The following alerts are based on ISA's direct observation, U.S. Department of State recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council, WHO reports, and expert consultation.
Thursday, May 16, 2013 7:50 AM CST
The bus strike in Cape Town which began on April 19th has ended. Mutual agreements were met, and all employees returned back to work on Tuesday, May 14th.
During the strike, there were no signs of violence reported. Students were provided with alternative transportation throughout this period, and therefore were not inconvenienced academically.
All students were made aware of the strike ending, and will resume utilizing the Golden Arrow Bus and Jammie shuttle services for transportation to and from school.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 10:45 AM CST
According to the international media, North Korea removed two Musudan missiles from the east coast on May 7th, signaling that there will not be a test-launch from Pyongyang. Additionally, North Korea's hard-line army general was replaced on May 13th, and a new Chief of the People's Armed Forces has been appointed, suggesting a shift from recent aggressive rhetoric.
Our on-site staff and contacts in Seoul assure us that the city continues to operate smoothly and normally with no evidence of widespread alarm among the public at large. ISA on-site staff remains in close communication with our students regarding the ongoing situation. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, and will update our students as necessary.
Thursday, May 9, 2013, 12:35 PM CST
On May 8th, local Chilean students held protests across different cities throughout Chile to appeal for educational reform. The highest participation was in Santiago, though a smaller demonstration was held in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Protests are scheduled and regulated, and ISA staff informed students of the planned protest earlier this week. Our staff also reminded students that ISA policy prohibits participation by any ISA student in protests or demonstrations. As previously reported on the ISA Worldwide Alerts page, similar demonstrations for education reform have been on going. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, and provide updates to our students as needed.
For further information, please refer to ISA's Health and Safety section, particularly the information regarding the monitoring of world-wide security levels.