Events

We caught up with Sayaka, a Japanese student who takes us through her remarkable progression from the International Foundation Year (IFY) programme at DCU International Academy to her Undergraduate degree in Business Studies at DCU. Sayaka shares first-hand how the IFY programme equipped her with the knowledge, skills, and confidence that prepared her for her Degree in Business Studies.

 

 

Sayaka’s Experience:

 

While studying in Japan Sayaka sought opportunities to enhance her English language proficiency and academic level. Opting to study overseas, Sayaka chose DCU’s IFY programme as her pathway to university.

 

The IFY programme serves as a bridge to higher education, providing students like Sayaka with the necessary language skills, academic foundation, and cultural experiences to thrive in their undergraduate studies. With a focus on practical learning and real-world applications, the IFY programme provides students with the tools necessary to move forward into their chosen degree at DCU. 

 

Sayaka underlines the significance of refining listening skills and stepping away from the conventional Japanese education system, which prioritises translation over practical speaking and conversation. She reflects on the invaluable face-to-face teaching and praises the immersive experiences offered during her time in the IFY programme.

 

Sayaka appreciates the close proximity of accommodation to the DCU campus and the opportunity to interact with Irish students, providing her with valuable cultural experiences.

 

Since studying in Business Studies, Sayaka has expanded her horizons and gained insights into various areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and more.

 

With aspirations for a future career in marketing, Sayaka embraces the cultural immersion and social interactions with Irish students.

 

A heartfelt thank you to Sayaka for sharing her journey with us. We at DCU International Academy extend our best wishes for her future endeavours.

 

 

More about the DCU International Foundation Programme

 

The International Foundation Year programme at DCU is the perfect opportunity for international high school students to gain a solid foundation before joining a university degree overseas.

 

The programme runs for one academic year (2 semesters), and applicants can choose between four pathways: Business, Engineering, Science and Humanities.

 

Applications for the September 2024 intake are still open. Let DCU International Academy guide you towards advancing your career in business!

If you would like to know more about our International Foundation Year programme we are here to help, please get in touch.

 

 

 

Find Out More About the DCU Business Studies Degree

 

The Business Studies Degree at DCU is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in business principles and practices. Here’s what to expect of the course:

 

• Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence: This programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to kickstart your undergraduate studies at DCU. Whether you’re looking to delve into E-Commerce, Financial Management, HR, Economics, or other business areas, this degree will lay the groundwork for your future success.

 

• Accreditation and Recognition: DCU Business School is accredited by AACSB, the world’s oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. This accreditation ensures that you’ll receive a high-quality education that is recognised and respected worldwide.

 

• Pathway to Highly Ranked Degrees: Upon completion of the Business Studies Degree, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to highly ranked degrees offered by DCU Business School. With DCU’s reputation and ranking in the QS World University Rankings, you’ll be on the path to academic excellence and career advancement.

 

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In the world of education, there are few individuals with a career as fruitful and diverse as language teacher Alan. With two decades of dedicated service, Alan Sheridan has become an essential part of our academic community, leaving a lasting impression on the lives of countless students all over the world. Join us as we explore the captivating journey of a teacher whose passion for travel propelled him to evolve into an inspiring figure in the field of language education.

 

The interview kicks off with a question about Alan’s origins and the start of his teaching career. Alan reflects on his journey, tracing it back to the ’90s when he completed his degree and earned an international TEFL teaching qualification. The mention of the Delta qualification, which came later, highlights Alan’s commitment to continuous professional development. Clearly, teaching was a passion that he embraced early on.

 

Alan’s story takes an interesting turn when he shares his experiences travelling abroad. After obtaining a green card, he spent a few years in the United States. The appeal of international travel led him further to Korea and Vietnam.

 

Life’s journey is rarely a straight line, and Alan’s story is no exception. A detour into computer programming and many other professions reveals his versatility. 

 

“I’ve been travelling since I was a kid because my parents worked for Aer Lingus. So, I’ve been a fisherman in Alaska, built houses in California. Around the millennium, computers were the big thing. So –  I went and did a course in software development and worked on programming, distribution, and warehouse databases for the Pharmaceutical industry.”

 

However, the call of teaching and the prospect of returning to Ireland proved valuable. Alan’s return to teaching marked a pivotal moment in his career. In 2003 the transition into our institution shaped Alan’s professional trajectory.

 

DCU International Academy has witnessed substantial growth since its early days, as Alan describes—from humble beginnings in a single classroom amongst teachers and staff at the Henry Grattan building to moving to the VBG building in 2007/2008 and finally settling in the Invent building in 2024. Our language school has experienced a huge growth in the last two decades.

