Paris

June 21, 2023

On Wednesday afternoon, June 21st (local time), an explosion occurred in a building in Paris's 5th arrondissement. The blast caused significant damage to surrounding buildings and injuries to those in the area. Several buildings near the blast have been evacuated, and authorities are advising the public to avoid the area while emergency response teams secure the scene. The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, but initial reports indicate it may have been caused by a gas leak.

The ISA Paris resident staff has confirmed that all students currently participating on ISA summer programs in the city are safe and accounted for. Students have been advised to avoid the area and encouraged to be in touch with their families at home. ISA does not have student accommodations in the impacted area. The ISA Paris resident staff, along with ISA's U.S.-based Health & Safety team will continue to monitor the situation and advise students accordingly. 

 

ISA has been closely following developments related to political and civil unrest in Peru after the impeachment and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo on December 7th. Protests have resulted in airport closures, train cancellations, and road closures. On December 14, a 30-day State of Emergency was announced.

ISA continues to regularly review reports from our locally-based resident staff in Lima and Cusco, the US Department of State, and our private security advisors. In Cusco, the airport has reopened, and the ISA resident staff have reported that while regional demonstrations and strikes are still occurring, the situation in the city of Cusco is calm and businesses are operating normally. At this time, we do not anticipate any schedule changes to our Spring 2023 program in Cusco, which is scheduled to begin on January 27th. ISA will continue to monitor the situation very closely and provide students and our partner universities with updates accordingly.