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HOW TO APPLY
How do I know that Academic Studies Abroad is a reputable
study abroad provider?
How do I apply?
What is the GPA requirement?
What is the application deadline?
How far before the
deadline should I apply?
I
don't have my passport yet. Can I still apply?
Is the application deposit refundable?
What are
the program dates?
How soon will I find out if I've been
accepted?
CREDIT TRANSFER & ACADEMICS
How many credits can I earn on an
ASA program?
Are credits
transferable?
How
do I go about getting the credits and courses approved at my home
university?
Who will issue my final transcript, and how will
the credits be transferred to my home school?
How many hours
a day will I have class while I'm abroad?
What kinds of
classes can I take?
Does ASA offer graduate level programs?
Do I have to be currently enrolled as an undergrad
to go on an ASA program?
PAYMENT & FINANCIAL AID
Are ASA's programs affordable?
How much does
the program cost?
When is payment due?
What types of payments do you accept?
Do any of ASA's programs
require a damage deposit?
Where can I find more information about scholarships and
financial aid?
PASSPORTS, VISAS & TRAVEL
How do I get a passport?
Do
I need a Student Visa?
Will I be able to travel on my own during the
program?
How much
luggage can I bring?
What kind of airfare does ASA book?
Should I get a Eurail pass if I'm studying in
Europe?
What is the local currency?
Do I need an International Student ID card?
Are there any excursions included
with the ASA program?
HOUSING FAQs
What types of housing are offered through
ASA's programs and how many meals are included?
When will I find out where I'll be
living while I'm abroad?
How are the host families chosen?
What if I don't like my host family?
Will
my host family speak English?
Will I have a roommate?
Can I room with a friend? Will I find out who my
roommate is ahead of time?
What
should I bring with me on the trip?
Will I experience culture shock?
What is the food like?
How many people go on
the trips and where are they from?
HOW TO APPLY
How do I know that Academic Studies Abroad is a reputable
study abroad provider?
Academic Studies Abroad has hosted students from such prestigious universities
as Harvard, Cornell, Duke, University of California at Berkeley, University of Michigan,
University of Virginia, and many, many more.
In addition, we are on the "approved list of programs" for many colleges and
universities throughout the country. We are always happy to provide contact
information for students currently on our programs, alumni, and study abroad advisors
who know our programs so that you can ask them about their experience with ASA.
How do I
apply?
Our application guidelines
can be found on our Apply Online
page.
What is the GPA requirement?
The
minimum GPA requirement varies by program. Please go to Program
Eligibility to find out the GPA requirement for your desired
program.
What is the application deadline?
The
application deadline also varies by program and term. You can find a complete
list of program deadlines on our Dates and
Prices page. Please note that our application deadline is
also the full payment deadline.
How far before the
deadline should I apply?
Students are always encouraged to
apply early, as some programs fill up before the deadline. For
example, our London program often becomes full before the
deadline. Also, for some programs, applying early will give you
the best possible course selection. Applying at the last minute, or
after the deadline, may result in diminished housing and course
selection. Please keep in mind that our application deadline is also
the full payment deadline. If you're unsure about when is the best
time to apply for your particular program location, just give us a call at 888-845-4272.
I
don't have my passport yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. Go ahead
and send us the rest of your application materials, minus the
passport copy. Then, when you get your passport in the mail, simply
email or mail us a copy. (Please mail or email it instead of fax it, because
faxed passport copies come out too blurry to read.)
You
should apply for a passport immediately if you don't have one
already. Also, if your passport expires anytime between now and
3 months AFTER your proposed return date from abroad, you must
have your passport renewed immediately. (Scroll down to the "Passports and Visas" section to
find out how to apply for or renew a passport.)
NOTE: Please make an effort to
provide ASA with a photocopy of your valid passport when
you apply. For programs requiring Student Visas,
such as France, Spain, and Italy, ASA will need a photocopy of your
passport as soon as possible after you're accepted in order to
obtain your Visa Letter. You can not apply
for your Student Visa without your passport and corresponding Visa Letter,
and you need to apply for your student visa at least 60 days prior to departure. (Scroll
down to the "Passports and Visas"
section to find out if your program requires a Student Visa.)
