Hello, the following is my motivation letter for my application in the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for OTM Medicine at Semmelweis University.
Here is the prompt for the letter:
1. Why have you chosen to apply to this programme?
2. Why did you apply to study in Hungary?
3. What do you expect to gain from your studies?
4. Why does your background make you a suitable candidate?
5. How will the programme help you achieve your goals?
6. How does your proposed study relate to a particular development, challenge or need at the global, national, and/or local level?
7. How will you utilize your new skills and qualifications when you return home?
8. What challenges would you expect to encounter while studying in a foreign country, and how could you prepare for these challenges?
The motivation letter goes as follows:
Dear Admissions Committee,
My name is Phalvichet Tang, a Stipendium Hungaricum applicant from Cambodia, applying to the Medicine OTM program at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
In middle school, I was diagnosed with eczema-leaving my palms constantly dry and my nails crinkled. Despite multiple dermatologists' visits and many online remedies, nothing worked. Left feeling helpless, I did my own extensive research on the disease, yet my condition persisted. Through this, I discovered that learning about the human body felt natural and intuitive. I had an easier time understanding how eczema causes itching than the concept behind four-stroke engines.
Becoming a medical doctor is no effortless task. It comes with a hefty cost, both financially and personally. Although financial instability made studying medicine difficult, my determination and strong background in biology and chemistry provide a solid foundation for taking on medicine. Semmelweis curriculum's heavy focus on anatomy and physiology and pathology, strongly resonates with my curiosity for diseases' mechanisms. I am specifically fond of the block-based rotations across departments, which will develop my diagnostic and clinical skills as a practical learner. Furthermore, the 6-year medical program allows for efficient entry to residency, which is crucial because Cambodia urgently needs doctors. Additionally, Semmelweis's English medical program allows for full focus on my studies without having to deal with a language barrier. Notably, Hungary's healthcare system offers a realistic model for Cambodia, likely more achievable than highly developed systems like Western Europe or the US.
I had an unconventional childhood. Growing up far away from my parents was challenging, but it taught me resilience, accountability, adaptability, and independence. Leadership shaped my life, from being class president to leading a business in my school's STEAM fair. I tend to step up and take initiative whenever needed, no matter the occasion. With these, I picked up communication skills and delegated tasks accordingly. One of my proudest achievements was graduating as salutatorian. A feat I achieved by balancing academics, sports, and volunteer work. This is a testament to my dedication and competency in handling a rigorous medical curriculum.
In Cambodia, medical tourism is very much present. People would rather go overseas because Cambodians show reluctance when it comes to advanced treatments. However, this is understandable, as most complex procedures remain unavailable locally. My family faced the same issues when my grandmother needed urgent knee surgery, but local hospitals were unequipped. We ended up going to Malaysia, which ended up escalating the costs. This shows Cambodia's dire need for physicians. Studying at Semmelweis will introduce me to structured clinical training, diagnostic skills that can strengthen Cambodia's limited medical sector. Upon my eventual return, I plan to work at the University of Health Sciences teaching hospital. This is where I aim to apply the practical skills I learnt and share clinical insights, experiences I gained in Hungary with the next generation of doctors.
I know that studying medicine is like running a marathon, not a sprint; it requires long-term planning and sustained effort. Having navigated a demanding curriculum, I aim to apply the same strategies and discover new study methods to both academics and language. By staying organised and by assessing tasks daily I can manage stress effectively. I am eager to experience Hungary firsthand, while keeping regular contact with my family to cope with homesickness.
The knowledge and skills that I acquire in Hungary will allow me to directly address the healthcare problems in Cambodia. My primary goal is to bridge medical progress and ensure that quality healthcare becomes a right rather than a luxury. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Phalvichet Tang
Here is the prompt for the letter:
1. Why have you chosen to apply to this programme?
2. Why did you apply to study in Hungary?
3. What do you expect to gain from your studies?
4. Why does your background make you a suitable candidate?
5. How will the programme help you achieve your goals?
6. How does your proposed study relate to a particular development, challenge or need at the global, national, and/or local level?
7. How will you utilize your new skills and qualifications when you return home?
8. What challenges would you expect to encounter while studying in a foreign country, and how could you prepare for these challenges?
The motivation letter goes as follows:
Dear Admissions Committee,
My name is Phalvichet Tang, a Stipendium Hungaricum applicant from Cambodia, applying to the Medicine OTM program at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
In middle school, I was diagnosed with eczema-leaving my palms constantly dry and my nails crinkled. Despite multiple dermatologists' visits and many online remedies, nothing worked. Left feeling helpless, I did my own extensive research on the disease, yet my condition persisted. Through this, I discovered that learning about the human body felt natural and intuitive. I had an easier time understanding how eczema causes itching than the concept behind four-stroke engines.
Becoming a medical doctor is no effortless task. It comes with a hefty cost, both financially and personally. Although financial instability made studying medicine difficult, my determination and strong background in biology and chemistry provide a solid foundation for taking on medicine. Semmelweis curriculum's heavy focus on anatomy and physiology and pathology, strongly resonates with my curiosity for diseases' mechanisms. I am specifically fond of the block-based rotations across departments, which will develop my diagnostic and clinical skills as a practical learner. Furthermore, the 6-year medical program allows for efficient entry to residency, which is crucial because Cambodia urgently needs doctors. Additionally, Semmelweis's English medical program allows for full focus on my studies without having to deal with a language barrier. Notably, Hungary's healthcare system offers a realistic model for Cambodia, likely more achievable than highly developed systems like Western Europe or the US.
I had an unconventional childhood. Growing up far away from my parents was challenging, but it taught me resilience, accountability, adaptability, and independence. Leadership shaped my life, from being class president to leading a business in my school's STEAM fair. I tend to step up and take initiative whenever needed, no matter the occasion. With these, I picked up communication skills and delegated tasks accordingly. One of my proudest achievements was graduating as salutatorian. A feat I achieved by balancing academics, sports, and volunteer work. This is a testament to my dedication and competency in handling a rigorous medical curriculum.
In Cambodia, medical tourism is very much present. People would rather go overseas because Cambodians show reluctance when it comes to advanced treatments. However, this is understandable, as most complex procedures remain unavailable locally. My family faced the same issues when my grandmother needed urgent knee surgery, but local hospitals were unequipped. We ended up going to Malaysia, which ended up escalating the costs. This shows Cambodia's dire need for physicians. Studying at Semmelweis will introduce me to structured clinical training, diagnostic skills that can strengthen Cambodia's limited medical sector. Upon my eventual return, I plan to work at the University of Health Sciences teaching hospital. This is where I aim to apply the practical skills I learnt and share clinical insights, experiences I gained in Hungary with the next generation of doctors.
I know that studying medicine is like running a marathon, not a sprint; it requires long-term planning and sustained effort. Having navigated a demanding curriculum, I aim to apply the same strategies and discover new study methods to both academics and language. By staying organised and by assessing tasks daily I can manage stress effectively. I am eager to experience Hungary firsthand, while keeping regular contact with my family to cope with homesickness.
The knowledge and skills that I acquire in Hungary will allow me to directly address the healthcare problems in Cambodia. My primary goal is to bridge medical progress and ensure that quality healthcare becomes a right rather than a luxury. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Phalvichet Tang
