MOTIVATION LETTER

Dear Representative of ITS International Office,

Hereby I would like to take part for a summer school to Istanbul Aydin University,
Turkey in Delightful Istanbul 2015 Summer School program. First of all, I will briefly introduce
myself. Second, I will explain why I want to go for this program, and then clarify my choice for
the course, and why I am suitable to go.
My name is Asti Rakhmawati, 21 years old and born in Jember on May 1 st 1994. I have
lived in Jember for almost 18 years then after finishing high school I decided to study in
Electrical Engineering of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya, and now I am in the
end of my sixth semester. During the first year, I decided to focus mainly on my studies in order
to successfully adapt to the academic pace. Following this, in the second year of my study
program, I became active member in student associations in my department till third year. I also
actively became committee in many events there.
But now, in the end of my third year, in order to improve my personal skills, I wanted to
face practical challenges and to expand my studies beyond the regular academic curriculum.
Then I have started searching for other options and looking where to go on exchange before I
was admitted to this Delightful Istanbul 2015 Summer School program of Istanbul Aydin
University. The city, Istanbul, drew my attention from the first moment. This unique, once in-alifetime opportunity will be a big advantage and unforgettable experience for me.
Ever since I knew this program, I have no doubt about applying. Firstly, I would like to
experience the different study atmosphere at a foreign university. Going on this summer school
will completely changing the surrounding environment for the short period. But, it will give me a
chance to enhance my personal skills and gain more independence. Staying in a new country will
enable me to become more responsible and open-minded, aware of myself, my strengths and
weaknesses. This way, I am sure I will have the ability to succeed in a new and unknown
environment for my future career.
Secondly, I think it is the best way to improve my English skills. I know I still need to
improve my English ability. The interaction with foreign students, the lessons during class, and
meeting people from all over the world that constantly speaking English, will quickly take my
English skills to a higher level. This is a characteristic that people nowadays highly value. Even
more, for my country Indonesia that will face ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015. An

extra benefit is that I will expand my network of connections by become friends with different
backgrounds.
Finally, I would like to experience the beauty of another country. Turkey will definitely a
good choice. Istanbul, itself is a fascinating city in Turkey. A French poet once said, If one had
but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul. Istanbul, with her natural
beauties and rich history is one of the most attractive towns of the world. From this view point,
of course it will be another great reason to apply for this program.
The course that I will take somehow makes me doubt. Why? Because in my home
university, I am an electrical engineer. And if I want to expand the knowledge, I have to choose
something related to my study such as modelling and control of robots or applied training of fruit
and ready canned food processing. But this program offers course that suit well with my passion
and my dream, which is Globalization and Developing Markets: The case of Turkey course.
Why I want to take this course? Because I have a big dream that sometimes being
underestimated by society. My dream is going back to my hometown, Jember after being
successful in my career outside, to build the city. It is a devotion and my responsibility to
develop this region as I grew there for long period. Learning from a developed country which
can combine its historical and cultural with modernization due to the impact of globalization will
be a valuable and priceless knowledge.
Jember, itself, is a mingling of two dominant cultures. It is impossible to look for cultural
authenticity and determine the direction of their culture. If this problem became the focus of the
government, hence it cannot be denied the possibility that this city will be left behind. And by
learning from Istanbul, Turkey, my wish is, the outcome of this program is, I will understand
what actions made by the government to always following the modernization and globalization
but not leaving their cultures. It will be similar as in Jember, that going to keep looking for the
authenticity of their culture, but also following the modernization and globalization such as
facing AEC 2015.
By now it is probably clear that I really want to join this summer school program. But
why am I the right person to be going on exchange at that destination? To answer that question I
will have to give some insights in who I am and what I do. First of all, I think I will fit quite
well in the Turkish culture. Of course, that is based on the things I have read and heard about the
country. However, I am an ambitious, open-minded and resilient person. I am also a highly
motivated, hardworking student, who is eager for self-development. Besides my study life, I
really enjoy being socially active. I consider this as a great opportunity to develop my social

skills. For example, communicating, working together, organizing several events and
networking. I think it is really important in this dynamic world.
If I get the opportunity to go to Istanbul Aydin University for Delightful Istanbul 2015
Summer School program, I will do everything possible to make the most out of my study abroad.
I will study hard for the course I have chosen and pass them with good grades. I will be a great
ambassador and representative for ITS as I will actively participate in both academic and social
life there.
Lastly, I am really convinced that studying abroad will be simultaneously a great
opportunity and new wonderful experience for me. I believe that the knowledge and experience I
can gain in this program could add value to my personal qualities and skills and will contribute
further to my professional carrier goals.
I would like to thank you in advance for considering my application and I am looking
forward to hearing from you. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and give a further
explanation on my motivation. If there are any questions concerning this letter or another part of
my application, please feel free to contact me.
Surabaya, May, 20th 2015
Best Regards,

Asti Rakhmawati