cover letter for erasmus internship

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7 tips for writing an Erasmus cover letter

Translated by Jake Entwistle — 9 years ago Original text by Juan Álvarez

Blog: Translations blog of Jake in English Tags: Erasmus tips

How to write an Erasmus cover letter?

I'm going to give you some tips as many of you have already emailed asking for help or an example letter. I guess it's because you're all getting everything sorted for next year.

When writing a cover letter, I recommend you do the following:

• Be brief and concise . Remember that the person reading your cover letter will have to read yours as well as hundreds of others. If they have to read more than they need to it will drive them mad. This isn't good. The truth is, they might not even read it, but just in case, you need to make sure it is written well.
• Be polite, but not overly so . Use formal terms, but don't write it as if you were writing Jane Eyre. Try and make it enjoyable to read.
• Make sure it's well structured . It's important to separate each paragraph with a space, and don't write "párrafos mazacote", huge paragraphs that are difficult to read. Also, if you're brave enough, you can write in a more original way, something along the lines of '10 reasons why I think the Erasmus exchange would be a great opportunity', and present it as more of a list. Lists, used a lot in blogs etc., are much easier to read than one long text.
• Don't use the language as the only reason you want to do an Erasmus exchange . Above all, try and focus on how it will help you in the future in terms of employment. For example, I'm sure the university you are going to has something unique to offer, something you can use in the future.
• Try not to make it too emotional . You are not writing to your mum or a friend. Someone you have never met is going to read it, alongside hundreds of others, so to them you are nothing but just another piece of paper. You could be the best person in the world. Or you could be Cruella de Vil incarnate. So don't try and make it too personal. Try to avoid writing things about wanting to go to Paris to see your french girlfriend you met whilst living there last summer.
• The main thing is that you make it clear Erasmus is going to help you in the future . Similar to the previous point, clearly you should speak about how you are going to experience a new culture and how this will be an enriching process etc., but save this for the end. You can talk about, and should emphasise, how the Erasmus exchange will open doors in the working world and give you a unique learning experience. Speak about the opportunity to know more about a completely new education system or if you are working, how you will acquire new skills and even perhaps specialise in these areas.
• Write a concluding statement . Write something short and sweet that summarises everything you have said. This will help make your message clear and make sure it sticks in the reader's head.

Does anyone have a cover letter they have already written? If you like we can post some of them here.

Leave a comment below!

Content available in other languages

• Español: 7 consejos para escribir una carta de motivación Erasmus
• Italiano: 7 consigli per scrivere una lettera di motivazione Erasmus
• Português: 7 conselhos para escrever uma carta de motivação Erasmus
• Polski: 7 porad jak napisać list motywacyjny na erasmusa
• Français: 7 conseils pour rédiger une lettre de motivation Erasmus

Comments (1 comments)

Meave Otis 3 years ago

your tips are very useful i dinnot find the tips of finding the tips or example of writting a Erasmus cover letter. I do not know about the reason but i think a site https://www.bizzlibrary.com/Template/R185Y/senior-finance-professional-covering-letter/ show some content about Erasmus cover letter you must check it out.

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Erasmus cover letter: advice, model & example

Here are our tips for writing a suitable and successful cover letter to try the erasmus programme as part of your studies., our advice for writing your erasmus cover letter.

Taking part in the Erasmus programme is a very rewarding experience as a student. Going to study in another country gives you a sense of freedom and adventure, far from your comfort zone!

But if life as a student abroad is like a daydream, it is essential to get your entry into the Erasmus programme. When you apply for an Erasmus file, if there is a selection of students, for example, it is compulsory to provide a letter of motivation.

To help you write your Erasmus cover letter, we provide you with a sample letter :

Location, the ... . ADDRESS: Phone number / e-mail

SUBSCRIPTION

Subject: ERASMUS APPLICATION

Ma'am, sir,

After inquiring about the opportunities offered to students for further study abroad, I decided to compile an international mobility file. I am very interested and I suggest you examine my application.

Being currently a student in (speciality), I would like to specialise in fields related to the (field). However, it so happens that the University of (place) offers a training course entitled (name) of (level) corresponding to my professional aspirations.

