

Discussing all the things that Brisbane could contribute to my personal development, I would also like to tell you how I would represent my country abroad.

Australia is a melting pot of different nations where Austria should not be missing. Growing up in a little village I would describe myself as a typical Tyrolean. My father, a cake shop and café owner, integrated me very early into everyday life through our business. This means that I am used to talk to many people with different backgrounds which influenced my attitude towards people and made me an outgoing person. Although I have been travelling a lot and got to know many people from all over the world, time was always too short to really get to know different cultures. Brisbane as an international meeting point would be best to become aware of the Australian way of life combined with the possibility to pass on my culture – either if it’s baking a Sachertorte or talking about our way of life, history and values.

Bearing all this facts in mind, I would love to go to Australia through spending some time of my studies there. I hope that I will be offered a place and if so, I ensure you that I will do everything to take full advantage of my stay in Brisbane. I am really looking forward to a personal conversation and hope to hear from you soon.


Yours Sincerly,

Me