 

Most notably, Alan highlights the most memorable progression was in the students “When I started, it was – like most other language schools. It was predominantly European.” Today our language school has welcomed students from over 80 countries worldwide to study English and has since gained a reputation for excellence in English language teaching.

 

“I’m still travelling, except this time it’s the world that’s coming to me rather than me going to the world.” 

 

 

As we commemorate Alan’s 20 years of teaching with our language school, it’s clear that his journey is more than a series of job transitions; it’s a testament to a passion for education. 

 

Here’s to two decades of excellence and the countless lives impacted by Alan’s dedication to language education.

 

“I’m surprised it’s 20 years, I’m not surprised it’s 20 years – I still do love coming in and going into the classroom.” At DCU – “I’m in one of the best places to be teaching English in Ireland.”

 

To learn more about our English courses, visit our course pages at: https://english.dcu.ie/adult-courses/

 

 

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Meet José, a 31-year-old IT tech support professional from Brazil, currently residing in the beautiful south of the country. Before settling in this picturesque region and pursuing a career in IT, José spent two years immersed in academic life at Dublin City University (DCU), focusing on improving his English language skills at DCU International Academy (DCUIA).

 

In this blog, we’ll explore the motivations that led José to choose DCU and delve into his experiences studying English.

 

At the start of his journey, José’s primary goal was to practise English beyond the confines of a predominantly Brazilian community. This aspiration guided him to select DCU, where he emphasised the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone, avoiding conversations in Portuguese, and immersing himself in a new culture surrounded by people from various nationalities in an English-speaking environment. This approach was crucial for him to truly advance his English language proficiency.

 

José discovered a supportive community at DCUIA, with special mention to a teacher with whom he maintains contact to this day. José started out with basic English greetings such as “hello” and “how are you.” José offered advice to fellow students beginning a similar journey, urging them not to be afraid of the challenges. He shares, “It will be challenging, but you’ll learn. I felt stuck at times, but the teachers are there to help—just keep going.”

 

Transitioning from Brazil to Ireland, José found the experience smooth and adaptable. Residing in the Finglas area and taking up a job working among other nationalities proved to be a valuable experience. While José acknowledges that communication barriers at times can be challenging, he views these instances as valuable learning experiences, as they provide opportunities to use English in real-life situations.

 

Reflecting on his linguistic journey, José highlights his proficiency in reading and listening, refined through watching movies with English subtitles. This skill proved invaluable beyond his time at DCU.

 

From arriving in Dublin with a limited level of English to gradually reading and speaking English at an advanced level while working within the IT field – José expresses deep gratitude for choosing DCU International Academy as his school of choice to study English.

 

DCU International Academy aims to ensure that every student learns in the most effective and efficient way possible. Above all, we want students to experience English beyond the classroom and carry it with them into their future careers. To learn more about our English courses, visit our course pages at: https://english.dcu.ie/adult-courses/

 

Look back and watch José’s previous interview with us, capturing his time studying English at DCU.

 

 

 

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Embarking on a university journey, especially in a new country, often comes with its unique challenges and achievements. We caught up with Duy Kheim Pham, a 20-year-old student from Vietnam. Khiem shares his experience transitioning from the International Foundation Year (IFY) programme at Dublin City University (DCU) International Academy to pursuing his undergraduate degree in Computer Science.

 

The IFY programme is tailored for international students seeking to attain proficiency in English language and/or meet the academic requirements for admission to undergraduate degree programmes at Dublin City University.

 

Kheim’s decision to study in the IFY programme was encouraged by his aunt’s advice and the higher probability of success within the city. The appeal of DCU’s accessibility and opportunities made it a preferred choice over other institutions. Notably, based on the 2022 QS University Rankings, DCU holds the number one position in Ireland for graduate employability.

 

Looking back on the preparation for his degree, Kheim acknowledged that certain subjects, particularly English, were strengthened during his time studying in the IFY programme. 

 

Transitioning to university level from the IFY programme posed some challenges, especially when encountering differences in the approach to subjects like mathematics. However, Kheim praised the teachers’ dedication and willingness to help students succeed. 

 

“If you don’t understand, they are very happy to explain that again and again. They want you to get the high grade and they want you to pass to study at DCU”

 

Their support and commitment to students’ academic success left a lasting impression on Khiem. 

 

For prospective IFY students, Kheim offered advice emphasising the importance of enjoying the experience, making the most out of friendships formed during the programme, and aiming for academic excellence.

