Barcelona

October 16th, 2019

On Monday, October 14th, Spain's Supreme Court announced the sentencing for prominent Catalan leaders involved in the 2017 independence referendum. In response to the sentencing, several protests and strikes have occurred throughout the Catalonia region, including in Barcelona, resulting in transportation disruptions, particularly around the airport, and some clashes between protestors and police. A large demonstration is expected to take place in Barcelona on Friday, October 18th.

ISA Barcelona resident staff have have been in communication with students throughout the week, notifying them of the planned strikes and demonstrations, and instructing them to avoid protest areas. All ISA host institutions in Barcelona have been operating as normal, and classes have not been impacted by the demonstrations. There is a student strike planned for this week, but ISA host institutions have advised that classes will continue to run as planned. Members of the ISA Barcelona staff visited campuses today and reported that all remained calm.

ISA Barcelona is hosting a pre-planned excursion to Valencia this weekend, departing Barcelona on Friday, October 18th, in which most students will participate. ISA staff remaining in Barcelona will be available for students who choose not to attend the excursion. Additionally, ISA staff throughout program locations in Spain will advise their students on any protests that may occur in their cities in support of the Spanish government or Catalan independence protestors. ISA will continue to monitor the situation, advise students, and update this Worldwide Alert accordingly. 

Tokyo

October 13th, 2019

On Saturday evening (local time), October 12th, Typhoon Hagibis made landfall southwest of Tokyo bringing heavy rain, winds and flooding to the city. Transportation systems in the city experienced significant impact, including suspensions in service of the Tokyo subway and significant flight cancellations from Narita International Airport. By Sunday morning, October 13th (local), authorities lifted rain and flood warnings in Tokyo as the storm weakened and moved away from the city. 

All students participating on ISA programs in Tokyo are safe and accounted for. The ISA Tokyo resident staff advised students to continue to follow directives of local authorities and to check in with their families back home. At this time, we do not anticipate this event will impact students' academic calendar. ISA will continue to monitor the situation and advise students as necessary.