Is the application deposit refundable?
All
students must submit the $150 application deposit along with the
rest of their materials, in order for their application to be
considered. If you are not accepted to the program, your $150 will
be refunded in full. If you are accepted to the program, then the
$150 is deducted from the rest of your program fees. (For example,
if your program costs $5,000, then your balance due would be $4,850
after being accepted.) If you are accepted to the program and
withdraw before the application deadline, then we will refund you
$100 of the $150. If you withdraw after the application deadline,
your deposit cannot be refunded.
What are
the program dates?
The dates are different for each program
location and term. You can find a complete list of program dates on
our Dates and
Prices page.
How soon will I find out if I've been
accepted?
You will
receive an email from us regarding your acceptance within 3 business
days of receiving your complete application package,
containing all of the required documents as described on our Apply Online page.
We'll also mail you an official acceptance letter.
There will be additional post-acceptance paperwork for you to fill out
once you have been accepted, which is
due 2 weeks after you were accepted.
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CREDIT
TRANSFER & ACADEMICS
How many credits can I earn on an
ASA program?
It is possible to earn 3-30 semester credit
hours or 4-42 quarter units per session, depending on the length of
the program (summer/semester/trimester/academic year).
Are credits
transferable?
Yes. Credits are transferable, however,
you must first get pre-departure approval and the proper signatures
from your university's Study Abroad Office or Office of
International Education/Programs. They will help you determine how
many credits will transfer.
Students should always get
pre-approved for more classes than are needed to allow flexibility
at registration. Many times the actual class schedules aren't
published until just before the term begins, so schedule conflicts
can occur. If your college or university is not cooperative, please
contact ASA so that we can assist you.
How
do I go about getting the credits and courses approved at my home
university?
First, pay a visit to your school's Study Abroad
Office or Office of International Education/Programs. They are there
to guide you through the process of getting
the ASA program approved for credit by your school.
Next, there
is a section of the ASA application form called the "Release &
Credits Form" where you must have your study abroad or academic
advisor sign off on the academic credits. If you have a copy of the
ASA catalog, the Release & Credits Form is on the reverse side
of the ASA application form, found on the last page of the catalog.
If you apply online,
you can download the Release
& Credits Form under Step 3.
Who will issue my final transcript, and how will
the credits be transferred to my home school?
After your
program ends, ASA will forward your final transcript to your home
school for you. Just be sure to give ASA the correct forwarding
address for your school when you fill out your Transcript Request
Form. In order for your credits to transfer,
you must get the necessary pre-approvals
from your home university per the previous FAQ.
The final transcripts are issued for our programs as
follows:
London, England - Regent's College (You may have a U.S.
transcript issued by Webster University, for an additional fee. For more
information, click here.)
London,
England - London South Bank University
Oxford, England - Oxford
Brookes University
Dublin, Ireland - Clark Atlanta
University
Florence, Italy - A U.S. accredited
university
Rome, Italy - John Cabot University
Sevilla, Spain
I - Universidad de Sevilla
Sevilla, Spain II - Universidad Pablo
de Olavide
Barcelona, Spain I (UB) - Universitat de
Barcelona
Barcelona II and IIA (UAB) - Universitat Autonoma de
Barcelona
Madrid, Spain (summer) - Universidad Complutense de
Madrid
Madrid (semester/academic year) - Universidad Francisco de
Vitoria
Salamanca, Spain - Universidad de
Salamanca
Aix-en-Provence & Avignon, France - Institute for
American Universities (You may have a U.S. transcript issued by
Truman State University, for an additional fee. For more information,
click here.)
Paris,
France - Institut Catholique de Paris
Vina del Mar, Chile -
Universidad de Vina del Mar
Buenos Aires, Argentina -
Universidad de Belgrano
How many hours
a day will I have class while I'm abroad?
This depends
on how many credits you are taking. Most semester students taking a
full load of classes (minimum 12 credits for a semester) and summer
students taking 6 credits will be in class 3 to 4 hours a day. This
will leave you plenty of free time to explore your city!
What kinds of
classes can I take?
ASA's programs offer classes in a wide
variety of subject areas! Go to our Courses
page to see what types of classes are offered through each of our
programs.
