Paris, August 31, 2004
CIEE, Inc. is pleased to announce that effective September 1st, 2004, it will distribute its products and services in France, namely internship, professional training and summer job programs in the US and Australia, through Parenthèse.
Over the last three years, the student exchange business has undergone many changes. The training and summer job programs have been particularly targeted with security and regulation reinforcement. To keep pace with these changes, CIEE has adapted its business model to one that concentrates organizational resources on exceptional product development and delivery. Likewise, CIEE continues to develop its worldwide network of premier overseas partners through which it distributes these products and services.
In France, rather than continuing to distribute our programs through the Parisian CIEE Office, the organization is entering into an Agency Agreement with Parenthèse, a new educational program company, founded by Maryam Bozorgmehr, the long-time Director of CIEE France and General Manager of CIEE’s European offices for over five years. On August 31, 2004, CIEE France will cease its operations and Parenthèse will assume responsibility for all French clients currently enrolled in a CIEE exchange program, as well as those in the midst of the enrollment process.
In commenting on the change, CIEE President and CEO, Dr. Stevan Trooboff, said: « We’ve realized over the years that locally owned and operated, high quality, student exchange organizations are the best way to distribute our products and services. Today, more than 90% of our business comes through partnerships with agencies like Parenthèse. We’re delighted to be able to continue our association with Maryam Bozorgmehr and to be able to bring France into line with the rest of our distribution systems. »
Upon signing this agreement, Mrs.Bozorgmehr said: « I am delighted to be able to manage and distribute the CIEE programs that have, today more than ever, a reason to exist. We will do our best to ensure that these changes are made in the most transparent and efficient manner for all concerned. We are happy to be able to maintain the excellent professional relations that we have with participants, schools and universities, as well as with all our service providers in France. »
Parenthèse proposes the entire range of CIEE job and training programs.