Student Missing Abroad
International business senior Austin Bice is currently missing in Madrid, Spain.
Update March 8, 2011: Campus Saddened by News of Missing Student's Passing
San Diego State student Austin Bice was reported missing in Madrid, Spain. He was last seen by friends on Friday, Feb. 25.
“We are deeply concerned about Austin and our hearts go out to Austin’s family and friends,” said SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin. “The entire SDSU family is hoping for a positive ending.”
SDSU was notified of Bice’s disappearance by another student studying abroad on Feb. 27. Since that time, the university has been in constant contact with the host university in Madrid, as well as Bice’s family.
“We are providing any information that might be helpful to the local authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid,” Marlin said. “SDSU officials are doing everything we can to help in the investigation.”
Anyone locally who has information that might be helpful to the investigation can contact SDSU Police at 619-594-1991 or [email protected].
Candlelight Vigil
A candlelight vigil is being planned for Monday, March 7 at 6 p.m. on the Free Speech Steps at Aztec Center to offer support to Austin's family and friends.
About Bice
Bice is studying abroad as part of a semester-long exchange program with Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. He is a senior studying international business with an emphasis in Spanish and Western Europe.
About study abroad at SDSU
Prior to going abroad, every SDSU student attends a mandatory pre-departure orientation session, a large part of which addresses safety issues in foreign countries.
In particular, session organizers discuss the importance of safety in big cities and the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings. The SDSU International Student Center study abroad program also helps students with travel logistics, health insurance and providing students with the tools they need in case there is an emergency while abroad, including emergency contact information for both the host university and SDSU, and how to reach the U.S. Embassy.
Spain is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for students nationwide and at SDSU.
