Dear students,
In light of the recent and tragic events that happened a few weeks back In Paris, I feel obligated to share this letter with you all.
First and most important, my thoughts and prayers go out to all victims of such an atrocity. I am prouder than ever to witness how Europe as a whole is showing support, strength and respect towards our French neighbors.
And second, at SAIIE your safety is our main concern. I myself understand 100% what you may be going through along with your family and friends about your semesters soon to begin.
Let me assure you that everyone in Seville, Spain and Europe has decided to continue living normally. We are not giving in to fear, the real weapon of the terrorist.
SAIIE provides all our students a 24/7 service for safety and emergency situations. Our staff is qualified and ready to handle questions that may come from your parents or friends.
Dear students,
In light of the recent and tragic events that happened a few weeks back In Paris, I feel obligated to share this letter with you all.
First and most important, my thoughts and prayers go out to all victims of such an atrocity. I am prouder than ever to witness how Europe as a whole is showing support, strength and respect towards our French neighbors.
And second, at SAIIE your safety is our main concern. I myself understand 100% what you may be going through along with your family and friends about your semesters soon to begin.
Let me assure you that everyone in Seville, Spain and Europe has decided to continue living normally. We are not giving in to fear, the real weapon of the terrorist.
SAIIE provides all our students a 24/7 service for safety and emergency situations. Our staff is qualified and ready to handle questions that may come from your parents or friends.
SAIIE, as well as all other study abroad programs that are members of APUNE (Association of American University Programs in Spain) get daily messages and updates from the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. This is the most recent message received:
*U.S. Embassy Madrid*
*Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Continued Security Awareness*
*November 20, 2015*
In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks such as those in Paris on November 13, and ongoing threat reporting from Spain and the rest of Europe, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid reminds U.S. citizens in Spain to review the Worldwide Caution:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html, which provides information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world, including Europe.
Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
For further information:
- See the State Department's travel websitehttp://travel.state.gov/ for the Worldwide Cautionhttp://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and *Spain** Country Specific Information* http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/spain-and-andorra.html.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programhttps://step.state.gov/step/ (*STEP* https://step.state.gov/step/) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, located at Calle Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid, at +34 91 587 2200, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +34 91587 2200. Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain, located at Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 25, 08034 Barcelona, at +(34) (93) 280-2227, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. Citizens is +(34) (91) 587-2200.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/travelgov and Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/travelgov.
As I mentioned above, it´s imperative that in such tragic moments the world unites and continues living with respect and an open mind. Today in Seville from my office I can listen to public transport, to kids at school laughing, to church bells ringing…
Choose to keep on living is the best advice I can give you all.
As always, if you wish to discuss any matters raised here please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon!
Stuart Chipres
SAIIE Director