[Jyf-2001-2002] Sweet Briar College Junior Year in France

[Margaret Scouten]

Monday, September 17, 2001


Dear Sweet Briar College Junior Year in France participants,

 I would like to share a few thoughts with you today concerning last
week’s tragic events in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
Since I am also sending this to your parents, study abroad
administrators and to Members of our Advisory Board Committee, I will
address you in English.

Please rest assured that the administration of the Sweet Briar College
Junior Year in France has the utmost confidence in our France based JYF
office.  As you are well aware by now, Dr. John Lambeth, Resident
Director, Mme Carol Denis, Assistant to the Resident Director, Mlle
Alexandra Mardesic, Office Manager, Mme Jane Bataille and Mme
Marie-Pascale Buschini, Co-Directors of the Tours program, the staff at
the Institut de Touraine, your host families and your professors are all
ready and willing to help you with any problem whatsoever, whether it be
educational or emotional.  Counseling will be made available for anyone
requiring it.  Please contact Dr. Lambeth or Mme Denis as needed.

I have created a list serve for your parents, as well as for your study
abroad advisors to keep them abreast of happenings in Tours and Paris.
However, since you all have access to the Internet provided by our
program and the use of several phones placed at your disposition at the
Institut de Touraine, I urge you to contact your parents often.  It is
extremely important for them to know that you are doing well and in a
safe environment.
It only takes a few minutes of your time to put your loved ones at
ease.  (As a mother of three college age children, I strongly believe in
keeping lines of communication open)

You have watched the news on CNN and are as up-to-date as we are in the
States.
I want to reassure you that JYF will take every necessary precaution to
provide a safe
environment.  Please heed the Safety Steps listed on the bulletin board
next to Dr. Lambeth’s office. You have all been registered with the U.S.
Embassy in Paris.

 There are no words to convey our horror and sadness caused by these
horrific
events.  However, we must all continue with our plans for the future.
We cannot allow
terrorists to destroy our dreams.  Your goal should be to take your
studies seriously, to learn more about the world community and to be the
best possible person you are capable of being.  The Sweet Briar College
Junior Year in France wishes you one of the most rewarding experiences
of your lifetime.

 God bless you all. Bonne continuation!!

Sincerely yours,

Margaret Scouten
Director

--
Margaret Scouten, Ph.D.
Director, Junior Year in France
Sweet Briar College
Telephone:  (804) 381-6109
Fax:  (804) 381-6283
Email:  mailto:jyf@sbc.edu
website:  http://www.jyf.sbc.edu