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 family 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:
Notify your professors of your absences and arrange to stay on track with coursework or pending assignments or exams, we recommend you copy academics on this communication.
Follow Up on Return:
The student should notify program staff upon their return (email health@barcelonasae.com and academics@barcelonasae.com) and speak with professors or internship coordinator to discuss making up any missed work.
Submit an Absence Request Form (when applicable):
If you need to apply to have your absence(s) excused or submit an appeal for missed internship hours, email academics@barcelonasae.com (note: if you are participating in an internship you should copy internships@barcelonasae.com). For local host universities and customized programs, bear in mind that the process may vary and the Academics Team at BSAE has no authority over decisions made by host universities.
Having your absences excused is not guaranteed and is subject to review by the Academics Team in the case of SIS classes, or the local host university, when applicable.
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