Does ASA offer graduate level programs?
No, all of our programs are at the undergraduate level.
Do I have to be currently enrolled as an undergrad
to go on an ASA program?
This depends on the program.
Some of our programs are open to students who have graduated from
high school but have not gone to college yet, and some programs are
open to students who have already graduated from college. Please see
our Program
Eligibility page to see the eligibility rules for each of our
programs.
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PAYMENT &
FINANCIAL AID
Are ASA's programs affordable?
Yes! If you compare various study abroad programs and what is included with each, you will find that ours are some of the most affordable programs available. When you're comparing prices, just be sure you're comparing apples to apples - it's essential to compare what is included with that price rather than simply the price itself.
For a list of what is and is not included with the ASA program fee, simply click on the price of your program.
We also offer scholarships and accept
any type of financial aid, grants, scholarships, or loans that you receive to help pay for our programs.
For full details on how to use your financial aid to study abroad, please visit
our Financial Aid page.
How much does
the program cost?
This varies by program. You can find a
complete list of program costs on our Dates and
Prices page. Click on the price to see what is and
is not included with our program fee.
When is payment due?
For all
ASA programs, the full payment deadline is the same as the
application deadline. For example, if the application deadline for
your program is June 1, then the full payment deadline is also June
1. Payment is due in full by the published deadline for your program,
unless financial aid is being issued for you via a Financial Aid
Consortium Agreement. If you plan to pay for the program using
financial aid (thereby deferring your payment until your financial
aid is disbursed), ASA must receive the following items by the
published deadline for your program:
-Consortium
Agreement from your home institution's financial aid or study abroad
office
-Written verification of your financial aid award and
disbursement date (We provide 2 verification forms that you'll have
your university complete)
Please remember that you will need
to plan ahead when making your financial arrangements in
order to provide ASA with verification of your financial aid by the
payment deadline. Any portion of the program fees not covered by
financial aid are due to ASA by the published payment
deadline. For full details on how to use financial aid
to study abroad, click here.
Some programs require a non-refundable Housing Deposit
to be paid shortly after being accepted. Students going
to France must submit a non-refundable Housing Deposit of $750
within 2 weeks of being accepted to the program. Italy students are
required to submit a non-refundable Housing Deposit of $1,000 within
2 weeks of being accepted to the program. For France and Italy students, your space on the ASA
program is not 100% secured until we receive your Housing Deposit.
What types of payments do you accept?
Payments for all program fees and housing deposits must
be made in the form of a personal check, cashier's check or e-check, made payable to
Academic Studies Abroad. Students may pay up to $5,000 by credit
card, but are subject to a processing fee of 3.9% + $1. To make a payment by e-check or credit card, click here.
Do any of ASA's programs
require a damage deposit?
Yes. The Florence, Italy, program
requires a damage deposit of $350, which students will pay prior to departure.
The Rome program at John
Cabot University requires a damage deposit in the amount of 100 Euros and
a key deposit in the amount of 50 Euros, to be paid in cash upon move-in
to JCU housing. The Buenos
Aires program also requires a damage deposit of $250, paid to ASA 2 months prior to departure.
The damage deposits are refundable at the end of the program.
Where can I find more information about scholarships and
financial aid?
You can find everything you need to know
about financial aid by clicking here.
We do offer scholarships, and you can find out how to apply
for one here.
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PASSPORTS, VISAS & TRAVEL
How do I get a passport?
You can pick up a
passport application at most any U.S. Post Office. Or, click
here.
If you don't have a passport already, you should
apply for one right away, as they can take 6-8 weeks to process
by regular service; the same goes for passport renewals. You have
the option to pay extra for expedited service, which
should get you a passport in 2-4 weeks. Your passport must NOT expire less than 3
months after your proposed return date from abroad. (In other words,
if your program dates are Aug. 26 - Dec. 16, 2010, then your
passport must be valid until at least March 16, 2011.) If your
passport expires between now and 3 months after your proposed return
date, you must have your passport renewed immediately.
Do
I need a Student Visa?
NOTE: This information applies to
U.S. citizens.
