Unrest in France
St. Lawrence students enrolled in the University's international program in Rouen, France, have not been affected by the political unrest that has emerged in that nation. This web site will post any changes in program plans or updates as they become available. We have 12 students studying in Rouen.

The following note was emailed to the families of those 12 students on Nov. 8:

Dear Parents of Students in Rouen, France:

As I am sure you are all fully aware, there has been nightly rioting and unrest, which began in the northern suburbs of Paris on October 27 and has now spread to several other cities. The State Department yesterday issued a Public Announcement which notes: “While damage to property has been extensive, there seems to be no pattern of arsonists directing their anger at ordinary citizens or tourists…. Travelers should be alert to news media reports for the most up-to-date information, avoid areas where riots have occurred, move quickly away from any demonstrations, and exercise particular caution during evening and nighttime hours.” (The full text may be found at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2743.html.)

I have been in daily email contact with our director in Rouen, an SLU faculty member who has directed our program several times. She confirms that thus far the nightly disturbances have been largely confined to locales on the outskirts of the cities where the migrant populations which have been economically disadvantaged reside. This is the case in Rouen. Our students live with home stay families who will be vigilant in looking after then and who live far from the troubled areas. I am aware that students were returning from midterm break last weekend, and all have arrived safely in Rouen. Friday the 11th is Armistice Day, a holiday and therefore a long weekend. Many students have made arrangements to travel. In our view there is no reason at this time to limit their travel, but we will monitor the situation daily and let you know of any changes we contemplate. The following week our students will travel to Senegal, where they will get a further perspective on the relationships between France and her former colonies and experience a Muslim society which is peaceful and enjoying economic growth. This is proving to be a momentous period of challenge and change in France, and such opportunities to learn more about the forces driving this disruption and the state’s response will significantly contribute to what the students are learning. We have no reason to think that any of our students or the program is in any way endangered in this situation at this time.

Yours,

Patricia Alden
Associate Dean of International and Intercultural Education