Introduction
Writing a recommendation letter for study abroad programs is a critical step in helping students secure opportunities to study overseas. A well-crafted letter can make a significant difference in a student's application, highlighting their academic abilities, personal qualities, and suitability for international programs. This manual provides guidance on how to write effective recommendation letters, along with 9 professional examples to serve as templates.
Whether you are a professor, academic advisor, or employer, your recommendation letter should be tailored to the specific program and student. It should emphasize the student's strengths, achievements, and potential to succeed in a study abroad environment. The following examples demonstrate how to structure and phrase your recommendation letter effectively.
1. Academic Recommendation Letter for Undergraduate Study Abroad
Dr. Emily Carter
Professor of International Relations
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
October 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Sarah Johnson for the undergraduate study abroad program at your esteemed institution. As Sarah's academic advisor and professor of International Relations, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional academic growth and dedication to global studies.
Academic Excellence: Sarah has consistently maintained a GPA of 3.8, demonstrating her intellectual rigor and commitment to academic excellence. Her thesis on "Global Governance and Human Rights" was outstanding, showcasing her deep understanding of complex international issues.
Interpersonal Skills: Sarah is an exceptional team player with excellent communication skills. She has actively participated in group projects, demonstrating leadership and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
I am confident that Sarah will excel in your study abroad program and contribute meaningfully to your academic community. Please feel free to contact me at ecarter@umich.edu if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
2. Recommendation Letter for Graduate Study Abroad
Dr. Michael Thompson
Department of Business Administration
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
November 2, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Mr. James Wilson for the graduate study abroad program at your institution. As James's thesis supervisor and professor of Business Administration, I have witnessed his exceptional analytical skills and passion for international business.
Academic Achievements: James has consistently ranked in the top 10% of his class, with a GPA of 3.7. His research on "Cross-Cultural Management Strategies" was innovative and insightful, demonstrating his ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
Leadership Qualities: James has shown remarkable leadership skills, serving as the president of the Business Club at Harvard. He has organized several successful events, fostering collaboration between students and industry professionals.
I am confident that James will be an excellent addition to your graduate program. His intellectual curiosity, combined with his leadership abilities, makes him an outstanding candidate. Please do not hesitate to contact me at mthompson@harvard.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Thompson
3. Recommendation Letter for Language Study Abroad
Ms. Laura Martinez
Language Department Chair
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
November 10, 2023
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Maria Gonzalez for the language study abroad program in Spain. As Maria's Spanish professor and academic advisor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her remarkable progress in language proficiency and cultural understanding.
Language Proficiency: Maria has demonstrated exceptional skill in Spanish, achieving near-native fluency. Her ability to engage in complex conversations and write insightful essays has been impressive.
Cultural Adaptability: Maria has shown a deep appreciation for Spanish culture, actively participating in cultural events and language exchange programs. Her enthusiasm for cultural immersion will undoubtedly enhance her experience in Spain.
Maria is an outstanding candidate who will benefit immensely from this program. I am confident that she will excel academically and culturally. Please feel free to contact me at lmartinez@stanford.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Martinez
4. Recommendation Letter for Engineering Study Abroad
Dr. David Lee
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02142
October 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Mr. Alex Chen for the engineering study abroad program at your institution. As Alex's academic advisor and professor of Mechanical Engineering, I have had the opportunity to witness his exceptional technical skills and innovative thinking.
Technical Expertise: Alex has excelled in his engineering courses, with a GPA of 3.9. His project on "Sustainable Energy Solutions" was groundbreaking, demonstrating his ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Collaboration Skills: Alex has shown excellent teamwork skills, working effectively with peers on complex engineering projects. His ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and concisely has been impressive.
Alex is an exceptional candidate who will undoubtedly make valuable contributions to your program. I am confident that he will excel in your study abroad program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at dlee@mit.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Lee
5. Recommendation Letter for Art and Design Study Abroad
Ms. Sophia Patel
Professor of Fine Arts
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
November 5, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Emma Davis for the art and design study abroad program in Italy. As Emma's professor of Fine Arts, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional creativity and artistic talent.
Artistic Talent: Emma has consistently produced outstanding work, showcasing her mastery of various artistic techniques. Her portfolio, which includes paintings, sculptures, and digital art, is truly impressive.
