Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: My name is Taylor Wasserman and I am in my third year of the HBA program majoring in political studies and minoring in sociology. I am interested in studying in Barcelona for the Winter of 2025 to continue my educational journey. Studying overseas in Europe will expose me to different learning/communication techniques and styles from a new cultural perspective.

Education should not be confined to a classroom but extend to the many amazing cultures in this world. As a Canadian political studies major, I have gained an understanding of several political practices, policies and theories, mostly through a North American lens. Studying these from a European context will provide me unique insights into important political theorists and theories.

Being in a different country will also permit me to explore global challenges from different viewpoints. Understanding these diverse perspectives will enhance my educational advancement and is important for becoming a globally aware citizen. As countries have unique political structures, ideologies, and histories, studying abroad will allow me to see firsthand how different political systems operate and understand the sociopolitical dynamics that shape societies. This will provide real-world examples of theories and concepts learned in class. I will be able to critically compare the ideologies and political structures I learn from abroad with those taught at Queens, which will broaden my exposure on the discipline and, I hope, on colonial oppression (an area of particular interest to me).

Immersing myself in a new culture and experiencing the daily life of locals will inevitably lead to a deeper understanding of new cultural norms and traditions. As cultural context is an important aspect of political studies and sociology, living and studying in Barcelona will undoubtedly challenge my perceptions and unintentional biases. It will provide me with a direct opportunity to be cognizant of those perceptions and biases, thereby giving me a chance to modify the way I think about certain matters. Studying abroad will also help me form a valuable global network of international peers, professors and colleagues, which could be useful for possible future internships or career opportunities.

Navigating a new cultural environment is daunting, yet exhilarating and will force me out of my comfort zone. I will connect with others interested in political science who may have completely different viewpoints based on their backgrounds. Being afforded the opportunity to study abroad is not only about academic growth, but also personal growth teaching me resilience, independence and adaptability. These critical traits will help my aspirations of going into law.

This experience will allow me to learn about another country's legal system in both a classroom and real-world setting. Studying abroad will challenge me to adapt to new environments and think critically about unfamiliar situations. These are key skills for a lawyer who must quickly analyze complex legal issues, adapt to new evidence or changing laws, develop innovative solutions to legal problems and react to questions from the judge. Having the opportunity to study abroad will show future employers that I am independent, proactive, and open to taking on challenges. It will also help my law school applications by highlighting my diverse educational journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my petition letter.