Explore the Kaplan International San Francisco Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in San Francisco, USA. Start your international education journey with Kaplan today.
San Francisco Berkeley School Guide Kaplan International Languages has been sold to Inspirit Capital. Kaplan Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim all content and material appearing herein. Use of the KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES brand is under a transitional license from Kaplan, Inc.
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Content
Click on the page numbers to navigate to each page
03 About San Francisco Berkeley 04 Why Choose to Study at our San Francisco Berkeley School? 05 About the School 07 Courses & Students 09 Accommodation in San Francisco Berkeley 12 Academic Year Abroad 13 Why Choose an Academic Year Abroad? 14 Programs & Timeline 17 Language & Culture 19 Accommodation Options
20 Health & Safety 20 Laws 21 Local Customs 21 Kaplan International Languages Rules 21 Holiday Policy
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About San Francisco Berkeley
creative, cultural, diverse, eco-friendly, famous, food trucks, foodie scene, friendly, galleries, green, hiking, historical, iconic landmarks, independent, laid-back, museums, music, natural landscape, ocean views, picturesque, small town experience, sports scene, unique, university town, youthful Examples of nearby cities to visit: San Francisco (Travel time: 25 minutes, price of return ticket: $9); Oakland (Travel time: 10 minutes, price of return ticket: $5)
Name of location: San Francisco Berkeley Famous landmarks: UC Berkeley Cuisines within a 20-minute walk: American, British, Chinese, French, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Seafood, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vegetarian Transport within a 10-minute walk: Buses and trains Top 5 reasons to choose this city: Situated close to the prestigious UC Berkeley campus, a wide selection of great food to choose from, plenty of great local beer, a number of live music venues nearby, a diverse community of local students What makes this city unique? Student- friendly city just minutes away from San Francisco, a centre for the American counterculture. Silicon Valley’s nearby presence has made the San Francisco Bay Area a world capital for the creative and tech industries Alternative things to do: Tour the craft breweries, explore the local museums, check out the Pacific Film Archive, hike to Indian Rock Park for the views City personality: Academic, active, active nightlife, alternative, artistic, bike-friendly, bookstores, charming, coffee haven,
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San Francisco Berkeley
Why choose to study at our San Francisco Berkeley school? • Situated in a renowned academic city with a vibrant student community, just minutes to downtown San Francisco. • Located near the prestigious UC Berkeley, which allows students to attend open lectures. • Offers advice to students applying to Berkeley City College, UC Berkeley Extension Programs, and other community colleges • Students who complete Kaplan’s Higher
Intermediate level can use their certificate to gain admission to Berkeley City College. • Enjoy weekend trips to Yosemite, Wine Country, and Lake Tahoe Address 2144 Kala Bagai Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 Phone +1 (510) 254-6733 Emergency contact +1 (510) 423-2365 At this address since 1999 Providing English courses since 1999 Location and contact information
School information
School Director Robert Szulc
Total numer of teachers 8 - 10 (Full time teachers: 0) Languages spoken by staff Spanish, Japanese, Polish Teacher Qualifications
Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in combination with TESOL, CELTA, TEFL certificate (including practicum) or six months of ESL/EFL teaching experience
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
Accreditations and memberships
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• Number of buildings: 1 • Number of floors: 4 • Total number of classrooms: 8 • School facilities: Elevator, air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, computer lab/ multimedia center, student lounge/ common room • Wheelchair / disabled access: Yes • Extra cost of facilities: No About the School
• Materials provided for students : K+ Course Books, K+ Learning Space, K+ Extra • Is there a book deposit ? No School materials
• Other services provided: Accommodation, Airport Transfer, University Placement Service, Medical Insurance • Extra cost of other services: Please see our price list • Levels of English offered: All levels • First day of school: Students should plan to attend class on their first day. Be sure to check your email the week before your start date for your class and orientation schedule! Also, don’t forget to complete the placement test and send in any required documents before you arrive.
Samples
Class timetable
Morning
Afternoon
Class Break Class
08:30 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:15 10:15 - 11:45
14:15 - 15:45 15:45 - 16:00 16:00 - 17:30
Specialist skills class timetale Morning class (Monday to Thursday)
Afternoon class (Monday to Thursday)
N/A
12:30 - 14:00
School location and transport
Time to...
