You're looking at this the wrong way. This isn't about the kid...it's about what THEY want. THEY want to go to Europe now...not wait until school's out...they want to go NOW.

Is the kid in athletics? If so, did they tell Coach that the kid can't stay for after/before school practice?

Out of curiosity, how long are they going to be there? If the kid is only missing 5 days, they can't be going over there for very long; going for less than 14 days really isn't getting your money's worth...zipping through things without really taking in the experience.

Yep, like someone else stated...high maintenance parents.