Ultimate Guide to Writing Recommendation Letters for International School Applications
Welcome to Seekers Consult 247, your go-to resource for all things related to education, career advice, and international opportunities.
If you’re a student applying to universities abroad or a lecturer/department head tasked with writing recommendation letters, you’ve come to the right place.
Recommendation letters are a crucial part of international school applications, providing admissions committees with insights into a student’s character, academic abilities, and potential for success in a global setting.
In this post, we’ll break down how to write an effective recommendation letter for students applying to international universities.
We’ll draw from best practices and include real-world examples extracted from sample letters shared by owners on Facebook.
These samples come from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) —one from a department head and another from a lecturer/head of programs.
We’ll use them as practical illustrations to help you craft compelling letters.
Whether you’re writing for undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs, a strong recommendation letter can make all the difference. Let’s dive in!
Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyYGIFHWpx22L38a2K
Seekers Consult
Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey
We search for schools and check available scholarships for you
Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079
Loan for government workers
Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)
Transcript Application ( College, UEW, UCC, KNUST ) and Evaluation
English Proficiency
Recommendation letter
Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly
Passport and Visa Applications
All other Internet Services
Why Recommendation Letters Matter for International Applications
Before we get into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” International universities (e.g., in the US, UK, Canada, or Europe) often require 1-3 recommendation letters as part of the application process. These letters:
- Validate the student’s academic and personal qualities from a credible source.
- Highlight skills like adaptability, leadership, and cultural awareness—key for thriving in diverse, international environments.
- Provide context beyond transcripts and essays, such as how the student handles challenges or contributes to teams.
Some schools specify who should write the letter (e.g., a professor or department head), while others allow flexibility. Departments sometimes issue official letters, but personalized ones from lecturers who know the student well are often more impactful.
Always check the application’s guidelines. For instance, some require letters to be uploaded directly by the recommender via a portal, while others accept scanned copies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Recommendation Letter for International Applications
Drawing from expert advice (such as from College Essay Guy, Indeed, and Coursera), here’s a structured approach to writing a standout letter. Aim for 300-500 words, use professional letterhead if possible, and keep the tone formal yet enthusiastic.
1. Header and Contact Information
- Include the institution’s letterhead, your contact details (phone, email, website), and the date.
- Address it to “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” if the recipient isn’t specified. For targeted applications, use “Dear Admissions Committee” or name a specific person/department.
- Title the letter clearly, e.g., “Letter of Recommendation – [Student’s Full Name]”.
2. Introduction (1-2 Paragraphs)
- Introduce yourself: State your position, institution, and how long/how well you’ve known the student (e.g., as a lecturer, advisor, or research supervisor).
- Explain the context: Mention the courses or programs the student took under your guidance.
- State the purpose: Clearly endorse the student for the specific program or institution they’re applying to.
- For international applications, highlight any preparation for global studies, like exposure to diverse topics or language skills.
Example Tip: Start strong with a statement like, “I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your program. As [Your Role], I have observed their exceptional [key quality].”
Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/
Seekers Consult
Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey
We search for schools and check available scholarships for you
Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079
Loan for government workers
Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)
Transcript Application ( College, UEW, UCC, KNUST ) and Evaluation
English Proficiency
Recommendation letter
Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly
Passport and Visa Applications
All other Internet Services
3. Body (2-3 Paragraphs)
- Provide specific examples: Discuss academic achievements, intellectual abilities, work ethic, and personal traits. Use anecdotes, such as performance in debates, research projects, or leadership roles.
- Address key skills for international success: Emphasize independence, critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and proficiency in English (or other languages). Mention any international exposure, like studying global histories or participating in cross-cultural activities.
- Quantify where possible: Reference grades, awards, or contributions (e.g., “Graduated with Upper Second Class honors” or “Served as my Research Assistant”).
- Avoid generic praise: Be honest and evidence-based to build credibility.
International Focus: Comment on the student’s ability to thrive abroad, such as cultural sensitivity or resilience in new environments. If relevant, note their outgoing nature or ability to relate to diverse groups.
4. Conclusion (1 Paragraph)
- Reaffirm your recommendation: Use phrases like “I recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation” or “They will excel in your program.”
- Offer further contact: Invite the reader to reach out for more details.
- End professionally: Sign off with “Yours faithfully” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name, title, and signature (include a stamp if official).
5. General Tips for Effectiveness
- Tailor it: Customize for the program (e.g., emphasize research skills for grad school).
- Proofread: Ensure no errors; get a colleague to review.
- Format: Use 1-inch margins, 12-pt font (e.g., Times New Roman), and PDF format for submission.
- Confidentiality: Many international apps require waived rights to view the letter, ensuring honesty.