England students: If you're going
to England for a Summer or Semester program, then you aren't
required to apply for a Student Visa before you depart, but there
are certain documents you must bring with you on the plane and
present to the Immigration officer at the airport of your first
entry into the UK, in order to be issued a "Student Visitor Visa." If
you're going to England for an academic year, you must obtain
a Student Visa prior to departure by applying to one of the British Consulates in the
U.S. If you are considering extending your stay in the UK past 6
months, or if you want to work part-time while in the UK, then you
MUST obtain a Student Visa prior to departure because the Student
Visitor Visa cannot be extended and does not allow students to work.
ASA will give you details on the Visa requirements for your program,
after you have been accepted.
Ireland students: If
you're going to Ireland, you aren't required to obtain a Student
Visa before you depart; instead your Visa will be issued after you
arrive in Dublin using certain documents that you must bring with
you. ASA will give you details about the required documents after
you have been accepted.
Spain students: If your
program duration is less than 90 days, then you don't need to apply
for a Student Visa because U.S. citizens may be in Spain for up to
90 days as a tourist, with no prior visa. The Spanish Consulates
will not issue a Student Visa if your program duration is less than
90 days. If your program duration is greater than 90 days, then you
will need to apply for a Student Visa prior to departure, at the
Spanish Consulate in the U.S. that represents your state's
jurisdiction. If your program requires a visa, ASA will give you
more details on how to apply, after you have been
accepted.
Italy students: ALL STUDENTS going to Italy,
for any duration of program, must obtain a Student Visa prior to
departure from the Italian Consulate in the U.S that represents your
state's jurisdiction. ASA will give you details on how to apply,
after you have been accepted.
France students: If your
program duration is less than 90 days, then you don't need to apply
for a Student Visa because U.S. citizens may be in France for up to
90 days as a tourist, with no prior visa. If your program duration
is greater than 90 days (i.e. a semester or academic year), then you
will need to apply for a Student Visa prior to departure, at the
French Consulate in the U.S. that represents your state's jurisdiction.
If your program requires a visa, ASA will give you more details on
how to apply, after you have been accepted.
Chile
students: Visa is issued upon arrival; must be renewed by the
student leaving Chile for at least one day and re-entering. ASA will
give you details on how to apply, after you have been
accepted.
Argentina students: Visa is issued after
arrival. ASA will give you details on how to apply, after you have
been accepted.
NOTE: If your
program requires a Student Visa, you will need to
apply for it no less than 60 days prior to departure, so plan
ahead and make sure you have your passport by then. Because
Student Visas are affixed to the inside of your passport,
you will have to leave your passport with the Consulate, so don't
plan any international travel around the
time you are applying for your visa.
For full details on how to apply for your visa, please visit our
Information Library and scroll down to the Student Visa section.
Will I be able to travel on my own during the
program?
Absolutely. You will have free time to travel
on weekends and during scheduled breaks. Just be sure to let your parents,
Site Director or someone at your school know where you are going and
when you will return. Some students also choose to travel before or after the
program. If you want to do this, just make sure that you are not
overstaying your limit in your host country according to its Visa
regulations.
Avoid booking personal travel before you
depart, since you may want to plan your trips with the new friends
you make while you're abroad. Also, you are encouraged to take your
personal trips during scheduled breaks or holidays. Don't forget
that traveling every weekend may interfere with your studies, and we
want everyone to do well in their classes!
How much
luggage can I bring?
You must check your
particular airline's luggage policy to find out their weight and
size limits, as every airline has different regulations. Please
note that many airlines have recently decreased their luggage weight
limits for both domestic and international flights, and some
airlines have begun charging a fee to check baggage on both
domestic and international flights. DO NOT BRING MORE LUGGAGE THAN
YOU CAN CARRY BY YOURSELF! Be sure to leave some extra room for
souvenirs, or bring along an extra lightweight duffel bag that you
could use as a carry-on for extra things on your way home. You'll
also want to bring a backpack or small suitcase to use on
weekend trips.
What kind of airfare does ASA book?
ASA specializes in booking student airfare from almost
any airport in the United States. We have access to heavily
discounted tickets, and many students buy their tickets directly
from us.
Should I get a Eurail pass if I'm studying in
Europe?
