Avian Flu Information

There is currently no elevated risk of contracting the Avian Flu in any of the countries where ISA has active programs. We have no plans of canceling any of our programs at this time. If the United States Department of State (DOS) issues an official travel warning that is specific to any country or region where we have a program, we will cancel all future programs in that particular country/region until the warning is lifted. Refunds will be promptly issued to all accepted applicants preparing to participate in the cancelled program(s). Furthermore, if and when a DOS travel warning is issued for a given country/region, it is likely that we would cancel the programs that are already active in the affected country/region. Nonetheless, the decision to cancel would ultimately depend on the specific circumstances and the nature of the warning. If we do cancel programs that are already initiated, partial refunds will be given to the active participants to the extent possible. However, the most important matter in such a circumstance will be that of managing our emergency response plans, and facilitating the evacuation or quarantine procedures that may be necessary.

We are closely monitoring developments on this topic (through the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the US Department of State), and we will periodically post new and pertinent information on our website. In the meantime, please feel free to visit these websites for developing information:

• Avian Flu Fact Sheet (US Dept. of State)
• CDC information on the Avian Flu
• CDC information for US Citizens living abroad
• WHO Disease outbreak news