LETTER OF MOTIVATION

Hien VU – 850722 4098

Five years ago, I got two silver medals in Ipho, APhowas a Physics student at Hanoi
National University of Science. Thus I naturally plan was expected tto become a natural
scientist. However, an English course has changed my mind. Learning English in … not
only shows me the language but also gives me During one year at university, I got
chances to approach information from different perspectives about the current situation of
Vietnam and other countries. I understood that Vietnam is a small country, which is in
the trend of privatization and globalization. This brings to Vietnam not only potential
developments but also challenges. In order to achieve the potential developments,
Vietnam desires strong economists who understand the country well and hold solid
knowledge from developed countries. I felt that my working in economics will help
meresponsibility is to contribute as much as I can formore to the development of my
country. I thus decided to change my life by switching to Economics, specifically
Finance.

With the light from my medal, I was awarded a cholarship to study bachelor’s degree My
new career started at Australian National University. At first, I had difficulties with
accepting ideas in Economics, since they are somehow different to natural science ideas.
However I learnt that the economic world is driven not only by nature, but the human as
well. Gradually, I felt in love with my career to become an economist. That does not
mean that I totally believe with what I have leant. I realized that the capitalism in general
and specific small areas - such as financial markets - bearing drawbacks, which open
chances for economists to study and improve them. Carrying that in mind, I decided to
become an economist focusing on Finance.

Study a master’s degree at Lund University is my second step toward my goal. There are
many reasons bringing to the decision studying at Lund University. Firstly, Lund is one
of the best universities in one of the richest countries in the world. That signaled me a
great chance to gain knowledge from that good education. Details? Secondly, the reason
for not taking a master program in Australia is that European education would help me to
broaden my view about the world, and strengthen my professional career.

I have been in Lund just four months; even though I can say I like the city, the people, the
university and especially the professors. My respect and adoration toward the professors
have amplified my desire to become a researcher and a teacher like them. My normal day
is going to the lectures, lots of self-studying, some chatting with friends and some sports.
For some ones, academic life may be boring, but for me, it is great. I feel totally happy
here by gaining new knowledge, and putting efforts toward discovering something new,
which would bring benefits for societies.

Although I will only finish one year master program before the commencement of the
PhD program at Lund, I strong believe I can be a good PhD candidate. Firstly, I think my
brain is not bad. It was proved by two silver medals in the International Physics
Olympiad (IPhO) and Asian Physics Olympiad in 2003. Only five students represented
over three million high-school students in Vietnam contesting in the IPhO, and I was the
best student among the Vietnam team with the silver medal. The logical thinking was
carved in my mind during my high-school period – the critical period of mind
development. Secondly, I have a strong background in Econometrics, Mathematics and
Finance from my Physics program at Hanoi University of Science, and Finance program
at Australian National University. My good progress at Lund University also enriches my
knowledge a lot. Thirdly, my desire to become an economic researcher will keep my best
efforts to achieve the PhD successfully.

Phai co 1 doan noi ve viec may nghien cuu gi o do, neu biet prof hoac group roi thi phai
noi duoc 1 cach cu the experience/ability do giup ich gi cho viec nghien cuu nay. Neu
chua biet thi cung phai chi ra duoc nhung diem manh thuc su.

My long-term plan after finishing the PhD program is becoming a researcher and a
teacher as mentioned above. Learning from developed countries to apply for the
developing country like Vietnam is essential. You may thing I am selfish when I mention
too much about my country. However Vietnam is where I was born, where my loves are
living, I feel responsible to contribute for it. From a greater view, contributing for
Vietnam is contributing for the world. I believe if I were admitted in the PhD program, I
can fulfill my passion.

Noi chung 1 cai SOP noi dung nhu sau:

- Your characters, abilities and excellent results at the universities both

bachelor and master (2,3 paragraphs)

- Your works outside the universities: difficulties, efforts, lessons and
some achievements. (1-2 paragraphs)
- HOW: Now you’ve matured and want to continue some specific field .
This can be mentioned within above paragraphs
- The program that you’re applying to is exactly that specific field:
WHAT’re the links between your experience, passion, skills,… to the
content of this program?
- WHY do those links and the values of the program make you success
in the program?