Indeed, this program offers (details of the training). It is therefore a multidisciplinary program that corresponds exactly to my academic profile since I am already a (diploma) holder. This training would thus allow me to reinforce my skills in (specialty), accentuating my success in professional opportunities.

Moreover, the fact that this training is given at the University of (place) is a real chance for me. Indeed, since the beginning of my higher education I have been looking for the opportunity to study a year abroad. I know that this is a considerable advantage on a CV, which will also allow me to integrate more easily into the world of work. Moreover, living in (a) country(ies) for a year will allow me to open up to a different culture, which will also enrich me personally.

Thank you for the attention you will give to my application. Yours sincerely

P.J.: Curriculum Vitae

As you will have understood, a cover letter is also personal and must be adapted to your situation. You must therefore add your own motivations and personal reasons. The Erasmus cover letter should be based on your course of study and the experiences you think you will have on the spot.

Explain how going abroad can be beneficial for you, both personally and academically. Why can an Erasmus year or semester help you in your current course of study?

Don't hesitate to build on the strengths of the country in which you plan to study.

The motivation letter is not always requested in Erasmus for the sole and good reason that many Erasmus student places are not filled and that there are enough places every academic year. However, you will need this letter of motivation if you wish to go to a coveted Erasmus destination (notably the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark...).

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Content for you.

Tips to write your Erasmus motivation letter in 2024

Published by Manuel Herrero on September 28, 2021 September 28, 2021

Writing a motivation letter can be boring and many times you don't know where to start. Here is a common template for all Erasmus students which you can either use directly or as a guide to inspire your own Erasmus motivation letter.

Some main characteristics that a good Erasmus motivation letter has to have are:

Show your personal data

Be polite, concise and brief

Properly structure the charter

Convey the reasons why you want to leave Erasmus

Write a conclusion

Here is an example of an Erasmus motivation letter made by the Erasmus Play team that will surely be of help. You only have to copy and paste, changing the data that appears in 'bold', by the name of your University, your studies, the country you are going to and the language you want to learn.

Example of an Erasmus motivation letter in English

Peter Johnson Brown

C/Laurel 5, 128000

Madrid, Spain

Tlf: XXX XXX XXX

E-mail: [email protected]

International Relations Office

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am aware that the <Universidad Complutense of Madrid> offers its students the possibility of taking the Erasmus+ programme. Aware of the importance of this opportunity, I would like to apply for a scholarship.

I am currently in my < second year of the degree in Business Administration and Management >. Given this situation I believe that this is a good opportunity for me, to grow both personally and professionally.

From a personal point of view, it will allow me to grow and develop, obtaining greater sense of responsibility, thus achieving a higher degree of confidence and maturity than at present.

From the professional point of view, it will allow me to understand different ways of working, to improve and perfect my level of < English >, therefore, improving my Curriculum Vitae, which will allow me to apply for more qualified and high responsible jobs.

Regarding my chosen host country, < England > has prestigious universities, which will help me develop abilities in a pleasant work environment with good educational system. In addition, I will have the opportunity to interact with native students and students from other cultures, which will help me to improve my English.

Finally, I think that doing the Erasmus plus programme will give me a broader sense of what Europe stands for and what it means to be a European citizen.

Yours sincerely,

< Peter Brown >

Manuel Herrero

Former Erasmus+ student, now ErasmusPlay CTO and Co-founder.

Anne · December 1, 2020 at 7:32 am

This article is very interesting. 😉 It has helped me to write my Erasmus motivation letter.

Concha · March 1, 2023 at 8:57 am

A European , not an European.

Learning Agreement - Erasmus+ Programme ErasmusPlay · May 19, 2020 at 3:19 pm

[…] addition to the Learning Agreement, an Erasmus Motivation Letter must be written too, this is compulsory in most cases. Erasmus Play team has prepared a model […]

Homepage · November 26, 2020 at 5:41 pm

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How to Write Your Erasmus+ Motivation Letter

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What is an Erasmus Letter of Intent/Motivation Letter?

An Erasmus+ letter of intent (or motivation letter) is a document that's created between a prospective student and education or learning facility abroad and contains important details of the agreement.

