Letter of recommendation or reference letter

Hi!

I would like to go this year for an internship abroad. I wrote this reference letter for my supervisor who is not so fluent in English. Unfortunately I have some problems too, and I really need some help from a competent person. The words written in bold are the points where I am not sure whether it is correct or not.

For better understanding of this letter I gave some additional information.

 I am studying and teaching (that is my duty as a PhD student) at my university since October 2003. I expect to get the PhD degree in November, 2007. If I am accepted for this internship I would have to postpone defending of my work until next year.

I would appreciate it a lot if someone could correct this reference letter for me. Please, help me out.

Sincerely,

Maria

Here it is!

FirstName LastName [my supervisor]

Professor Associate, PhD                    

Department of Physiology

Faculty of Natural Science

University of City

Country

Tel No +4444444

Fax No +3333333

January 24, 2007

Dear Ms. Whom:

This reference letter is provided at the request of Maria *** who has asked me to serve as a reference on her behalf. Maria and I discussed her recent decision to pursue an internship in equine nutrition and exercise physiology offered by the AAA Company. I applaud her decision and strong desire to take her knowledge and skills to the next level. Maria has been working under my supervision as PhD student since October 2003, and I feel that she is a deserving candidate for the internship provided by your company.

Maria is a high energy self-starter who quickly assumes responsibility and is not afraid to face new challenges and situations. She has worked conscientiously/scrupulously/meticulously during her PhD course and accomplished all tasks with great initiative and with a very positive attitude. During that time she has proven to be capable, reliable and industrious. Also, she has volunteered for assist in several projects running in our department and we know her as accomplished and resourceful team member.  

Maria also gained experience as an academy teacher in biochemistry and performed it well. Her ability to connect with students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly great. Maria gets along well not only with her students but also with the faculty. She easily fit in with an "older" staff and was willingly accepted by them.

I know that if given the chance to intern with the AAA Company, Maria will prepare herself to become qualified equine physiologist and exercise researcher that she dreams of being. She has the potential to achieve these goals. Now, all she needs is the opportunity. I ask that you look upon her application favorably and grant her a chance to intern with your company.

If you have any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please feel free to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

FirstName LastName

Professor Associate, PhD

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And one more question... Is there a really big different between reference letter and recommendation letter? If I send a recommendation letter when the employer requested a reference letter I will be an important mistake?

Thanks a lot for your attention to my letter.

M.

Dear Nona The Brit,

I would like to thank you for this prompt reply and the time you spent correcting my letter. I am the most grateful for your help  .

Could you please try to answer my question below? Thank you in advence

Is there a really big different between reference letter and recommendation letter? I sent a recommendation letter when the employer requested a reference letter. Did I make an important mistake?

WIth best wishes,

M.