Paris: Our Thoughts & Updated Policies
We all watched in horror and disbelief as the events unfolded in Paris recently. Many of us travel to Paris frequently. We have an office there. We enjoy the people, the history, and the culture. Our prayers and our thoughts go out to all of those who were affected by the unspeakable atrocities that took place on that night. Needless to say that Paris and the Parisians will become a stronger, more secure, and more resilient city in the aftermath, and we will demonstrate our solidarity with them by choosing to travel again in the future and not let terror dictate our lives.
While the U.S. State Department has issued a general worldwide travel alert, at this point in time there are no travel warnings to France and we therefore will continue to operate our programs as planned. We constantly monitor all State Department advisories. Additionally, we consult with our office staff in London and Paris daily. At ACIS, we take the welfare of each and every participant on our tours very seriously. Just as we work tirelessly to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to group leaders and students, we are equally committed to ensuring that all of our travelers return home safely. Our safety and support infrastructure has been a cornerstone of our business for more than 35 years.
To address and respond to the concerns of our teachers, parents and students who are travelling with us in 2015 and 2016, we carefully formed changes to our current policy that will, we hope, provide everyone with peace of mind. These changes are effective immediately.
Plan with Confidence for your Group
Through April 1, 2016, changes to your program at the group level can be made up to 35 days before departure.
- You may choose to move out of Paris to an alternate city at no additional charge*
- You may choose to move your date of travel to a later date of travel**
- You may choose an entirely different itinerary from your original itinerary**
* These itinerary adjustments are limited to groups traveling on their own private bus.
** Based upon availability. Any cost differential, higher or lower, will be passed on to your group.
We are also amending our cancellation policies as needed to provide groups with more time to sort out their travel plans. Please speak with your group leader or program consultant to discuss the options available for your group.
Peter Jones In 1978, Peter Jones founded ACIS with a few colleagues, who all believed that travel changes lives. Knowing the important difference between a trip that’s mediocre and one that’s extraordinary, he built ACIS from a deep belief and understanding that ACIS group leaders and participants deserve the best—from itinerary development to hotels to perhaps most importantly, the people hired to guide teachers and students throughout the journey.
Peter, I remember how wonderful ACIS was after 911 and how considerate you were when we postponed our trip to Italy until the following year. I have traveled with my students nearly 20 times and always with ACIS. I met you when we were held over all day in Rome. You came to visit us and very generously fed us all. You told me to make everyone happy! No one minded the layover. Every trip was memorable and life altering for my guys.
Paris being one of our favorite places, our hearts are with the French. And since I taught in Newtown, CT, we feel their pain intimately. Bless you all for the good work you do and for the fact that you have not let this changing world change your mission. Sincerely, Claudia
Thanks so much for your kind words, Claudia. Unfortunately, we’ve had to respond to incidents like this in the past, and each time we’ve come back to continue with our mission. We will press on.
Dear Peter,
What a powerful and positive message. I forwarded it right on to my students and travelers for Summer 2016. I preceded your message with my appreciation for ACIS and the way you do business. I truly believe we are in the best of hands for International Educational travel. Thank you for your positive, flexible and creative solutions. Sincerely, Carmela Aliffi
Thanks very much for your comment, Carmela. In times like these expanding our horizons and learning through travel are as important as ever.
Professional and class as usual. This is the reason that ACIS is in a class by themselves!
Thank you for your steady concern and care for students and teachers traveling with ACIS. I have been traveling with ACIS for many years and have nothing but praise for the professional and care that has always been a top priority. I am being interviewed by our newspaper and will certainly pass along this message of confidence and flexibility.
There is a reason why those of us who have travelled with our students for years are loyal to ACIS, and Peter, you and your amazing team are it! Always compassionate, sensitive and empathetic..,,,the way you deal with us all is a model for all companies to adopt! Thank you for years of wisdom and generosity.
Thank you so much for this message! I passed it along to my group that is traveling in the Summer of 2016. One of the reason’s why I love ACIS is the professionalism that is exhibited at all times. It is a wonderful reassurance to me to know that ACIS staff is available at all times and should we need you, you are there! You show a level of compassion and empathy that should be modeled in many industries.