<p>With regard to the idea that a school system might treat this as an unexcused absence: This reminds me strongly of the one-liner by Isacc Asimov: “Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.” A school district that would treat this trip as an unexcused absence ought to be dissolved! (Just my opinion, of course)</p>
<p>I think it would be a superb idea for the student to go on the trip. It is a very rare opportunity and a great honor for a high school student to give a presentation at an international conference. It would be a good idea for the student to talk with the professor about the housing issue that has been raised.</p>
<p>Typically, if a student is asked to go to an international conference, the costs are covered by a grant or by the university. This would include the hotel costs. The professor may be reserving the rooms, to begin with. It is also possible that the high school student will have a double, with a grad student or post doc.</p>
<p>ENsMom: If the high school made an exception for everyone who was invited to present work at an international research conference, they could easily do it–it’s not likely to happen more than once in a decade.</p>