“With such background, I strongly believe that this Sociocultural Linguistics programme will benefit my current and future profession. I realize that teaching a language is not only about delivering materials, but also about getting into some other aspects of the language and the learners. And I am eager to explore this area more. Thus, I am applying for MA programme in Sociocultural Linguistics at University of London, Goldsmiths, in hope that I will be able to elevate my skills as a language teacher.”
I understand that it may be very challenging to start writing. You may think that it would be very difficult, you are not capable enough, you need to learn English more and some other reasons. But trust me, once you write the first sentence, ideas will flow – especially when you have made the draft. Draft will help you organise your essay well.
- Proofreading
After you have finished the essay or personal statement, it will be beneficial if you get it proofread by someone else. Find at least two readers who are willing to check your essay. They could be your former teachers or simply your friends who have better language skills. It is okay to make some mistakes. That’s the reason why we need to have our essay proofread. Before submitting the application, make sure you have eliminated grammatical errors and have explained your ideas clearly in the essay. Think about it, why should the university accept you if your essay was difficult to understand?
- Submit!
Last but not least, upload all requirements needed (including your essay/personal statement) and click submit. When you think you have done all it takes to get accepted at the university/scholarship, you should be proud and you shouldn’t feel guilty whatever the outcome is. In case it has not been successful yet, you know there are many other doors or opportunities that you can try. I have failed a few times as well. Again, the key is: to know who you are, what you want, your motivation and contribution you can offer to the surroundings (even to the field of study you have chosen).
Before I close, I just want to say that travel would be a bonus when you are successful receiving the scholarship. Some people make a mistake for making the holiday (visiting other countries) as their biggest motivation for applying for a scholarship. Remember that the main duty after you have received the scholarship is to study and contribute to your field, whatever that is. Travel would come afterwards.
And when you have been successful getting the scholarship, make the best of it, gain a lot of experience and knowledge, open your mind and enjoy!
Hope you find it useful.
Cheers!
*ps. Author received the following scholarships:
2014 – 2015: LPDP scholarship from The Ministry of Finance of Indonesia to study MA Intercultural Communication at The University of Manchester, UK.
2012 – 2013: Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) to teach Indonesian language at University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