What to Include In Yours

You should always demonstrate that you share the organisation (where you wish to conduct your mobility’s) values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or use personal examples. Be specific. Your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to do your mobility with them!

What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Intent/Motivation Letter?

The difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter is that a cover letter gives specific examples of how your job experience and skills match the opening you're applying for. A motivation letter, on the other hand, focuses more on your personality, interests and motives for applying. Your cover letter should be no more than one page long.

How to Get Started With Your Motivation Letter

Writing a motivation letter can be challenging, and perhaps you don’t know where to start? Here’s a basic template for all Erasmus+ students that you can either use in its entirety or as a guide to inspire your own Erasmus+ motivation letter layout.

Some of the key points that a good Erasmus+ motivation letter should cover are as follows:

• Include your personal information.
• Be polite, concise and brief.
• Properly structure your letter.
• Convey the reasons why you want to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility.
• Summarise at the end of your letter with a brief conclusion.

Make sure to offer thanks for the organisation’s time and consideration and choose a professional closing salutation such as,  “ Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “Thank you for your consideration.” Avoid overly familiar phrases like, “Yours,” “Cheers” or “Take Care.”

For more help with Erasmus+ or letters of intent, do get in touch and we’ll do our best to assist.

What will an Erasmus+/Turing Scheme Experience Actually be Useful For?

7 most beneficial things gained through erasmus+ or turing programmes, what is an erasmus+ exploitation plan.

Sample cover letter for Internship position at erasmus

Dear Sir or Madam,

Let me introduce my self, my name is Lena Mauer, age 21, studying (course of study) with a focus on (major). Currently I am in my 4 th semester of the Bachelor of Arts program at the  (name of school/university) in (city).

The obligatory internship abroad enables me to link my theoretical knowledge with some practical experiences and provides me with important soft skills. That is the reason why I apply for the ERASMUS program.

This summer I will complete the internship at the marketing department of (company)in (city). (company) is a worldwide operating, stock listed company, which develops, produces and markets diagnostic and life-supporting devices for hospitals and rescue services.

During an internship in the summer 2010 at the project management office of the (name) I got in contact with the products of XX and gained an insight in their working enviroment.

Thereupon I decided to apply for an internship at Ambu, due to their internationality, a unique business culture and their status as a market leader for anesthetics equipment.

My participation in the (project) of the (name) as the head of marketing and the interesting lectures and business insights I gained during my studies, have aroused my interest in marketing.

From the work in the marketing department I expect a deeper understanding of the different marketing tools, market analysis and the implementation of variable marketing processes as well as getting to know a foreign working culture.

Living and working in a spanish speaking country seems to be a challenging opportunity for me, in order to develop not only my language skills but also my personality and working horizon. The working culture in Germany and Spain varies in many aspects and the work abroad will help me to learn more about coping with different cultures and emphazise the international direction of my study.

In order to make the best experience out of my stay abroad, I am applying for the xx. Its financial support as well as the honor to be a selected student, will help me to achieve my goals abroad in the best possible way and it also enables me to experience all of the spanish culture. I am personally convinced that I will complete a successful internship not only due to my open-minded attitude towards new environments but also because of my focused way of working.

I will be very thankful, if I receive an xx grant for the internship abroad.

Thank you for considering my application.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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Traineeships abroad for students

Erasmus+ supports traineeships (work placements, internships) abroad at any workplace for students currently enrolled in higher education institutions in Programme Countries at short-cycle Bachelor and Master level as well as for doctoral candidates. These opportunities are also open to recent graduates.

By doing a traineeship abroad, you can greatly improve your knowledge, skills and competences that employers are looking for. Also, one in ten of Erasmus+ trainees have created their own company!

Where to look

The Erasmus Intern Traineeship Portal , developed by the Erasmus Student Network, can help you find Erasmus+ traineeships opportunities from companies.

How to apply

You can also apply through the international or Erasmus+ office of your higher education institution.

Good to know

Access to Erasmus+ Online Language Support will help you learn the language used at your workplace.