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Don’t exaggerate, repeat resume info, or write too vaguely. Focus on positives but be realistic.
- For Recommenders: If you’re a student asking for a letter, provide your CV, personal statement, and deadlines to help them.
From sources like Reddit and Quora, effective letters often include a “summary evaluation” early on and end with a confident endorsement. YouTube tutorials (e.g., from educators) suggest practicing with templates to get the flow right.
Real-World Examples from UCC Samples
Here are two extracted samples from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The first is from a department head (2012), and the second from a lecturer/head of programs (2023). These were published by the owners on Facebook and serve as excellent models for international applications, showcasing academic preparation and personal strengths.
Example 1:
Lecturer Recommendation (History Student Applying for International Relations Program)
University of Cape Coast Faculty of Arts Department of History U.C.C., Ghana Phone: 233-03321-30940 Telex: 2552 UCC GH Telegrams: University, Cape Coast Email: Hisdepucce@yahoo.com Website: http://arts.ucc.edu.gh/history
16th December, 2012
Dear Sir/Madam,
RECOMMENDATION LETTER – FRANK ABEKU ADAMS
The applicant, Mr. Frank Abeku Adams, has requested me to write a recommendation in support of his application for the Xiamen University’s International Relations Programme and I am obliged to do so.
I taught Mr. Adams in European History (1871-1918) and Europe in the Inter-war Period. He also studied history courses related to most of the world such as African regional histories, United States History, Caribbean History, Latin American history, Russian history, as well as European History for the periods before 1871. These courses have provided Frank Abeku Adams with the requisite background preparation for graduate work in any International setting.
Mr. Adams graduated with an Upper in the Second Class division in History. As a student he demonstrated a strong intellectual capacity. This was reflected in the high quality of essays he wrote. He was even more articulate in tutorial submissions. He always debated on the basis of well-researched evidence and was very eloquent and confident with his stand in debates.
Mr. Adams demonstrates great ability to work and think independently. He served as my Research and Teaching Assistant, having been found outstanding to serve in the Department. He was selected on the basis of his outstanding academic achievement. This gave me the opportunity to watch him at close quarters. He impressed me with his quick learning ability and creativity. He is industrious and quite ambitious for further academic laurels.
Frank Abeku Adams is an outgoing person and relates well with all classes of people. He possesses the level of proficiency in the English Language, both Written and Spoken, that makes it possible for him to pursue graduate studies in any institution of higher learning anywhere in the world. He possesses the requisite intellectual strength and practical sense to do graduate studies.
I therefore recommend his application for admission and any financial assistance without reservation.
Dr. Kwabena Adu-Boahen Head of Department Department of History University of Cape Coast
(Note: This letter emphasizes global historical knowledge and language skills, ideal for international programs.)
Example 2: Department level/Head-Level Recommendation (Education Student)
University of Cape Coast College of Distance Education Department of Education Programmes University Post Office Cape Coast Tel: 03321-90057 / 03321-3503 Fax: 03321-38655 E-mail: code.des@ucc.edu.gh Website: www.ucc.edu.gh Our Ref: CoDE/DE/R
5th August, 2023
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Dear Sir/Madam,
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION – FULL NAME
I write this recommendation for FULL NAME who has applied for an admission in your institution. In my capacity as the Head of Department of Education Programmes, SURNAME enrolled to pursue Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education in the year 2022, and completed in the year 2024 with Second Class Lower in the College of Distance Education of the University of Cape Coast.
From available records, SURNAME was a resourceful student who displayed a good sense of maturity. She was equipped with strong analytical skills and took decisions with a well-organized and focused orientation. She had a special interest in the thorough pursuit of facts.
SURNAME was known to be sociable with leadership qualities and emotionally balanced. She was mentally alert and approached academic work seriously. She also possessed team work spirit and exhibited a high sense of responsibility and an ability to work diligently with little or no supervision. She was always ready to take up responsibility and carried out her assignment with immense dedication.
I am confident she will excel in whatever task that would be assigned to her.
I, therefore recommend her for the admission she has applied for.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Vera Arhin (HEAD OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMES)
(Note: This letter highlights leadership and independence, which are valuable for international education programs requiring self-motivation.)
Crafting a recommendation letter is about storytelling—painting a picture of the student’s potential through specific, credible examples. Use the steps above, adapt the samples, and remember: authenticity wins. If you’re a student, build strong relationships with lecturers early to secure great letters.
At Seekers Consult 247, we’re here to help with more personalized advice. Comment below if you have questions, or contact us for consulting services on international applications. Stay tuned for more guides!
Sources: Samples extracted from Facebook posts by owners. Guidance inspired by expert resources like Indeed, College Essay Guy, and Coursera, university of Cape coast and more
About The Author