By foot
By bike
By bus
By subway/train
The nearest café / restaurant The nearest supermarket The nearest post office The nearest ATM / bank The nearest sports center
1 minute
N/A
N/A
N/A
10 minutes
3 minutes
5 minutes
5 minutes
3 minutes
1 minute
N/A
N/A
1 minute
N/A
N/A
N/A
1 minute
1 minute
2 minutes
N/A
The nearest hospital
15 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
N/A
The city center
1 minute
N/A
N/A
N/A
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Regular social activities
Bottle of water: $4 Coffee: $5 Can of Coke: $3 Meal out for two: $50 Takeaway pizza: $30 Sandwich: $8 Local bus ticket : $3 Local train ticket: $5 Bike rental: $25 Cinema ticket: $18 Living cost (sample prices for items in this city)
Bowling: $10-$20 Soccer: Free Ping-Pong: Free Baseball Game: $15
UC Berkeley Football Game: $50 UC Berkeley Basketball Game: $20 San Francisco Bay Cruise To Alcatraz: $60
Typical 2-week social schedule
Days
First week
Second week
Monday
UC Berkeley tour
Welcome new students
Tuesday
Taco Tuesday
Pizza Day
Wednesday
Bowling
Soccer game
Thursday
Movies
Ping-pong competition
Visit San Francisco Mission District
Visit San Francisco China Town
Friday
Saturday
Festival
Festival
Number of social activities per week: 2-4
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• Courses provided at this school: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, TOEFL® & Academic English Add-on, Business Supplementary • Special / extra courses provided: Tailored Group Programs • Average number of students per class: 14–17 (Maximum class size: 17) Courses & Students
• Minimum age of students: 16 • Average age of students: 25 • Students per age group: 18-21: 30% / 22-25: 30% / 26-30: 30% / Over 30: 10% • Top 10 student nationalities: China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, France, Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand
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Highlighted Programs Professional Immersion Experience
The Professional Immersion Experience is designed for students aged 18 and above who want to enhance their language skills while gaining practical, real-world experience. This program combines classroom learning with an immersive placement at a local business, giving students valuable insight into professional life abroad. Program features:
• Language classes in English • A guaranteed volunteer placement (1– 4 hours per week) aligned with the student’s interests and skills • A wide range of opportunities in charity work, including senior support, animal care, food banks, community outreach, environmental conservation, fundraising, and event assistance
• Full academic and administrative support before and during placement • Self-study sessions on career essentials • A letter of recommendation provided at the end of the program • Placement test and completion certificate • Opportunities to build communication, cultural, and career skills in real-world settings
Students can start any Monday throughout the year and enroll for a minimum of 12 weeks. The structure includes four weeks of language preparation followed by an eight-week volunteer placement, allowing participants to apply their classroom learning in a professional and socially impactful context.
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Accommodation in San Francisco
Homestay information
Private accommodation
• Things students need to bring: Toiletries, prescription medication • Services included: Telephone use for emergencies • Extra cost of services: No • Meals provided: Yes (depends on booking type) Breakfast : Breakfast is usually a light meal consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, or coffee. Hosts will usually ask you to prepare your own breakfast Lunch : You will be responsible for buying your own lunch at school, from a local restaurant, or the local shops Dinner : You will usually eat dinner with your host, or occasionally you may prepare your own meal with food supplied by your host NOTE : Meals provided will differ depending on whether you have selected 14 meals per week or 7 meals per week. If you have booked 7 meals per week, you are responsible for buying your own dinner and you may not have access to the kitchen at certain times • Will the homestay arrange to pick up the student from the airport? No • Transport to school: Your host will help you to find your way to and from school on your first day and will show you how to use public transport • Where are the homestays located? San Fransico, Berkeley, Oakland and neighboring cities • Additional information: Homestays are 45– 60 minutes of commute time to the school.
