Spain

April 28th, 2025

In the early afternoon hours of Monday, April 28th, a widespread power outage occurred across Spain and Portugal, disrupting public transportation, cellular networks, and internet connectivity. While Spain's Prime Minister has reported that the cause of the outage is still unconfirmed, local authorities are working to address the issue. It is currently unclear when electricity will be fully restored across Spain, though at the time of this alert, reports indicate power continues to be restored to several major metropolitan areas. Parts of southwest France were briefly impacted by the outage, but power there was quickly restored.

ISA resident staff in Spain continue to be available to support students as necessary. In many program locations, classes were cancelled so students could return home. ISA is recommending that students stay close to home, switch phones to low power mode, and follow directives of local authorities. While cellular networks are working, students can expect intermittent disruptions. ISA will monitor all developments and update students and this alert accordingly.

Amsterdam

March 27th, 2025

In the afternoon hours of Thursday, March 27th, a knife attack occurred in the popular Dam Square area of Amsterdam. Local authorities quickly secured the scene and apprehended the suspect in the attack, whose motives remain unknown. A cordon was briefly set up around Dam Square which has since been lifted. 

All ISA Amsterdam students are safe and accounted for. The ISA resident staff has advised students to avoid the immediate area around the square, follow directives of local authorities, and to check in with their families at home. ISA will monitor all developments and update this alert accordingly.