France

March 24, 2006
CEA Response to CPE Protests in France

The health, safety and well-being of our students are primary priorities at CEA. As such, we are currently monitoring the protests in Paris and throughout France. Our France International Staff is in constant contact with CEA Tempe Headquarters detailing the latest events and their interaction with our students. We are taking all appropriate steps to ensure our students’ safety. CEA would like to take the time to explain the situation in hopes to quell any fears and answer all questions.

Q. What is causing the protests?
A. The CPE (contrat premiere embauche) is a work contract that the government has just voted into place. Prior to the law, people under the age of 26 had job security for the first two years of employment. Now, the employer can fire any employee without having to justify their reasoning; similar to policies in the United States. People are protesting the decrease in job security, the age discrimination, and the fact that some business sectors are more affected by this than others. In France, it is very common to strike and protest in attempt to change policy.

Q. What are students being told?
A. CEA students are being advised to exercise caution and avoid areas with large groups of protesters. In the event that demonstrations become violent, it is best that students observe extreme vigilance in areas with manifestations. However, most of the violence that has occurred in Paris to date, has not been perpetrated by the large groups of protesters, but by separate individuals. Also, students are being told to stay abreast of the issues and events – not only from Onsite Staff communications, but also via the news and internet. Students are being warned to stay put if a demonstration does come through their neighborhood, although, none of our housing has been affected. Additionally, students are advised to avoid leaving their housing at night.

Q. How are CEA students being affected?
A. Although universities throughout France are currently closed, our France Onsite Staff has informed us that NONE of the schools that CEA students attend are presently being affected – all of them remain open. Other than perhaps seeing a protest, or having to deal with a possible metro strike, CEA students’ lives are continuing on as normal.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Our Health and Safety Committee, as well as our International Staff, will continue to monitor the situation closely and we feel confident that the steps we are taking will ensure our students' safety abroad. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-266-4441 should you have any questions.