The following are the first two paragraphs of a motivation letter for a Dutch student applying to an exchange program.
Dear Sir / Madam,
Bachelor exchange is about new experiences. Getting to know yourself better, getting to know new people, new environments. I would be honoured to be considered as a part of an experience like this.
Let [...]

Here’s the first part of an ESL student’s motivation letter.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
I am hereby applying for the English-taught bachelor’s programme in ___________, at the University of ___________, for the academic year 2009-2010.
Having lived my whole life in the same country, in the same city is has become my dearest dream to study abroad [...]

Here are the first two paragraphs (which I combined into one) of a motivation letter from an ESL student who wants to study zoology.
What started like a children infatuation became, as I grown up, a passion. A passion for animals and their conservation. I have always known I would have chosen a career involved [...]

Here’s a motivation letter from an ESL student in the Czech Republic
Dear Sir or Madam.
Having completed the four-year high school program at the _______ _______ of _________, I would very much like to study Graphic Design at ________ ______, starting this January. I would like to apply for the two-year program in order to acquire [...]

Don’t let the title fool you. I actually like editing motivation letters. Here’s the original first paragraph (and two errant sentences which should start the second paragraph) written by an overseas industrial engineer.
Dear Sir/Madam
I would like to apply for Programs_____ Tech - ______ ______. It would be great to be a competent candidate in [...]

Here’s the first paragraph of a student’s rough draft for a motivation essay (which is the European version of a personal statement).
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is _____. I am an American citizen living in _________, and I would like to apply for the Bachelor’s program in Economics with the _________ School of Economics. I [...]