 

Discussing his preference for studying in Ireland, Kheim appreciated the English-speaking environment and the pleasant weather compared to his homeland’s heat. He particularly enjoys the DCU campus, praising the convenience of its facilities; including the library and campus bar.

 

Lastly, Kheim expresses genuine appreciation for the IFY programme, emphasising its multicultural environment and the necessity it presents for fostering English language skills. As Kheim continues his academic journey at DCU, his story serves as a valuable guide for prospective students considering enhancing their English level at the International Foundation Year programme at Dublin City University.

 

A huge thank you to Khiem for sharing his experience with us. We, at DCU International Academy, extend our best wishes for his future endeavours.

 

If you would like to know more about our International Foundation Year programme we are here to help, please get in touch.

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Let’s meet Haya Alhamdan, a student from Kuwait with big dreams of diving into the world of Aviation. At the age of 17, she decided to pursue her dream by studying Aviation Management in Ireland. To better prepare for her undergraduate programme, she decided to enrol in the International Foundation Year (IFY) programme at DCU International Academy.

 

International Foundation Programme – Business Stream

In 2022, Haya delved into the IFY programme studying our Business Stream for two semesters, setting the stage for her academic journey. This preparatory programme is designed for international students like Haya who aim to bridge the gap between their high school qualifications and the entry requirements of undergraduate programmes. It focuses on preparing students, enhancing their English language skills, and elevating their academic proficiency before embarking on studies at DCU.

 

The IFY programme has served as a crucial foundation for Haya’s pursuit of Aviation Management at Dublin City University (DCU). Haya commends the personalised and individualised support received from tutors, particularly in mathematics and business studies, where the transition from her Arabic mother tongue to the English curriculum initially posed challenges,

 

“ My tutor – helped me a lot and she encouraged us a lot. She gave us materials and case studies to help us for the exams. Case studies focus on something not just focused on the material, but in general so it has opened my eyes to something new.“

 

Aviation Management at DCU

The aviation industry has a long history of being predominantly male-oriented. A recent study on gender diversity in Irish Aviation led by Dr. Marina Efthymiou at Dublin City University highlighted the impact of mentorship and role transitions for female career advancement. 20.7% of females found the most impact in terms of advancing on in their career was from an inspiring or helpful mentor. While, lack of a sponsor is reported as a barrier to career for 60% of females compared to 46% of male respondents. Haya’s own experience echoes this sentiment, emphasising the crucial encouragement received from her tutors. Haya is grateful to have the opportunity to progress in her ‘dream’ of studying Aviation at DCU.

 

“ I am not seeing many women in the aviation sector so I am encouraged by my family to do what I want to do, DCU has given me the possibility for that.”

 

Beyond academic adaptation, the IFY programme provided a nurturing environment that facilitated cultural integration and encouraged embracing new experiences. This inclusive atmosphere played an important role in her decision to continue her educational journey at DCU, pursuing Aviation Management.

 

“This transitioning chapter has helped me a lot. Now, I am familiar with DCU and I know what building serves what  —- being in DCU as a transitioning phase, in IFY, there are societies I can be in, there are new clubs I can be in and new experiences I can be in. “ 

 

Haya’s experience draws the line on the invaluable role the International Foundation Year programme played in shaping her path towards pursuing her studies in Aviation.

 

Thank you to Haya for sharing her experience with us, we wish her the best in her future endeavours.

 

If you would like to know more about our English language programmes, we are here to help, please get in touch.

 

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Professor Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, delivered a welcome address to a large group of international students. The event, held at the U building on DCU’s Glasnevin campus, brought together students from over 26 countries, highlighting the rich diversity that defines the university’s academic environment.

 

A Global Welcome

During his speech, Professor Daire Keogh highlighted DCU’s dedication to offering world-class education and support to international students. He affirmed the university’s role as a global village that creates a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. He is also looking forward to seeing them progress to their undergraduate degree next year. 

 

 

Pathway to University

The International Foundation programme is designed for international students who need to improve their English language skills and prepare for university studies via intensive academic modules linked to their chosen undergraduate degree.

Whilst it is an intensive programme, our teachers and support staff are on hand to guide them. We look forward to seeing them progress to their chosen undergraduate degrees at DCU in September 2024.

 

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We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Maryna, a Ukrainian student participating in the Pre-sessional Programme at DCU International Academy. The Pre-Sessional Programme is an intensive 5-week course designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to enhance their English language proficiency while developing essential social and intercultural skills.

Maryna shared how her teacher has been instrumental in developing critical thinking skills, which are essential in any scientific field. 