Only students aged 18 and over are permitted to go into private accommodation. If you are 16 or 17 years old you will be housed in a homestay and should be home curfew to 22:00. If you are over 18 here are some tips if you want to find your own apartment or share a house with friends: • The school’s accommodation team can provide a local alternative accommodation list • Check whether the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area • Take a friend with you when you go to view any accommodation • If you are sharing an apartment or house find out who has access to it • Make sure the accommodation is safe and has current fire/safety checks • Make sure your room is secure and that you have insurance for your laptop, camera, TV, and other valuable items • Keep in mind that in addition to rent, you may be responsible for paying for additional fees and taxes
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This is an Academic Year Abroad Residence
Accommodation in San Francisco Berkeley City Dorms- YMCA
• Address: 2001 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 • Website : Berkeley City Dorms - YMCA Disclaimer: All the information on this residence file is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information • Accommodation type: Student halls / hostels, single rooms, shared bathrooms, mixed gender bathrooms, communal kitchen for the halls/hostel, study area, dining area, TV in the common area • Service available: Wi-Fi, linens and towels, cleaning service • Extra cost of services: Varies • Bedroom : Wardrobe/ closet, desk, lamp, chair • Kitchen : Pots & pans, cooking utensils (shared) • Facilities : Outdoor space, laundry facilites, gym, indoor pool • Extra cost of facilities: Varies
• Famous landmarks nearby: UC Berkeley • Visitors or guests allowed? No • Noise restrictions? Yes (From 22:00 - 7:00) • Smoking allowed in the residence? No • 24-hour security? Yes • Residence cleaning: Bedrooms cleaned on arrival and weekly. Common areas are cleaned daily. • Linen changing: Clean linen provided on arrival • Availability: Year-round • Minimum number of weeks: One week • Check-in and check-out times: Check-in is on Saturday & Sunday 16:00 - 21:00 Check-out is on Saturday 10:00 • Room deposit? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
Time to... The school
By foot
By bike
By bus
By metro/train
2 minutes 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
The nearest café / restaurant The nearest supermarket The nearest post office The nearest ATM / bank: The nearest sports center
10 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes
5 minutes 5 minutes
2 minutes 2 minutes
N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A
N/A
The nearest hospital
32 minutes 12 minutes 20 minutes
The city center
2 minutes 1 minute
N/A
4 hours and 30 minutes
1 hour and 15 minutes
1 hour and 15 minutes
The main airport
N/A
For the most up-to-date transport prices, please visit the BART Website
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Accommodation in San Francisco BERKELEY CITY DORMS - BORNEO
• Address: 2413 Milvia Street, Berkeley CA, 94704 • Website : N/A Disclaimer: All the information on this residence file is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information • Accommodation type: Multi-bedroom house (house is mixed gender but bedrooms are not), shared and mixed male and female bathroom(s) in the house, shared kitchen, lounge/common area and dining area • Service available: Laundry (with extra fees), Wi-Fi, Linen and towels • Bedroom : Desk, chair, dresser • Kitchen : Pots & pans, cooking utensils, microwave, stovetop, fridge • Facilities : The kitchen has a cozy dining area where students like to relax • Extra cost of facilities: Laundry
• Famous landmarks nearby: Berkeley Public Library, UC Berkeley, Telegraph Avenue, and Indian Rock Park • Visitors or guests allowed? Yes • Noise restrictions? Yes • Smoking allowed in the residence? No • 24-hour security? No • Residence cleaning: Bedrooms cleaned on arrival and common areas are cleaned daily, then students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and keeping the common area tidy • Linen changing: Linen cleaned on arrival • Availability: Year-round • Minimum number of weeks: No minimum • Check-in and check-out times: Check-in: Saturday & Sunday 16:00 - 21:00 / Check-out: Saturday 10:00 • Room deposit? Yes (Price: No room deposit; $250 cancellation fee if reservation is cancelled less than one month prior to their scheduled arrival date)
Time to... The school
By foot
By bike
By bus
By metro/train
10 minutes 5 minutes 14 minutes
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
The nearest café / restaurant The nearest supermarket The nearest post office The nearest ATM / bank: The nearest sports center
4 minutes 2 minutes 4 minutes 3 minutes 6 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes 1 minute 5 minutes 2 minutes 3 minutes 2 minutes
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
The nearest hospital The city center The main airport
N/A N/A
N/A
51 minutes 60 minutes
N/A 60 minutes
For the most up-to-date transport prices, please visit the BART Website
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San Francisco Berkeley San Francisco Berkeley
Why choose an Academic Year Abroad in San Francisco Berkeley with Kaplan? Academic Year Abroad students have access to exclusive benefits.