Benefits for students and recent graduates

• develop entrepreneurial and creative skills highly valued by future employers
• improve foreign language skills, interpersonal and inter-cultural teamwork skills
• gain a deeper understanding of another country and culture

Benefits for companies

• a trainee can provide a new international perspective, innovative ideas and active support
• a trainee brings fresh enthusiasm and increased competitiveness and innovation
• getting trainees' insights into their home culture can open doors to new markets and expand the business
• enhance competences at the company: the trainee learns from employees, but employees can also learn from an international trainee through interaction with different languages and up-to-date IT skills

Companies can post their traineeships offers on the Erasmus Intern Traineeship Portal .

Traineeships abroad can receive Erasmus+ support from 2 to 12 months.

Students and recent graduates can also do a blended mobility, which means combining a short physical stay abroad (between 5 and 30 days) with a virtual period.

Trainees can also combine an Erasmus+ traineeship with a study period abroad .

Erasmus+ traineeships are open to any student enrolled in a higher education institution holding an Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education .

The traineeship must be relevant for the degree-related learning and personal development needs and, wherever possible, be integrated in the study programme.

A traineeship can take place at any organisation located anywhere in the world (with the exception of EU institutions, bodies and agencies).

Financial support

Erasmus+ grant levels are published in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide .

Find out more

Make sure you know your rights and obligations when you study or do a traineeship abroad.

Students with further questions about taking part in Erasmus+ should check the frequently asked questions before contacting their institution or their National Agencies for Erasmus+ Programme countries .

You can also download a guide on blended mobility , detailing how higher education institutions can organise blended mobility opportunities for students and staff.

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If you need to ask a question, please contact Europe direct .

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter for an Internship (Plus, an Example!)

As a student, you don’t have a lot of time in the day that isn’t already eaten up by classes, problem sets, essays, extracurriculars, sports, hackathons, research, dance performances…the list goes on. Applying for any kind of job is time consuming (not to mention nerve-racking), so when you see a job posting where the cover letter is optional, you might be tempted to skip it. Not so fast!

If you’re looking at internships , it probably means you don’t have a ton of work experience to set you apart from other candidates. Or perhaps you do have some experience, but it’s not the most relevant or as obviously related. The cover letter is exactly the place for you to make a case for yourself. This is where you can connect the dots for the recruiter and tell the story that your resume can’t on its own. (How does competitive ballroom dancing connect with being a management consultant?) And, if nothing else, it’s a chance to get across your excitement.

While it can certainly help to check out some general cover letter tips and read through some examples , here are some specific pointers on how to make the most of a cover letter for an internship.

1. Make It All About the Company

Step one is to introduce yourself and why you’re interested in this particular internship. As a student, you’ll probably instinctively want to write about all the things you’re excited to learn on the job. Including some of that is fine, but remember that applying for an internship at a company isn’t the same as applying for college. Companies are more invested in what you have to offer them than what they have to offer you . Or, put more bluntly, they have no reason to care about you yet. You have to give them one.

A better way to show your enthusiasm is to be specific about why you’re interested in this company. What makes it special? Is their product one of a kind or solving an important problem in a unique way? Are they working toward a particular mission that resonates with you?

Avoid being impressed in a generic way. If you can say the same thing about another company then you’re not being specific enough. In other words, don’t say: “I’m impressed that Company X is a market leader in clean-tech.” Instead, say: “Company X’s unique approach to removing plastic pollution from the ocean by using currents and robotic traps is fascinating.”

It can feel a little weird to be too fawning, but it’s fine in small doses. After all, companies have internships because they are trying to create a recruiting pipeline, so letting them know you’re a fan of their work or at least very interested in the industry is a good idea. You want them to know that you’re worth training and investing in—that you’re going to stick around.

2. Mention Relevant Projects, Extracurriculars, and Classes

In a typical cover letter, the next step would be to write about all your relevant experience. But perhaps this internship you’re applying for is the relevant experience you’re hoping you can write about one day. So what do you write about today?

It’s okay to have no directly relevant work experience . The next best thing is to choose two examples of things you’ve done that are as closely related to the role as possible and then to go into detail about the parts of the work that are most relevant. You’re trying to tell a story and you want the reader to understand that the next logical step in it is the exact internship you’re applying for. You want to give the reader an “It all makes sense!” moment.

