Manage Appeals
Petition Type: New
ID: 13533
Submitted: September 15, 2025 at 5:52:35 PM
First Name: Tessa
Last Name: Raymond
Pronoun: she/her
Preferred Name: Tessa
Student Number: 20388863
Email: 22pcl1@queensu.ca
Degree Program: BAH
Plan: SOCY, HLTH minor
Level of Study: 3
Petition Categories
Petition Categories: Request to take more than 6.0 units of courses on a letter of permission through another institution
Petition Letter
Petition Letter: To whom it may concern,
I am writing a letter to request approval to participate in the external exchange program in Barcelona during the Winter term. This opportunity holds particular value for me, as it directly connects to both my academic pursuits and personal growth.
As a Sociology major with a minor in Health Studies, I am motivated to expand my understanding of culture, identity, and social systems in a global setting. Barcelona, with its diverse cultural history and vibrant social environment, offers an ideal place to explore these themes in ways that extend beyond the classroom at Queen’s. The courses available to me abroad will not only complement my degree plan but also provide perspectives I would not otherwise be able to access.
The classes I intend to take are Brands and Culture, Beginning Spanish Language, Social Media Strategy, Consumer Culture, and Successful Business Management. These courses will allow me to examine the influence of culture and communication on modern society. Studying branding and consumer culture through a sociological lens will help me understand how social values and behaviours shape industries and identities, while courses such as Social Media Strategy will give me practical skills in analyzing communication tools that are increasingly central to health advocacy and social change. Additionally, learning Spanish will be a valuable skill that broadens my ability to connect with others across cultures and sets me up for future opportunities.
Beyond academics, living and learning in Barcelona will give me the chance to engage with a new cultural environment and expand my perspective. This kind of immersion is very meaningful to me as someone interested in how health and social systems operate across different societies. The combination of international courses and lived cultural experience will prepare me to think critically and creatively about solutions in my future career.
I recognize that participating in an exchange program requires commitment and adaptability, and I have given careful thought to how I will balance these responsibilities. I am confident that with preparation, organization, and determination, I will succeed in both my studies and personal development while abroad.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my request. I believe this exchange in Barcelona will be an important step in strengthening both my academic pathway and my ability to contribute meaningfully in the future.
Sincerely,
Tessa Raymond
I am writing a letter to request approval to participate in the external exchange program in Barcelona during the Winter term. This opportunity holds particular value for me, as it directly connects to both my academic pursuits and personal growth.
As a Sociology major with a minor in Health Studies, I am motivated to expand my understanding of culture, identity, and social systems in a global setting. Barcelona, with its diverse cultural history and vibrant social environment, offers an ideal place to explore these themes in ways that extend beyond the classroom at Queen’s. The courses available to me abroad will not only complement my degree plan but also provide perspectives I would not otherwise be able to access.
The classes I intend to take are Brands and Culture, Beginning Spanish Language, Social Media Strategy, Consumer Culture, and Successful Business Management. These courses will allow me to examine the influence of culture and communication on modern society. Studying branding and consumer culture through a sociological lens will help me understand how social values and behaviours shape industries and identities, while courses such as Social Media Strategy will give me practical skills in analyzing communication tools that are increasingly central to health advocacy and social change. Additionally, learning Spanish will be a valuable skill that broadens my ability to connect with others across cultures and sets me up for future opportunities.
Beyond academics, living and learning in Barcelona will give me the chance to engage with a new cultural environment and expand my perspective. This kind of immersion is very meaningful to me as someone interested in how health and social systems operate across different societies. The combination of international courses and lived cultural experience will prepare me to think critically and creatively about solutions in my future career.
I recognize that participating in an exchange program requires commitment and adaptability, and I have given careful thought to how I will balance these responsibilities. I am confident that with preparation, organization, and determination, I will succeed in both my studies and personal development while abroad.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my request. I believe this exchange in Barcelona will be an important step in strengthening both my academic pathway and my ability to contribute meaningfully in the future.
