Dear Mr. or Ms.,

My dream is to explore the world and its beautiful creations, from nature to man-made landmarks. I wish to help foster the globalization process by engaging with another culture across the globe. I have the wonderful opportunity to study for a semester on exchange in Sydney, Australia, and I am putting everything that I have into arranging resources to make this the trip of a lifetime. No student should be forced to manage through the financial burdens of their desire to travel and learn abroad. Will you help me get the most I can out of my trip?

As a student interested in a career surrounding Human Resources or Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Organizational Behaviour), the chance to experience living and learning from a new persepctive will contribute to my expertise as a practicioner in my chosen field. In a professional setting, it will be extremely beneficial to apply more developed skills in problem solving, communication, critical thinking, team work, and many more. Indulging in the customs of a different part in the world will bring new insights and self-awareness to help me shape my own values, as a professional and as a person.

Further, it is a personal goal that I have to make an impact in the world, and to give back to my communities the best I can. Upon return from my exchange semester, I would like to continue to be involved in extracurricular activities which focus on bridging cultural gaps and barriers and to provide advice for future study abroad or exchange students from my home institution - Saint Mary's University (SMU). At SMU, one of my most rewarding experiences was volunteering in a program as a 'Conversation Partner' who helped international students learn proficiency in English as a second language. This has given me the chance to see, first hand, how different cultures can work together to achieve a common goal. I aspire to instill this form of understanding and appreciation in others, and I believe that travelling abroad on exchange will be a remarkable and highly educational contribution to my future.

I appreciate every bit of support you offer. Please know your generosity will mean so much more than a dollar amount, and it will go a long way in helping me fulfill my dream. Thank you for allowing me to share with you what this means to me.