Ideally, you’re choosing things that aren’t too far off from professional experience, like an independent project where you can show off some technical skills, or leadership experience in a student organization to get across those all-important soft skills. Experiences with a competitive element to them are great, too—think hackathons and case competitions.

If you must, you can mention coursework as well. In general, though, recruiters and hiring managers are less excited about projects where a clear solution already exists. There are always exceptions, of course. Class projects that are more creative and don’t involve a clean, preset answer might also be a good option.

3. Stitch Together Your Skills

Of course, there’s always the possibility that nothing you’ve done feels relevant. That’s fine, too. Everyone has to start somewhere! If you really can’t find any related work to write about, choose three experiences you feel comfortable talking about and then pick and choose the parts that illustrate the skills you bring to the table.

For example, if you worked a part-time job in high school as a lifeguard, you can write about how you were known for being reliable, how you’d always pick up other people’s shifts when they were out, and how great you were at being vigilant when you were on duty. You can write about the courses you’ve taken to showcase your interest in a particular subject area. Maybe they were quite advanced for a sophomore. That’d be worth mentioning to show not only your subject-matter interest, but also your ambition and ability to learn quickly. And if you served as an executive board member of a cultural group, you could write about your communication skills and how detail-oriented you needed to be to pull off a big show.

You might not have any professional work experience, but anyone recruiting interns will be interested in someone who is reliable, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and a good communicator. Throw in that you’re a fast learner who has taken a few relevant classes and you’ll have a fair shot.

4. Don’t Apologize

So that’s all the stuff you should do. Here’s something you shouldn’t. Don’t apologize for your lack of experience. Don’t write, “Even though I’m only a freshman…” or “Despite my limited experience in fundraising…” This is one of the most common mistakes students make in their cover letters.

Instead, write something like, “I’m excited to bring my coursework alive by doing hands-on work in…” or “I’m looking forward to parlaying my campus event planning experience to fundraising for…” Basically, instead of homing in on your weaknesses, you want to highlight your strengths. You get to pick what to focus on, so choose wisely.

It can be tough to write from the perspective of what you have to offer a company when you don’t feel like you have very much work experience to lean on, especially when many of the applications you’ve worked on in the past (read: college applications) have been so focused on what you might have to gain from a particular experience. One way to increase your chances of getting a great internship is to think about the application process as more of a pitch. You’re not just applying, you’re pitching yourself, so submit a nice and tidy letter (make sure you edit it and catch any typos!) and keep it positive.

Create your Europass Cover Letter

Europass helps you to develop a structured, consistent and professional cover letter guiding you through each step. You can create new cover letters or edit existing ones using the Europass tool to create and edit cover letters.

How does Europass help?

Europass will guide you step by step through the process to help you create a good cover letter with all the essential information. You can create, store and share cover letters in 31 languages , choose from different templates to customise your application and share them easily from your Europass Library . 

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How to write a good cover letter

A cover letter should highlight your motivation to apply for a specific job or opportunity, and demonstrate why you consider yourself to be the best candidate. Your cover letter should refer to particular examples in your CV and describe why these are relevant for the job vacancy you are applying for.

Read carefully

Read the vacancy notice carefully and highlight the skills that relate to the requirements of the position in your cover letter.

Use keywords

Use the keywords when you list your soft skills as mentioned on the vacancy notice (punctual, organised, team-player and so on).

Have short and clear paragraphs that show different aspects clearly.

Get to know the employer

Take time to research the employer to gain valuable insights into the culture of their organisation and make references in your cover letter to one or two key points.

Keep it short

You cover letter should not be longer than one page.

• First paragraph - why you are motivated to apply for the position,
• Second paragraph - how you are the most suitable candidate for the position, and
• Third Paragraph - why the company is a good match for you.

Use formal tone

Use a formal, polite tone and make sure there are no spelling mistakes.

Use simple fonts

Use simple non-decorative font styles, normal font-sizes (11-12) and optimal spacing (1 or 1.5).