Sincerely,
Tessa Raymond
Academic Plan
Academic Plan: If my request to be able to do a Winter exchange program in Barcelona is granted, I have prepared a detailed plan to guarantee my academic success and ensure a seamless continuation of my degree at Queen’s.
I am currently registered in my degree plan, pursuing a major in Sociology and a minor in Health Studies. I have reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and confirmed that my selected courses abroad will contribute meaningfully to my academic progress. The courses I plan to take are Brands and Culture, Beginning Spanish Language, Social Media Strategy, Consumer Culture, and Successful Business Management. These courses will enhance my degree by deepening my understanding of culture, society, and communication from an international perspective.
During my exchange term, I will remain a full-time student, enrolling in the standard course load recommended by the host institution. I am very open to new experiences and exploring new cultures, as I am also great at managing my time efficiently and being independent. I recognize that adapting to a new academic environment may require adjustments, but I am prepared to devote the necessary time to both coursework and independent study.
I do not have outstanding incomplete courses from previous terms, and I’ve kept a strong academic record at Queen’s with a well-standing GPA I plan to maintain that same level of commitment while abroad. If unexpected challenges arise, I will consult promptly with both my Queen’s academic advisor and the host university to explore adjustments while maintaining academic standing.
I recognize that success in a new academic and cultural environment requires careful planning, adaptability, and the use of available supports. I have come up with a few strategies I will use to help me while abroad. These include time management and organization. I will create a structured schedule to balance academic demands with daily activities. I will do this by using planners and digital resources to track deadlines, exams, and assignments. I will prioritize wellness by maintaining a consistent routine of exercise, healthy eating, and sleep. I will access student wellness services at both Queen’s and the host university if I encounter difficulties adjusting. Studying Spanish will also help me navigate coursework and daily life more effectively. When I return to Queens next year, I will meet with my academic advisor to confirm credit transfers and plan the following academic year. Reflecting on the connections between my exchange courses and my long-term academic focus in Sociology and Health Studies, I ensure that the experience informs my future studies and professional direction
I am currently registered in my degree plan, pursuing a major in Sociology and a minor in Health Studies. I have reviewed my Academic Advisement Report in SOLUS and confirmed that my selected courses abroad will contribute meaningfully to my academic progress. The courses I plan to take are Brands and Culture, Beginning Spanish Language, Social Media Strategy, Consumer Culture, and Successful Business Management. These courses will enhance my degree by deepening my understanding of culture, society, and communication from an international perspective.
During my exchange term, I will remain a full-time student, enrolling in the standard course load recommended by the host institution. I am very open to new experiences and exploring new cultures, as I am also great at managing my time efficiently and being independent. I recognize that adapting to a new academic environment may require adjustments, but I am prepared to devote the necessary time to both coursework and independent study.
I do not have outstanding incomplete courses from previous terms, and I’ve kept a strong academic record at Queen’s with a well-standing GPA I plan to maintain that same level of commitment while abroad. If unexpected challenges arise, I will consult promptly with both my Queen’s academic advisor and the host university to explore adjustments while maintaining academic standing.
I recognize that success in a new academic and cultural environment requires careful planning, adaptability, and the use of available supports. I have come up with a few strategies I will use to help me while abroad. These include time management and organization. I will create a structured schedule to balance academic demands with daily activities. I will do this by using planners and digital resources to track deadlines, exams, and assignments. I will prioritize wellness by maintaining a consistent routine of exercise, healthy eating, and sleep. I will access student wellness services at both Queen’s and the host university if I encounter difficulties adjusting. Studying Spanish will also help me navigate coursework and daily life more effectively. When I return to Queens next year, I will meet with my academic advisor to confirm credit transfers and plan the following academic year. Reflecting on the connections between my exchange courses and my long-term academic focus in Sociology and Health Studies, I ensure that the experience informs my future studies and professional direction
Documentation
Professional Letter Detail: NO DOC