While it is not at all mandatory for ASA
students to purchase Eurail passes, some students choose to purchase
one if they wish to travel on their own. In general, Eurail passes
are helpful for students who wish to travel through several European
countries within a certain time period (i.e. one consecutive week or
more). This is because once you activate your pass, it expires
within a certain time period. The validity period depends on which
kind of Eurail pass you purchased.
If you are planning to do
a few weekend trips here and there spread throughout the semester, a
Eurail pass is probably not worthwhile for you. If you are planning
to travel for a week or more consecutively, then a Eurail pass may
be a good idea. Or, if you know that you want to travel on a few
weekends in a row, then a Eurail pass may be worthwhile. KEEP IN MIND
THAT EURAIL PASSES MUST BE PURCHASED IN THE U.S., PRIOR TO
DEPARTURE. You cannot purchase a Eurail pass in Europe. To purchase
a Eurail ticket, go to www.raileurope.com
What is the local currency?
England - British Pound Sterling
Spain -
Euro
Ireland (Republic of Ireland) - Euro (NOTE: Northern
Ireland's currency is the Pound. Dublin is located in the Republic
of Ireland, therefore, Dublin students will use the Euro.)
France - Euro
Italy - Euro
Chile -
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Argentina - Argentine Peso (ARS)
For the most
current exchange rates, go to http://www.xe.com/ucc.
Do I need an International Student ID card?
The International Student ID
card (ISIC card, for short) is already included with your ASA
program and will be mailed to you about a month before the start of your program. The
ISIC card can give you discounts at museums, cathedrals,
theaters, shopping, airfare, hotels and trains. It also carries lost
luggage insurance, so keep this in mind in case your luggage gets lost during the
outbound portion of your trip.
Are there any excursions included
with the ASA program?
Yes, at least one day excursion
is included with most of our programs. Some programs also include
one or more overnight excursions. The number and kind of excursions
included vary per program location and duration. To see how many and
what type of excursions are included with your program, go to our Dates, Prices and Deadlines
page and
then click on the price of your program to see a list of what's included.
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HOUSING FAQs
What types of housing are offered through
ASA's programs and how many meals are included?
Sevilla, Salamanca, Barcelona, Madrid
Summer - Students live with Spanish host families who
provide 3 meals a day and laundry once a week.
Madrid
(Semester/Academic Year) - Students live with Spanish host
families who provide daily breakfast and dinner and laundry once a
week.
France - Students in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
live with French host families who provide daily breakfast, 6
dinners a week and one load of laundry per week. Students in Paris
live with French host families who provide daily breakfast and 5
dinners per week.
Dublin, Ireland - Students live in
on-campus apartments in the Griffith College Halls of Residence,
built in 2005. Each 2-bedroom apartment houses 4 students and has
its own bathroom and kitchen (bedrooms are double occupancy). Students are reponsible for their own meals.
Rome and
Florence, Italy - Students live in shared student apartments. No
meals are included, since all apartments have a fully equipped
kitchen. Bedrooms are double occupancy.
London, England - Students live on campus in the Reid Hall dormitory, which was renovated in 2009. A double
occupancy room is included, as well as a meal allowance of 60 Pounds
(approx. US$110) per week via a debit-system
meal card.
Oxford, England - Students live in
on-campus apartments in the Oxford Brookes Halls of Residence. Each
apartment has its own bathroom(s) and kitchen and houses 5-9
students; bedrooms are single-occupancy. Students are responsible for their own meals.
Vina del Mar, Chile - Students live with Chilean
host families who provide 3 meals a day and laundry once a week.
Buenos Aires,
Argentina - Students have 2 housing options. 1) Live with an
Argentine host family who will provide daily breakfast and dinner (laundry not included).
2) Live in a shared student apartment with no meals included.
When will I find out where I'll be
living while I'm abroad?
ASA will notify you of your
living arrangements by email approximately 2 weeks before the start of your
program.
How are the host families chosen?
All of the host families are interviewed in their home
before placing students there. Most of our host families
have already been hosting international students for several years.
Students find that having the opportunity to speak
the language at home is the single greatest factor in increasing their facility with the language, and
most students say that living with a host family was the best part of
their study abroad experience!
Living arrangements and the composition of host families vary.
The term "host family" should not be interpreted too narrowly.