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• Admission Motivation Letter Template

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Free Sample Motivation Letter Template for Erasmus

Hi Guys! Today we will share with you numerous formats of a letter to motivation for Erasmus in HD quality. As we know that motivation letter is the most essential document that is compulsory while applying for scholarships, university, job, etc. So it is helpful for an aspirant and of course people searching for a job. As you are very well aware of Erasmus (or European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is a student exchange program organized by the European Union. This prestigious student exchange program gives an opportunity for students to study in their dream colleges abroad and get the best education and job opportunities after getting their degree.

So many students from across Europe qualifying the eligibility criteria apply for the scholarship. This educational program offers many scholarship programs from time to time so it is very useful for meritorious students who cannot afford their education to get their degree.

Therefore if you are willing to apply for this program you must provide a strong CV along with a motivation letter. So if you are looking for a good motivation letter for the Erasmus program you can find here the best examples in a printable and editable format.

Motivation Letter Erasmus Example

Erasmus is a prestigious and reputed student exchange program conducted by the European Union. Hence it is necessary that you provide a well-worded motivation letter along with your CV or resume. A motivation letter will let will let the institution know about your academic achievements and if you meet the criteria for being awarded the scholarship. This will open new opportunities for you and allow you to study in top colleges abroad and experience multi-cultural diversity.

Hence if you think you fulfill all the criteria and want to apply for the scholarship, then you can take help of the Erasmus Motivation letter we have provided here. These can be edited and printed so you can use these to apply for the scholarship.

Motivation Letter For Erasmus Internship

The Erasmus consists of various programs to provide the best education and on-the-job training to deserving candidates. The Erasmus internship program provides opportunities to the students to do internships in a wide range of fields. So if you want to apply for Erasmus Internship program you must provide a motivation letter along with your CV to describe to your employer why you are best suited for the internship.

So if you are searching for an example for a motivation letter for Erasmus internship you can be able to find the finest illustrations here in a professional format. These templates can be downloaded and printed so you can use these to create a strong motivation letter and apply to your dream internship.

Letter of Motivation Erasmus University

The Erasmus University is situated in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It is a highly reputed university offering a wide variety of courses and degrees. Hence providing a motivation letter while applying to the college is a must and will increase your chances of securing admission to the college. Since the letter of motivation is an official document it must follow a proper structure and must be written in a formal language.

Hence if you want to apply to Erasmus University you can download and print from here the motivation letter for Erasmus University in various templates. These can be uploaded and printed so you will be able to take ideas from it to create your own motivation letter.

Motivation Letter For Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus is an integrated international study program which is very prestigious. So if you are willing to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, you must fulfill certain criteria which areas set by the institutions. While applying for any scholarship, care must be taken to apply with a strong motivation letter which is a formal document describing all your academic strengths and competency.

Over here we have submitted you along with the best examples of Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in Professional format . These can be uploaded and printed so you can use these to understand how to write your motivation letter.

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Motivation letter for Erasmus Internship

In this article we bring you a genuine example of Motivation letter for Erasmus Internship. This is a letter written by the undergrad student in mechanical engineering to inquire on possibilities to complete an Erasmus summer internship program. As Erasmus programs of student exchange became quite popular in recent years, we believe that many of you will find this motivation letter sample very useful. We wish you a lot of success in your application.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am an undergraduate student at the department of mechanical engineering of Munich Technical University in Germany. I am perusing my bachelor degree with double major, so I am also studying electrical engineering. With this motivation letter I would like to express my interest and motivation in doing a traineeship at Catalonia Polytechnic University in the Institute of Industrial and Control Engineering as an Erasmus student for this summer.

At Munich Technical University, I got 1.6 GPA in 200 ECTSs in mechanical engineering and 2.1/4 GPA in 20 ECTS in electrical and electronic engineering. This makes me among best 5 % students within department of mechanical engineering.

As especially interesting subject during my studies I would like to point out the System Dynamics and Control course I have attended during last semester.  The course has given me a solid theoretical background in control engineering and made me eager to improve my skills in this particular scientific field.  I think that Catalonia Polytechnic University is an excellent environment for reaching this goal. Therefore I would like to do summer internship, for which I believe it can help me to learn something new and broaden my skill set.