“I am not a native speaker but when you visit the lesson you will see how it will go, at what level you are ready or not ready for a master degree and what you have to improve. Also, this is a great opportunity to do networking to meet future and current friends and to practice, practice, practice the English language”.

Coming to Ireland for the first time was a culture shock for Maryna, but she emphasised that Ireland offers abundant “opportunities and ways to develop yourself”. Being open-minded and unafraid to ask questions led her to new friends and individuals with similar experiences, making her feel supported as she ventured into the world of higher education at DCU.

Maryna aspires to study a master’s degree in public relations and Intercultural communications and dreams of working as a press secretary for government institutes such as the national police service of Ireland, An Garda Síochána. With her passion for communication and belief in the power of words, she aims to contribute to problem-solving and fostering understanding among people.

In a follow-up conversation, Maryna highlighted the excellence of the programme, particularly for non-native English speakers required to write academic texts. The course provides adequate practice in public speaking, listening, reading, and writing, tailored to individual needs. For Maryna, practising public speaking and understanding her audience better have been essential areas of focus, boosting her confidence in pursuing her master’s degree.

As Maryna interacts with her diverse group of classmates, including individuals from China, Japan, and various other backgrounds, she gains insights into their unique experiences and cultures. The mix of accents has been a learning experience in itself, prompting her to adapt and understand different perspectives.

In conclusion, the Pre-Sessional programme at DCU International Academy has been a transformative journey for Maryna. It has empowered her to overcome language barriers, develop essential skills, and build meaningful connections with fellow students. This experience has not only prepared her for her future academic pursuits but also broadened her understanding of the world and its diversity. With newfound confidence and a network of friends, Maryna looks forward to embracing her master’s degree with enthusiasm and optimism.

 

Thank you to Maryna for speaking with us about her experience here at DCU International Academy.

 

If you would like to know more about our English language programmes, we are here to help, please get in touch.

 

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Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Ireland, H.E Yong-kil Kim, paid a visit to Dublin City University on 26th July 2023. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for deepening academic partnerships and exchange, while also commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Korea and Ireland.

During the visit, the Ambassador met with Professor Dáire Keogh, the President of DCU. Also present were Laura Mahoney, the Executive Director of External Engagement at DCU, and Niamh O’Mahony, DCU’s International Academy Business Development Director. Joining the Ambassador on this occasion was Chan-woo Kim, the Deputy Head of Mission.

The Korean Embassy was delighted to extend an invitation to DCU’s representatives for a special performance titled “Treasure Island”, which celebrates the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries. The performance featured the talented percussion group “Gongmyoung,” as well as “The Three C’s,” an Irish traditional music band.

The university felt deeply honoured to host such distinguished visitors.

 

Global Partnerships

DCU International Academy has established strong partnerships with several universities in the Republic of Korea, enabling students to engage in Study Abroad and English Language Programmes. Find out more about our overseas language courses and pathway programmes.

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The DCU International Academy recently welcomed two outstanding Ukrainian students to its Pre-Sessional programme through the University of Sanctuary scholarship programme.

The Pre-Sessional Programme is an intensive 5-week course designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Throughout the programme, students have the opportunity to enhance their English language proficiency while developing essential social and intercultural skills.

Our student Maryna shared her experience by saying: “The Pre-Sessional Programme provides comprehensive language practice in public speaking, listening, reading, and writing, which is especially helpful for those who need to write academic texts. It truly is an opportunity to practice, practice, practice! Also, the networking opportunities have been fantastic. I get to meet and connect with fellow students while continuously improving my English language skills.“.

Running from July 17th to August 18th, the DCU Pre-Sessional Programme features 20 hours of tuition per week and covers a wide range of topics. These topics include reading and writing for academic purposes, presentation skills, and other subjects tailored to enhance students’ readiness for university life.

DCU IA offers a wide range of short and long-term courses covering all aspects of your pathway to university. Check out our Pathway Programmes page to find out more.

 

University of Sanctuary

Dublin City University holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first formally designated University of Sanctuary and takes great pride in welcoming international protection applicants, refugees, and those with leave to remain.

DCU was initially designated a University of Sanctuary in 2016 and received re-accreditation in 2022. In June, DCU was ranked the 6th best university in the world for its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023, which measures universities’ impact on society.

 

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DCU Language Services Rebrands to DCU International Academy

We are thrilled to announce that DCU Language Services is undergoing a rebranding process, and will now be known as DCU International Academy. This change represents a step forward for our organisation as we continue to broaden and diversify our offerings to meet the changing needs of our customers.

 

With over 30 years of experience, we have assisted students from over 105 different countries to advance their educational and personal goals.

