Petition Letter
My name is Maya Brennan, and I am currently a third-year Economics student at Queen’s University. I am writing to request approval to enroll in more than 6.0 units on a Letter of Permission (LOP) during my independent study abroad at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to attend UC3M represents an invaluable chance to immerse myself in both the academic and cultural richness of Madrid. This experience will significantly enhance my academic journey at Queen’s.
I am grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in the Bilateral Exchange Program and have been offered a placement at the University of Hong Kong. However, after careful consideration, I believe that this option is not the best fit for me. The significant distance from home, combined with my unfamiliarity with the local language and culture, would cause me a great deal of mental distress. Without a support system in place, I worry that this environment may hinder my academic and personal success during such a critical time in my studies.
In contrast, Madrid offers a much closer and more supportive environment. As someone of Mexican heritage, I feel significantly more at ease with the local culture in Madrid, and my proficiency in Spanish gives me the confidence to navigate the city and communicate with the locals easily. This familiarity provides me with a sense of security and safety that would be lacking in Hong Kong. Madrid is not only a more welcoming and comfortable setting but also one in which I can thrive both academically and personally. Its cultural and academic environment is uniquely suited to my needs, making it the ideal place for me to complete my exchange experience.
While I understand that current policy limits students to 6.0 units on a LOP during study abroad, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from this rule. Taking only 6.0 units would prevent me from fully engaging with the diverse academic offerings at UC3M and would delay my ability to meet my program’s requirements within the suggested timeframe. The five courses I plan to take are carefully chosen to align with my academic goals and to deepen my understanding of economics in a global context.
Granting this request would allow me to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, ensuring that I fully benefit from the educational and cultural offerings at UC3M. I am confident this experience will profoundly impact my academic and personal growth, and I sincerely hope you will consider allowing me to exceed the 6.0 unit limit for this exceptional academic opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Maya Brennan
I am grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in the Bilateral Exchange Program and have been offered a placement at the University of Hong Kong. However, after careful consideration, I believe that this option is not the best fit for me. The significant distance from home, combined with my unfamiliarity with the local language and culture, would cause me a great deal of mental distress. Without a support system in place, I worry that this environment may hinder my academic and personal success during such a critical time in my studies.
In contrast, Madrid offers a much closer and more supportive environment. As someone of Mexican heritage, I feel significantly more at ease with the local culture in Madrid, and my proficiency in Spanish gives me the confidence to navigate the city and communicate with the locals easily. This familiarity provides me with a sense of security and safety that would be lacking in Hong Kong. Madrid is not only a more welcoming and comfortable setting but also one in which I can thrive both academically and personally. Its cultural and academic environment is uniquely suited to my needs, making it the ideal place for me to complete my exchange experience.
While I understand that current policy limits students to 6.0 units on a LOP during study abroad, I am respectfully requesting an exemption from this rule. Taking only 6.0 units would prevent me from fully engaging with the diverse academic offerings at UC3M and would delay my ability to meet my program’s requirements within the suggested timeframe. The five courses I plan to take are carefully chosen to align with my academic goals and to deepen my understanding of economics in a global context.
Granting this request would allow me to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, ensuring that I fully benefit from the educational and cultural offerings at UC3M. I am confident this experience will profoundly impact my academic and personal growth, and I sincerely hope you will consider allowing me to exceed the 6.0 unit limit for this exceptional academic opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Maya Brennan