What is a "letter of intent" (for a research assistant/volunteer position at my University)?

College Life
1

I study in Canada but I’m not from North America originally and literally never worked a day in my life here/never applied for anything, so I don’t know what a letter of intent is. I tried translating it into my language but couldn’t come up with a good translation that makes sense.

Today, a professor in one of my courses said she needs two people for her research lab and if we’re interested, we have to send her a C.V. and a letter of intent. In this context (student research volunteer/assistant), what could she mean by letter of intent? In general, what needs to be in such a letter?

Thank you

2

Do you know what a cover letter is? It’s basically the same thing.

3

Isn’t a cover letter where you sum up your previous experiences/accomplishmentsl? Because i don’t have any, haha

4

As a student you can include relevant classes and coursework, your intended major, relevant ECs etc. in the letter.

5

I would think it to be a cover letter…

https://www.livecareer.com/letter-samples/cover-letters-misc/research-associate