With this letter I would also like to express my intention to apply for this internship within Erasmus program. Thanks to the special cooperation agreement my current University has with Catalonia Polytechnic University I think this will not be a problem.

I believe that I am a quick learner, and I don’t give up easily when faced with difficult challenges. I like to think of myself as a cool-headed person who can keep his wits about him under pressure.

I have enclosed my resume and transcript of grades for your kind consideration, and I look forward to meeting with you and discussing my application in more detail if you believe that I am qualified for the internship program.

Yours faithfully,

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Cover Letters for Summer Schools, Internships, Placements, Erasmus, PhD / MA / Postdoc Programs

• First Online: 27 February 2016

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Wallwork, A. (2016). Cover Letters for Summer Schools, Internships, Placements, Erasmus, PhD / MA / Postdoc Programs. In: English for Academic Correspondence . English for Academic Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26435-6_7

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Sample Documents

While contacting first time with the companies, we suggest you to write a short e-mail stating your intention and attach to this e-mail two important documents about yourself. These documents are a cover letter and a CV.

You may find examples for these documents below. However, don’t limit yourself with these documents and search on internet for a variety of examples for them.

After receiving a positive answer from the company that you have applied, you will ask them to send an acceptance letter which  is supposed to be attached in your Erasmus Application file. If your company does not have a template, you may send acceptance letter sample in your later correspondances to give them an idea.

Cover Letter (Letter of Intent)

Europass CV Template : Europass CV is the widely accepted CV template through Europe. However, you may also use other CV formats while corresponding with the companies.

Acceptance Letter : should be on letterhead stationery and signed and stamped by the representative of the company / organization / institution.

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This subreddit shall help connect erasmus students to exchange and share valuable information before and during their trips to their respective universities, as well as provide a platform for meeting people from your exchange campuses.

Should I put this in my Erasmus Internship cover letter?

Hi! Quick background: I'm planning to do an internship through Erasmus programme. I'm an upcoming math graduate and interested in an internship in the IT sector.

I'm not sure whether or not should I put into the cover letter that the Erasmus programme will provide financial support for me?

On one hand, I would like to get a paid internship if possible. On the other hand, I'm worried that companies will dismiss my applications because I'm a foreign student, and I'll have greater chances of securing a job if I mention that the company doesn't have to pay me.

Any tips? Thanks in advance!

Sample cover letter for Internship position at erasmus

Dear Sir or Madam,

Let me introduce my self, my name is Lena Mauer, age 21, studying (course of study) with a focus on (major). Currently I am in my 4 th semester of the Bachelor of Arts program at the  (name of school/university) in (city).

The obligatory internship abroad enables me to link my theoretical knowledge with some practical experiences and provides me with important soft skills. That is the reason why I apply for the ERASMUS program.

This summer I will complete the internship at the marketing department of (company)in (city). (company) is a worldwide operating, stock listed company, which develops, produces and markets diagnostic and life-supporting devices for hospitals and rescue services.

During an internship in the summer 2010 at the project management office of the (name) I got in contact with the products of XX and gained an insight in their working enviroment.

Thereupon I decided to apply for an internship at Ambu, due to their internationality, a unique business culture and their status as a market leader for anesthetics equipment.

My participation in the (project) of the (name) as the head of marketing and the interesting lectures and business insights I gained during my studies, have aroused my interest in marketing.

From the work in the marketing department I expect a deeper understanding of the different marketing tools, market analysis and the implementation of variable marketing processes as well as getting to know a foreign working culture.

Living and working in a spanish speaking country seems to be a challenging opportunity for me, in order to develop not only my language skills but also my personality and working horizon. The working culture in Germany and Spain varies in many aspects and the work abroad will help me to learn more about coping with different cultures and emphazise the international direction of my study.

In order to make the best experience out of my stay abroad, I am applying for the xx. Its financial support as well as the honor to be a selected student, will help me to achieve my goals abroad in the best possible way and it also enables me to experience all of the spanish culture. I am personally convinced that I will complete a successful internship not only due to my open-minded attitude towards new environments but also because of my focused way of working.

I will be very thankful, if I receive an xx grant for the internship abroad.

Thank you for considering my application.