Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: An exchange program was an important factor in my decision to attend Queen¿¿s University. Originally, I had planned to spend my whole university time abroad at a university in the UK. I thought this would be best for my major of Political Science and International Relations because the UK is in close proximity to various countries that are major players in International Relations. My plan was set until I visited my sister at Queen¿¿s and realised I could get the best of both worlds; a university close to home and the opportunity to study abroad at a university almost anywhere around the world.
I think an exchange is essential in my field of study of political science. In political science, it is important to understand a country¿¿s geography, history, culture and demographics in order to fully understand why counties act the way they do. Learning about countries in a textbook can be helpful but to experience them first hand is a whole different type of learning. For example, I studied War World Two in various classes throughout my high school career but when I visited Europe and visited actual battle sites and memorials, I got a more profound understanding and knowledge of the War. You cannot really understand the world until you have travelled. Travelling gives you a whole different type of knowledge that classrooms and textbooks cannot provide. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime chance that gives you the opportunity to meet new people, explore new places and challenge yourself.
I did not receive a placement in the Queen's exchange program and I am therefore requesting an appeal for a letter of permission to do an independent study abroad in Australia next spring.