Increasingly, about 50% of the hosts are childless couples or divorced women with
children who enjoy having a student living with them. ASA's hosts come from
a cross-section of society; they belong to no particular professional or social milieu.
All ASA students will fill out a
Housing Questionnaire after they have been accepted, where they can
tell us about their housing preferences, allergies, dietary needs, etc. We use this information
match them with a host with whom we think they will be compatible.
We take great care to ensure that students are happy with their living arrangements, and
we encourage you to talk to us if you have any concerns about your housing.
What if I don't like my host family?
If it is a problem
with the family and not a cultural misunderstanding, ASA will change
your family right away. There is on-site staff in every city who are
there to help students at all times with any issues they encounter
while abroad.
Will
my host family speak English?
No, but there's no need
to worry. Living with a family is the best way for you to learn
Spanish or French, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you will
improve. Also, don't forget that your host family has hosted
American students before, so they understand that you are there to
learn their language and want to help you.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, for the
majority of programs.
Can I room with a friend? Will I find out who my
roommate is ahead of time?
Please keep in mind that if
you request to live with a friend, he/she must be of the same sex as
you.
Spain, France, Chile and
Argentina - You may request to live
with a friend by noting this on your Housing
Questionnaire, and we will do our best to accommodate you. If
there is no major difference in your housing needs, then it's usually not a problem to place
you and your friend with the same host family. (If your housing needs differ,
for example, if one of you is a vegetarian and the other is not, then this makes
it more difficult to place you with the same host.)
Some host
families take in students from different programs at the same time,
so for those of you who have not requested to live with a friend,
your roommate will most likely be another ASA student, or in some cases he/she could be
from another program. (If your
roommate is from another program, we are not able to tell you who
this will be ahead of time.)
London, England - London
students attending Regent's College who want to room with a friend
must note this on their Course Pre-registration form. NOTE: ALL
London students who want to room with a friend are strongly
encouraged to apply early and speak with ASA to see if their
preference can be met. Applying late may result in diminished choice
of classes, housing and roommate. Students at London South Bank
University live in single rooms, so you may request to be in the
same suite as your friend(s).
Oxford, England - You may request to live with a friend, but since Oxford Brookes
University is responsible for housing allocations, there is
unfortunately not a 100% guarantee that you will actually be placed in the
same apartment or hall of residence as your preferred roommate.
Oxford students will meet their roommates upon arrival; they could be from
the U.S., UK, or another country.
Dublin, Ireland - If you want to room
with a friend, you must note this on your Housing Questionnaire. ASA
students who have not requested to live with a friend
will be placed with roommates from the ASA program, from
another American study abroad program, or with Irish or international
students. You can note your preference to live with Americans or international students
on your Housing
Questionnaire, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Usually we are able to
confirm roommates about 1 week before departure; if you're living with an ASA student we
can tell you who they will be. If you're rooming with an international student or someone
from another American study abroad program, you will meet them upon arrival.
Florence & Rome, Italy - If you want to room
with a friend, you must note this on your Housing Questionnaire. If you
have requested to live with another ASA student, we should know if you
have been placed in the same apartment about 1-2 weeks before
the program begins. If you have not requested to live with a
friend, then we will not know ahead of time
who your roommate or suitemates will be.
What
should I bring with me on the trip?
A detailed list of what to
bring (and what not to bring!) will be included in your ASA pre-departure orientation guide,
which you will receive about a month before your program
begins.
Will I experience culture shock?
You might, but don't worry. Since everyone is different, people
experience and cope with culture shock in different ways. Reading
the section on culture shock in our
ASA Guide to Study Abroad (PDF file)
will help you
prepare for and understand what you are going through and hopefully,
make it easier.
What is the food like?
The food is great and will be typical of each host country. Be
prepared to try new things!
How many people go on
the trips and where are they from?
Depending on which
program you choose, the number of ASA students per group normally
varies from 10-40 students. Keep in mind that no matter which
program you attend, your host institution will have
other students going there besides just ASA students, so you will
meet students in your classes who are from outside the ASA
group. We have students from all over the United States, from
hundreds of different college and universities. Click here to see
the colleges and universities that past ASA students have come
from.
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