International Studies Abroad
1112 W. Ben White Blvd.
Austin, Texas USA 78704
Re: Letter of Apology
Dear Ms. Simpson:
In view of the recent events which transpired pertinent to my application for the study abroad program to China, I was formally informed by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Kim Noling, that I was found to be guilty of plagiarism. As I met with Ms. Noling, and as I relayed to her and to you, due to the very short time frame which was deemed accorded to effectively write the needed letter of intent with an accompanying essay, I really admittedly made the wrong decision of copying an essay from the TOEFL website; which I most fervently regret.
I am now writing this letter to express my sincerest and heartfelt apology for having made this totally irresponsible decision. I have, in fact, realized and recognized the gravity of violating the Academic Honesty Policy of Hartwick College, of which I am bound.
I am also expressing and relaying my sincerest regrets for these events to both Mr. Mansi Petrie and Dr. David Anthony for any inconveniences that my untoward behavior and conduct has caused them. I am truly remorseful for compromising the trust and confidence that has been accorded me, especially by Dr. Anthony who even provided the letter of recommendation to the program in China, as required.
With this, I am hereby enclosing my three page essay which stipulates the reasons why students applying for studying abroad affirm and embody perfect representatives of the home country or academic institution with integrity to people in the host country and in facilitating agencies.
As such, I hope that you would accept my deepest apologies and promise to take all the necessary precautions to avoid violation of said policy in future academic endeavors.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
<Your Name>
Dr. David Anthony
Ms. Kim Noling
The Decision to Study Abroad
There are many choices and decisions to be made regarding pursuing academic endeavors. When students are given the prerogatives to choose, the more options seem to be made available and expands the need to exert cognitive and analytical skills to arrive at the most viable choice. Aside from selecting the course or program to pursue, there are other decisions to be made in terms of universities to apply and the major or minor courses students could enroll in. In addition, within specific universities or programs, there are other opportunities that could be tapped to further widen academic privileges or prospects for personal as well as professional growth. At Hartwick College, one acknowledges that various scholarships and academic growth programs, like the Study Abroad Program, could provide once in a lifetime experience to study in other affiliated educational institutions in varied countries worldwide. In this regard, I hereby present the reasons for applying to the study abroad program, specifically to China, through the International Studies Abroad (ISA) program.
First and foremost, there is this genuine and earnest desire to experience studying in other countries, especially in China, which had been classified as an emerging powerful nation. As such, apart from being immensely interested in the culture of the people, I am also intrigued by the reasons for its fast and unprecedented economic growth. I envision that by being immersed in its way of life, in learning more about its beliefs, values, traditions, and manner of doing business, I could significantly be provided with firsthand experience that could never be appreciated through merely reading about Chinese culture in books or in the online medium.
Secondly, as a student from the United States, I have acknowledged from
diverse opportunities in interacting and coordinating with Asian migrants and students, including the Chinese, that they have exhibited distinct traits and characteristics which make them rise above the rest. They are recognized to exemplify expertise and business acumen in various entrepreneurial ventures. Likewise, most Chinese students have exhibited exemplary academic performance through manifesting good study habits and innate skills in major subjects, especially Mathematics and Business Management or Entrepreneurship. As such, I would like to learn the secrets of their trade and hopefully, be able to apply theoretical frameworks to realistic applications in future endeavors. I am convinced that most of the valuable lessons could be learned through experience and immersion a varied culture. This way, I could also confirm what have been taught through theories and concepts; for instance on cultural dimensions of Asians vis-à-vis those of Westerners.
Concurrently, studying abroad would assist in enhancing my academic records where competitive advantage could be gained from the experience. Global organizations that abound in contemporary times have openly supported cultural diversity in their pool of human resources. I strongly believe that those potential candidates for positions in the company with cultural awareness and experiences studying of living in other international countries possess significant advantages. I can be a source of validating information regarding socio-cultural way of life, economic condition, academic experiences, and other relevant facets that were learned through the study abroad program. I can express from personal perspectives what are deemed to be barriers to effective communication and in the establishment of smooth interpersonal relationships. These inputs could be instrumental contributions to professional growth of colleagues, as well as in the overall growth and development of the organization I earmark to be an active part of.
Finally, I look forward to being accorded the chance to take risks, become independent, and learn how to adapt and adjust to a new way of life. I acknowledge that there are lots of valuable lessons to be learned in studying abroad that could not be accorded in traditional domestic classroom settings. Being exposed to a new language would provide me with the opportunity to learn, practice, and adopt it. This would assist in understanding various modes of communication; including verbal and nonverbal cues. Developing new friends, acquaintances and affiliations from another culture would enhance interpersonal relationships, communication skills, as well as cultural awareness and adeptness. These skills set and advanced theoretical frameworks would prepare me in applying crucial facets of everything learned in future endeavors.
Overall, I am immensely optimistic that the study abroad program would provide benefits that exceed any costs associated with it. The degree of professionalism expected from students; in conjunction with values of honesty, integrity, and strict adherence to ethical, moral, and legal universal standards should always be observed. Therefore, I acknowledge that whatever the academic policies, rules and procedures of the academic institution; plus the laws of the host country should also be followed. This is part of the learning process that I could appreciate and imbibe as a productive and memorable experience for the rest of my life.