1. Achieve the fastest English progression with Kaplan’s exclusive Guaranteed Progression, while mastering fluency across reading, writing, listening, and especially speaking, with personalized academic guidance every step of the way. 2. Internationally recognized curriculum aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference. 3. Study for 6, 9, or 11 months and experience life in one of the world’s most vibrant English-speaking cities. 4. Engage with online guest experts at exclusive online seminars hosted for Academic Year Abroad students. 5. Start strong and finish proud with a bespoke orientation and graduation ceremony. 6. Enjoy direct and free access to morning classes. 7. Keep learning beyond the classroom with 12 months of access to K+ Learning Space after your course ends.
8. Feel at home abroad with total support from our team: personalized academic guidance from day one, accommodation services tailored to your preferences, and a lively social calendar. 9. Get to know the city from day one with a warm welcome and guided tour. 10. Join a global community of over 1.2 million learners who choose Kaplan each year. 11. Upgrade your academic and professional CV by investing in a trusted institution since 1938. Kaplan is widely known worldwide for educational excellence and student success.
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What programs are available in Kaplan San Francisco Berkeley?
• Intensive • Semi-Intensive • Multi-Destination Year Language & Culture
Your course timeline
End dates
Start dates
6 months
9 months
11 months
19th June 2026
20th November 2026
5th January 2026
11th September 2026
4th December 2026 12th February 2027
30th March 2026
11th September 2026
4th December 2026 26th February 2027
7th May 2027
22nd June 2026
5th March 2027
28th May 2027
6th August 2027
21st September 2026
23rd April 2027
16th July 2027
24th September 2027
9th November 2026
Start dates
1st Holiday Start (All courses)
2nd Holiday Start (9 month courses)
2nd Holiday Start (11 month courses)
30th March 2026
8th June 2026
14th September 2026
5th January 2026
8th June 2026
14th September 2026 21st December 2026
30th March 2026
14th September 2026 21st December 2026 21st December 2026
22nd June 2026
21st December 2026
29th March 2027
24th May 2027
21st September 2026
21st December 2026
29th March 2027
24th May 2027
9th November 2026
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How do we help you learn English quickly? We are proud to offer English programs built on a solid, research- based methodology designed to help you improve your English confidently and quickly. With our carefully structured syllabus, you can join at any point and continue progressing smoothly, with teaching materials tailored to your level and learning style. Each Academic Year Abroad program is structured with carefully designed lessons aimed at achieving your specific objectives: Language Foundation (20 lessons, 15 hours) Build your core English skills with 15 hours of General English per week, using our spiral, blended curriculum aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference. Lessons are topic-based and communicative, designed to boost fluency, confidence, and real-world language use. Language in Action Workshops (4 lessons, 3 hours) Take your English beyond the classroom with interactive workshops each week focused on communication, collaboration, and real-life tasks. These sessions help you practice spoken English in creative, practical contexts. Specialist Skills (8 lessons, 6 hours) Enhance your learning with focused classes, tailored to your needs and objectives. Ideal for students looking to improve in targeted areas, these sessions focus on specific skills like pronunciation, writing, exam preparation or Business English. K+ Extra (3 lessons, 2.25 hours) Students enhance their fluency with K+ Extra online resources supporting personalized language learning.
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Learn about every program
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Language Culture &
Discover the joy of learning English abroad like never before. Transform your language skills as you embark on a program designed to immerse you in one (or more) exciting destinations around the world. This is more than just a course. During this enriching year, we blend expert language training with cultural immersion, global friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
Intensive 35 lessons per week = 26.25 hours
Want to master every aspect of English? This course sharpens your skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, and pronunciation, while also expanding your vocabulary for effective communication in real-world settings.
Total Hours
Number of Lessons
Lessons
Language Foundation
20 lessons
15 hours
Language in Action Workshops
4 lessons
3 hours
Specialist Skills K+ Extra Online
8 lessons
6 hours
3 sessions
2.25 hours
Semi-Intensive 27 lessons per week = 20.25 hours
Strengthen your foundational English skills while enjoying plenty of free time to explore your new city and have fun with friends! Join our social activities, dive into local culture, and make the most of every moment on this unforgettable adventure.