Cultural Sensitivity: Emma has shown a deep appreciation for diverse artistic styles and cultural influences. Her ability to incorporate cultural elements into her work will undoubtedly enrich her experience in Italy.
Emma is an exceptional artist with a passion for learning and growth. I am confident that she will thrive in your program and make meaningful contributions to your artistic community. Please feel free to contact me at spatel@yale.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sophia Patel
6. Recommendation Letter for Business Study Abroad
Dr. Rachel Kim
Associate Professor of International Business
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
October 25, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Mr. Daniel Brown for the business study abroad program at your institution. As Daniel's professor of International Business, I have had the opportunity to witness his exceptional analytical skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Business Acumen: Daniel has excelled in his business courses, with a GPA of 3.8. His project on "Global Marketing Strategies" was innovative, demonstrating his ability to think critically and develop effective business solutions.
Leadership Skills: Daniel has shown remarkable leadership skills, serving as the president of the Business Club at Berkeley. He has organized several successful events, fostering collaboration between students and industry professionals.
Daniel is an outstanding candidate who will undoubtedly make valuable contributions to your program. I am confident that he will excel in your study abroad program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at rkim@berkeley.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rachel Kim
7. Recommendation Letter for Science Study Abroad
Dr. Christopher White
Professor of Chemistry
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
November 1, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Olivia Green for the science study abroad program in Germany. As Olivia's professor of Chemistry, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional scientific skills and passion for research.
Scientific Expertise: Olivia has consistently excelled in her chemistry courses, with a GPA of 3.9. Her research on "Sustainable Chemical Reactions" was groundbreaking, demonstrating her ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Research Skills: Olivia has shown excellent research skills, conducting experiments with precision and analyzing data with accuracy. Her ability to think critically and solve complex scientific problems has been impressive.
Olivia is an exceptional scientist with a passion for learning and discovery. I am confident that she will thrive in your program and make meaningful contributions to your scientific community. Please feel free to contact me at cwhite@ucla.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher White
8. Recommendation Letter for Cultural Exchange Study Abroad
Ms. Jessica Brooks
Director of International Programs
New York University
New York, NY 10003
October 30, 2023
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sofia Rodriguez for the cultural exchange study abroad program in Japan. As Sofia's academic advisor and director of International Programs, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
Cultural Awareness: Sofia has shown a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, actively participating in cultural events and language exchange programs. Her ability to engage with people from different backgrounds has been impressive.
Adaptability: Sofia has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, thriving in new environments and embracing cultural differences. Her enthusiasm for cultural immersion will undoubtedly enhance her experience in Japan.
Sofia is an outstanding candidate who will benefit immensely from this program. I am confident that she will serve as an excellent cultural ambassador. Please feel free to contact me at jbrooks@nyu.edu for any further information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jessica Brooks
9. Recommendation Letter for Research Study Abroad
Dr. Margaret Walker
Professor of Environmental Science
University of Oxford
Oxford, OX1 3BD
November 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Charlotte Hall for the research study abroad program at your institution. As Charlotte's professor of Environmental Science, I have had the opportunity to witness her exceptional research skills and passion for environmental sustainability.
Research Skills: Charlotte has consistently excelled in her research projects, with a GPA of 3.8. Her study on "Climate Change Mitigation Strategies" was innovative, demonstrating her ability to think critically and develop effective solutions.
Passion for Sustainability: Charlotte has shown a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, actively participating in research projects and environmental initiatives. Her enthusiasm for research will undoubtedly enhance her experience in your program.
Charlotte is an exceptional researcher with a passion for environmental science. I am confident that she will thrive in your program and make meaningful contributions to your research community. Please do not hesitate to contact me at mwalker@ox.ac.uk for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Walker
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for study abroad programs requires careful consideration of the student's academic achievements, personal qualities, and suitability for the program. The examples provided in this manual demonstrate how to structure and phrase your recommendation letter effectively, ensuring that the student's strengths and potential are highlighted.
By following these guidelines and using the provided templates, you can craft compelling recommendation letters that will help students secure their desired study abroad opportunities. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific program and student, emphasizing their unique qualities and achievements.