Wow! Okay, I’m giving you an answer (idea) but keep in mind, it has been forever since I’ve written something like this. 🙂 You could definitely elaborate on the bilingual thing…it’s a very marketable skill in many big cities and then tie it into how this could only enhance your ability to be a good candidate for travel in your future job. This may be broad enough so that you don’t have to state exactly what you want to do but you could make that a strong point too. In other words, being bilingual with travel experience could get you ready for a multitude of professions and would be useful in many different fields! Your job opportunities could be amazing! When you are writing, get pumped about the thought of going! Your enthusiasm will start to come out in your writing and will draw your reader in. Hope that helped a little. Good luck!

A quote would probably be fine. Depending on the tone, you may want to start with some strong fact — something definite.

Like:

I was four years old when I first remember seeing a map of Costa Rica. Instantly, I knew “I want to go!”

(yeah, that was a bit corny…but it WAS just an example =D)

Avoid: “I’ve always loved the thought of travel.” or “I agree with so and so who said, “Travel broadens the mind…” or a REALLY overused quote…unless of course, you decide to say, “Though it sounds cliche, I really believe that….blah, blah, blah.”

Abrubt starts done WELL can be great attention-getters, so use your discretion and have a few people look over your essay and opening and tell ya what they think…

Without knowing anything about the body you have in mind, here goes: the intro. should be general, and should not have any specifics about your “arguments” – all specifics should be in the body. However, your intro. SHOULD summarize your arguments and state clearly that you want to study abroad. For example, as the final sentence of your intro. paragraph, you could say, “My desire to experience a new culture, visit a beautiful part of the world, and enrich my education in ______ compels me to pursue this opportunity in Costa Rica.” I obviously made up the reasons.

As for a quote – if you can find a simple, semi-short one that is TRULY poignant and that you can easily “lead-in” to your intro. sentence, then go for it! Well-placed creativity is almost always a good thing. Just remember your intro. should summarize your points, be general, and clearly state your purpose.

Good luck!