Total Hours
Number of Lessons
Lessons
Language Foundation
20 lessons
15 hours
Language in Action Workshops
4 lessons
3 hours
K+ Extra Online
3 sessions
2.25 hours
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Kaplan Multi-Destination Year 12 weeks San Francisco Berkeley, 12 weeks Boston, 12 weeks Vancouver. Study English in a 6, 9, or 11-month program spanning your choice of school locations. Students travel the globe to create their own dream Academic Year Abroad by combining two, three or four locations, each destination with a minimum of twelve weeks. In each location, students are immersed in comprehensive language development focusing on improving all language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, while living the language through a variety of cultural immersion activities. Visa regulations permitting, students can opt to build their own vacation breaks between 12-week quarters to experience even more of what the destination has to offer. Example Multi-Destination Year itinerary: Nine months North America Coast to Coast Experience the vibrant university town of San Francisco Berkeley, the cobble-stoned charm of historic Boston, and the natural wonders of British Columbia.
Key facts
• Minimum Age: 16 • Class Size: 17 • Entry Level: Elementary
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Accommodation Options This program offers special accommodation packages. Get in touch with our team to get a personalized quote depending on your preferences, whether you choose a residence apartment to live with other Kaplan international students, or host families, making the most of integrating into the lives of our local families in the city.
Follow the hearts and explore our previous accommodation section for more details.
“This programme was very enriching, everyone here is very helpful and they make sure you have a great experience. You meet people from different parts of the world, and that helps you hear different English accents, as well as get to know the cultures more closely.” - Patricia F, Kaplan San Francisco Berkeley student from Spain.
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Medical insurance | All students must have travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the US. Kaplan offers you a low-cost Travel and Medical Insurance Plan that we advise you to take. If you are not taking Kaplan Insurance you are required to show proof of alternative medical insurance. If not taking Kaplan Insurance, please make sure your insurance includes evacuation and repatriation. If you get sick | If you get sick while in the US you should visit a doctor. You can ask the Kaplan Staff or your host where the neareset doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a US pharmacy for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. You may be required to register with a doctor. Protecting your belongings | We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, music players, mobile phones and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by Kaplan homestay or residence insurance. Medical costs are at the discretion of your local doctor or hospital. Minimum medical costs are as follows: • Consultation with a doctor: $60 • Prescriptions at a pharmacy: $25 per item • Dental treatment: $150 • Eye test or new glasses: $150 Medical costs Health & Safety
Prescription medication | Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you as American pharmacists will not fill a foreign prescription. International customs agents may ask you questions about your medication upon your departure or arrival, so be sure to pack it carefully. Bring any important medical records (blood type, prescriptions, x-rays) that might be useful for medical care abroad as well as contact information for your health care providers at home.
Call 911 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police. Emergency services
Laws
• No one under the age of 21 in the US may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know is under the age of 21 • Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks
• You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g.passport, ID card, driving licence) • Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal
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• Women in the US are equal to men and should always be treated fairly. • American people talk to strangers in public areas. This is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number, or accept inappropriate invitations. • “Please” and “thank you” are very important words! Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information. • If you leave your Kaplan International Languages course without informing us, your Form I-20 (if applicable) will be terminated and you may fall out of status. • You must attend all classes. If you do not attend your representative will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendence you may be issued with a notice of expulsion. Local Customs
• The US is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally. • People in North America leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hair salons and other places. The tip rate at most restaurants is about 20–22% of the bill and is not usually included. Fast-food is not tipped unless it is delivered. Porters in stations, airports and hotels should be tipped approximately $1 per bag. Taxi drivers are generally given a 15-20% tip. • Be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Kaplan International Languages if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight. • If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined you will be sent home. We will also inform the immigration authorities.
Kaplan International Languages Rules
US public holidays
New Year’s Day
1-Jan-26
Martin Luther King Day
19-Jan-26
Memorial Day
25-May-26
Juneteenth
19-June-26
Independence Day
3-Jul-26
Labor Day
7-Sep-26
Thanksgiving
26-Nov-26
Day after Thanksgiving
27-Nov-26
The above dates are observed as holidays in the year. If you arrive on a week where the Monday is a holiday, your first day of school will be a Tuesday
Christmas Day
25-Dec-26
Day After Christmas Day
28-Dec-26
Holiday Policy
Academic Year Abroad students | There are preset holiday dates for all Academic Year Abroad students. These dates depend on your start date and cannot be changed. Please check with the school if you are not sure when these are. School closures | The school will be closed from December 21st 2026 to December 28th 2026 with an additional closure for New Years on January 1st 2027
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Take the leap. Expand your horizons. Become a global citizen. Start your journey today.
Contact us
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