Regional studies and linguistics - Motivation Letter for Erasmus Mundus programme Euroculture

Motivation Letter

To whom it may concern:
My name is XXX and I hold bachelor's degree in International Relations from University of XXXX. With this letter I would like to take an opportunity to express my interest in studying European master Euroculture: Society, Politics and Culture in a Global Context as an Erasmus exchange student. I consider this program to be a great opportunity for me in pursuing my future studies.

During my studies as a Bachelor of International Relations, European culture, society, citizenship, linguistics and politics was the direction I decided to pursue in my later studies. Coming from a post-soviet country, which is actively working on adopting its policies and political ideals, norms and values to European standards, it was always very important for my studies to focus on Europeanization and its implications. This programme, as it is interdisciplinary, can provide me with an actual theoretical and practical background in European cultural and political studies.

I have had an opportunity to be an intern in The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and although I was assigned to the Department of Asia and The Pacific, I got to have an access to information focusing on Eurointegration through different courses and lectures. It is my goal to continue my work in the MFA of Georgia and pursue a career in research.

Besides, I have a background in Regional studies, the focus of which is eastern Europe and the middle east. I think I have a good foundation for my master's to be even more specific and thorough. However, it is to be mentioned that my long-term goal is to seek the solution to the emerging crippling issues in my country and to take it a step closer to European integration. Evidently, specialists with similar profile are much needed in Georgia and I hope that I will be able to stand alongside them. I do believe your programme is a great addition to the knowledge I have already obtained.

Furthermore, during my bachelor's studies, I have had an opportunity to participate in different conferences, forums and international summer schools, which gave me better practical understanding of the subject I am pursuing. International Summer School on Migration was one of the most influential projects I have had a pleasure to be involved in. The main focus of the programme was to research migration processes in European states, how they affect the countries and the migrants from different religious, racial, ethnic backgrounds and cultural identities. My experience with summer schools also involves the Summer School on Human Rights, which I consider one of the disciplines highly connected to international relations and holding a huge importance for a more in-depth understanding when it comes to history, culture and relationships. During the summer school I was able to conduct a research on European law, after which I took two courses of European Law in my university.

It is to be mentioned, that linguistics is a big part of my academic background. Besides different European languages, I am also focused on learning Asian languages. At present, I am learning Chinese mandarin, that I am planning to study on an advanced level. As The Euroculture programme, specifically The University of Groningen focuses on Trans-Atlantic and European-Asian relations and integration, I am hopeful that I would be able to connect my knowledge on European integration with my interests in Eurasian politics, cultures and languages. Although this connection has always been very important and interesting for me, I was not able to find similar programmes in my own country, that is why Euroculture master is an important source of academic knowledge for me. Additionally, The Master's in Euroculture would allow me to continue my studies not in one narrow specialty, but to develop my future research career with a multidisciplinary approach.

To sum up, I consider myself as someone who is very motivated, inspired and interested, an individual who genuinely seeks the possibilities this master can provide. I am certain that my dedication and curiosity to learn about different European countries, law, institutions, minority rights, conflicts, societies and cultures in global context makes me a great candidate for Euroculture master's programme.

Thank you for considering my application, I am looking forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
XXXX

While this is a relatively strong essay, there are certain parts that could have been strengthened as a part of your motivation for academic studies. In paragraph 3, you mentioned relevant work experience in relation to the masters you wish to pursue. However, you did not really heighten the motivational aspect of this section. What sort of profession exposure did you gain in this department that motivated you gain an interest in masters studies? How did this realization influence your decision?

The background in Regional Studies should have a professional application on your part. It has to reinforce your motivation to seek more understanding of politics, diplomatic relationships, and economics in the region, or at least with the countries that Georgia has diplomatic or bilateral relationships with. Do not gloss over these segments. These are the heavy motivating factors for your decision to pursue higher studies.

You can reduce the reference to your bachelors studies and experiences in this presentation. The motivation needs to be more profession based rather than undergraduate based. While this shows your academic foundation, it does not move your professional training in the related field forward. A masters course requires at least 2 years work experience and you seem to be negating that importance in your presentation.

Thank you! I will improve the points you have mentioned!