Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am writing to formally request permission to participate in study abroad at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) over the 2025 winter term, intending to transfer 15.0 credits back to my academic record. The opportunity to study abroad would allow me to fulfill my academic requirements while gaining a unique experience both academically and personally.

UNSW is widely recognized for its strong academics and is one of Australia’s most reputable universities. It is ranked 19th globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2024, making it my ideal choice for an academic exchange. Studying at UNSW aligns strongly with my interests as a Life Sciences major, specifically with my environmental interests as it ranks within the top 50 worldwide for Environmental Sciences, Psychology, and Earth and Marine Sciences - which are all faculties of the courses I am planning to take. Studying at UNSW will give me learning opportunities that are not available at Queen’s. UNSW offers specialized courses like, “Ocean to Estuarine Ecosystems”, which includes a 4-day field trip to Smiths Lake, providing hands-on experience in studying these ecosystems. I believe this field experience will enhance my knowledge and allow me to deepen my understanding of ecosystems’ role in the broader environment. I am eager to engage with a different educational system and push myself academically, challenging myself to adapt while building connections with peers in a new environment.

Beyond academics, studying abroad at UNSW will allow me to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new culture, fostering independence, adaptability and new perspectives. Living in a different country for an extended period will require me to navigate unfamiliar situations and manage challenges on my own. I will strengthen my problem-solving skills and cultivate a greater sense of self-reliance, contributing greatly to my personal growth. As a part of my exchange, I also intend to travel to nearby countries, such as Bali and New Zealand, to explore a diversity of cultures firsthand. Immersing myself in these different cultural settings will expand my global perspectives and allow me the opportunity to travel to places I otherwise may never get the chance to visit. I believe this experience will foster a stronger sense of independence and allow me to learn about other cultures while forming new connections in a new environment – an opportunity of a lifetime.

Overall, I believe this semester abroad will be an amazing experience that will support my academic growth and personal development in ways that will benefit me long after graduation. I appreciate your consideration of my academic petition, and I look forward to the opportunity to pursue this unique educational experience.