<p>Last year my son studied abroad. He was doing well in all classes at midterm, but he became seriously ill shortly thereafter. He sought medical attention and was well assisted by the travel insurance company. The exchange organization did little to assist and I had to fly over to help him for a week. Long story short: instead of choosing to withdraw, he opted to remain and take the chance he would bounce back, healthwise, and return to class. </p>
<p>Unfortunately he had a remission and could make only one final. His doctors contacted the host university and explained the situation (son was now hospitalized) but the university refused to budge, it was after finals and the semester had ended. In this particular country the policy is for students to take the failed courses over again next semester as tuition is virtually free, and once admitted to Uni students are seldom dismissed (my son's roommate, a local resident, had been a f/t undergrad for 7 years).</p>
<p>My son returned to the US and continued to receive medical care over the summer. He wrote to the dean of the foreign uni to petition, and included documentation galore, but no exceptions, period--no incompletes or extensions or withdrawls...just, re-apply to the school to re-take the classes, get another visa, and return. No, thank you.</p>
<p>Back now in his school here at home, final year, and on Academic Warning, because his foreign transcripts came through all Fs and one A. His home school has been extremely understanding, and my son is doing remarkably well in his academics, almost recovered completely and due to graduate in 6 months, on time and with solid GPA. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, I am concerned (he is blissfully ignorant) that the failed semester showing on his transcript may undermine future employment opportunities, especially those fields in which he is interested, like teaching abroad. </p>
<p>Can anyone who has had something similar happen offer words of advice?</p>