Phone:
800.257.7751
TTY:
802.258.3388
Fax:
802.258.3508
Mailing Address:
PO Box 676, 1 Kipling Road
Brattleboro, VT 05302 USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
World Learning Expresses Condolences to Chilean People, Confirms Safety of SIT Study Abroad Participants
BRATTLEBORO, VT (March 1, 2010) -- World Learning is deeply concerned about the impact of Saturday's devastating earthquake in Chile and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, particularly with those who have lost loved ones.
World Learning urges members of our community who wish to respond during the immediate relief phase in Chile to do so through our partners in InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based, international nongovernmental organizations that focus on the world's poor and most vulnerable people.
"World Learning shares a strong connection to the Chilean people that goes back to when we first started working in the country nearly 20 years ago," said Adam Weinberg, president and CEO of World Learning. "We are confident that our Chilean partners will help us to determine the most appropriate role for World Learning to take in supporting the country's long-term recovery."
With four programs currently underway in Chile, our SIT Study Abroad unit has moved quickly to confirm that all students, faculty and staff are accounted for and safe. An SIT Study Abroad staff person has personally spoken with or visited all the students.
"Student safety is our highest priority right now and staff members are sensitive to the concerns that such an incident may raise for students and their families," said Michael Smallis, dean of student affairs for SIT Study Abroad.
SIT Study Abroad is providing the students' families with updates on the situation and Chilean program staff members are making arrangements for counselors to be available for students during the next few weeks.
Staff members are also reviewing program itineraries and will make modifications as needed to ensure students' safety and well-being. SIT Study Abroad anticipates that classes will take place as scheduled this week, with a possible one or two day delay at the most.
Students in each of the programs will meet this week with their academic directors and program staff members to review the situation, address concerns, and go over any changes to program agendas. At this time, SIT Study Abroad does not foresee any major changes or revisions of program agendas and are proceeding with the semester as scheduled, although some excursions may be modified.
More information can be obtained from SIT's student affairs office. Please contact studentaffairs@sit.edu or call 888.272.7881 or 802.258.3212 to speak directly to a student affairs staff member.
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