[Studyabroadadvise] Security mesures in light of Madrid tragedy/spring break travels

Fri, 12 Mar 2004 14:00:29 -0500

To study abroad advisors:

FYI.  

Margaret 

 In light of the recent tragedy in Madrid and as we approach the spring 
vacation   
in Paris (April 10 - 25), 
I would like to take a moment to address a few concerns that we have here at 
Sweet Briar Junior Year 
in France which I am sure many of you share. JYF always encourages students to 
use their hard won language skills to explore other regions of France, but I 
know 
that many students will be travelling outside of France during the spring 
holiday.   I understand that a year or semester abroad is also a great 
opportunity to explore Europe. 
We remind all students that you are required to inform Dr. Marie Grée, Resident 
Director  and/or Ms. Karen Parnet, Assistant to the Resident Director whenever 
you leave Paris. There is a notebook in Madame  Parnet’s office for this 
purpose. 
You should record information about your itinerary and how we may contact you, 
should it be necessary, during your absence. Also, please carry with you at all 
times your green Emergency Card provided by our office with important phones 
numbers for Dr. Grée and Mme Parnet and Mme Hervier. 
Also, please carry your CISI Medical insurance card with you. 

Dear Parents and Study Abroad Advisors : 

Contrary to what one might think in these days of difficult Franco-American 
relations, our students do not feel threatened here in Paris. They live with 
French people and they all speak French, so they  easily blend with the 
population. Although French people, like most other Europeans, massively oppose 
US policy in the current crisis over Iraq, this sentiment has not translated 
into 
personal confrontation with Americans beyond the verbal jousting that has 
always 
been a part of French culture. Needless to say, we continue to monitor the 
situation. 
We regularly receive security updates from the American Consulate here in Paris 
and, of course, immediately post them on the bulletin boards in our office. 
For any of you who might like to consult the travel warning site, I include the 
following URL : 
http://www.travel.state.gov/ 
Travelling, particularly to places where one doesn’t speak the language, quite 
naturally increases one’s vulnerability because unexpected situations or events 
inevitably occur. We encourage students to be especially vigilant in these 
times 
of international tension to be aware of their surroundings,  to be cautious 
around strangers and  to plan their itinerary carefully. As a general rule we 
also encourage students to keep a low profile and to not draw attention to 
themselves as Americans (American flags on backpacks, home university caps or 
t- 
shirts), and to avoid large gatherings of Americans or places where Americans 
regularly gather. 
Although the anti-war demonstrations here in France and elsewhere in Europe 
have 
been peaceful, such gatherings are always volatile situations and so we 
encourage 
students to avoid these demonstrations, or, if they find themselves in or near 
such a demonstration, to be especially vigilant. 
It is certainly not my intent to frighten parents or students in this message. 
In 
fact, I have found the students on the Sweet Briar Program to be thoughtful and 
responsible young men and women who have acquired a new depth of sophistication 
and savvy here in France. I wish you all a rewarding and a safe vacation. I 
remind you and your parents that the Sweet Briar office in Paris will be open 
during the entire vacation period. 
Our hours in Paris during that two-week period will be from 10 AM until 4 PM. 
(M- 
F) 
Our hours in the Virginia office are 8:30-5 (M-F) 

VIRGINIA  SBC JYF : 

JYF telephone in VA :                (434) 381-6109             8 :30 a.m ? 5 
:00 
p.m. 
Dr. Scouten’s Cell in Va :           (434) 825-8891             emergency 

PARIS SBC JYF : 

Paris JYF Office :               **01-45-48-79-30 10 :00 a.m.-4 :00 p.m. 
34, rue de Fleurus 

Dr. Marie Grée :                      01?43-38-93-39                  Home 
                                              06-61-66-95-46                   
cell 

Mme Karen Parnet                   01-45-72-39-07                  Home 
                                              06-81-52-80-92                   
cell 

     **From the US, one must dial 011-33  and eliminate the first (0) 

Please do not hesistate to contact me if you have any questions and/or 
concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Margaret Scouten 
Director 

Margaret Scouten, Ph.D.
Director, Junior Year in France
Sweet Briar College
TeL:  (434) 381-6109
Fax:  (434) 381-6283
Email: jyf@sbc.edu
website:http:// www.jyf.sbc.edu