Students' main priority during the semester is their academic or internship program, where attendance is mandatory. Independent travel is allowed during free time but should not interfere with academic or internship schedules. Missing class sessions due to travel plans, including those caused by travel delays or travel disruptions, will be marked as absences, and students won't be given the chance to make-up assignments or exams. For weekend or break travel, including trips back home for short periods of time, submit the Weekly Plans Check-In as usual.
In the case of urgent emergencies where travel is required, participants must follow these steps:
Notify Program Staff:
Participants must complete this form ASAP. Note that you are responsible for managing any absences that are accrued due to your travel. Remote attendance is not an option, and missing more than one week of classes or a full week of internship, even for an excused emergency, is not allowed. In such cases, you may need to consider withdrawing from the program, so contact academics academics@barcelonasae.com ASAP for guidance if you believe you will need to travel for more than one week.
Inform Professors/ Internship Supervisors:
Email your professors to let them know about your absence and to coordinate missed coursework, assignments, or exams. If you’re enrolled in an internship, also notify your supervisor.
We recommend copying academics@barcelonasae.com on these communications.
Submit an Absence Request Form (when applicable):
If you want to request that your absences be excused, email academics@barcelonasae.com.
If you’re in an internship, also copy internships@barcelonasae.com.
For students at local host universities or in customized programs, procedures may differ, and the Barcelona SAE Academics Team does not have authority over host university decisions.
Approval of excused absences is not guaranteed and will be reviewed by the Academics Team (for SIS classes) or the host university, as applicable.
4. Notify Staff Upon Return
When you return, email health@barcelonasae.com and academics@barcelonasae.com to confirm your return.
Meet with your professors or internship coordinator to review missed work or discuss makeup arrangements.
Proper documentation must be submitted for review; otherwise, absences will not be excused and may impact your final grade.
Death certificate, obituary link, or funeral program
Doctor’s note or hospital records
Court documents
Official letter from a clergy member, social worker, or employer
Police report
Examples of situations that MAY be considered excused (with proper documentation):
Medical emergencies (hospitalization, severe illness, surgery of an immediate family member)
Death of an immediate family member
Court-mandated obligations (jury duty, legal matters)
Military obligations that cannot be rescheduled
Family impacted by natural disasters/extreme weather
Examples of situations that WILL NOT be considered excused:
Personal travel or vacations
Travel delays or flight cancellations
Work conflicts or job interviews
Non-emergency medical appointments
Non-emergency family gatherings (weddings, birthdays, reunions, etc.)
Any undocumented emergencies