 

Under our new brand, we will continue to offer a wide range of English language courses including general English. exam preparation courses, pathway programmes, summer & winter ministays and bespoke university group programmes. We remain dedicated to providing our international students with a seamless experience from start to finish. Our team is also dedicated to providing assistance with student mobility, visa applications and other essential services including accommodation, transport, catering, and social & cultural integration.

 

As part of Dublin City University, the International Academy will continue to benefit from having access to world-class facilities and expertise from an internationally renowned institution which lays the foundation for an excellent overseas experience.

 

 

Our CEO, Cathal Maye, spoke about the rebranding by stating: “We are proud to announce this exciting new chapter in the history of our company. We are confident that this change will bring many benefits to our students and partners worldwide.”

 

Niamh O’Mahony, Business Development Director, added: “The change is significant, as we aim to broaden and diversify our offerings to cater to the global demand for quality language training, and cultural immersion. We are looking forward to creating new opportunities for both students and our partners.”.

 

DCU International Academy highlights DCU’s commitment to internationalisation and its role as an expert in overseas language training. At DCU, our students can gain an internationally recognised qualification while benefiting from a vibrant Irish university environment.

 

DCU Language Services remains as a trusted Translation and Assessments Agency

Our DCU Language Services brand will continue to operate as a trusted translation agency, providing top-notch human translations as well as other language services in over 70 languages. We have earned a reputation for excellence and quality that we are proud to uphold and we will continue to offer this service to our clients.

 

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DCU Language Services is proud to be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

 

In 1992, DCU Language Services emerged from the School of Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies at Dublin City University. Since then, we have welcomed students from 105 countries worldwide and also gained a reputation for excellence in English language teaching. All our courses subscribe to the same high standards that have gained Dublin City University a national and international reputation for the excellence of its programmes.

 

Making a difference in the lives of our students
As we celebrate our anniversary, we reflect on the last 30 years of dedicated educational services and look to the future, seeking to assist international students to advance their educational and career goals.

Over the past 30 years, the school has developed a range of educational programmes and provided professional English language training to over 1100,000 students of all ages who have successfully graduated from our courses.

Cathal Maye, CEO of DCU Language Services, commented in celebration of our milestone: ‘‘I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and for their part in making these 30 years so special.’’

Although the pandemic has brought new challenges to our industry, we look forward to the years ahead.

We aim to continue fostering global connections among international students and provide them with the opportunity to enhance their English language skills and succeed in an increasingly internationalised career environment.

 

 

We want you to celebrate with us
To further mark the milestone of DCULS’s 30th anniversary, a number of partially funded scholarships will be provided for our Academic Year Programme which combines 6 months of General English with specialised exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge or equivalent).

We invite you to learn more about our programmes and how to apply for the scholarship scheme by visiting our online application form.

 
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READ MORE: DCU announces Study & Work English Language Programme Scholarships

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We invited our current student Ariungerel Baatarchuluun, from Mongolia, to share her experience studying English at Dublin City University and learned more about what it is like to be an international English Language student in Ireland.

 

What was your main reason to start learning English?
There are many reasons to learn English, but I needed to improve my English for the corporate environment.

In the past, I volunteered to help vulnerable families and their children, which has greatly influenced my previous work. In the spring of 2019, I started working as an operations manager for a non-governmental organisation. Because of the demands of the organisation, I realised that I had to improve my English skills considering I interacted with individuals, organisations and foreign donors from many different countries on a daily basis.

Furthermore, the level of English was always a big barrier for me to deal with long-term and short-term community-based capacity-building projects organised by international volunteer organisations.

 

How did you first find out about DCU Language Services?
I followed some pages on Instagram that included several Irish posts. Then, in late 2019, I saw an ad on one of these pages announcing an English language scholarship, and I applied for that scholarship according to their requirements. On that day, I first found out about DCULS.

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READ MORE: DCU announces Study & Work English Language Programme Scholarships

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What is your expected learning outcome after finishing the course?
My expected learning outcome of the course is to get an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.

 

Is DCU helping you to reach that goal?
I’m still progressing. I hope that everything I learn here will help me to achieve my goal. I’m using some of them in my life already.

 

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience so far?
There are a lot of students who come from many different countries and you can learn about different cultures and lifestyles through them.

 

What do you hope to do after DCU? What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the next year and a half are to become fluent in English and take a short-term course for donor relations. Then, I will return to Mongolia and continue working at my previous job.

 

What advice would you give to other international students?
Try to have a good time here as much as you can, because in Ireland there are a lot of interesting places to spend your free time. I’ve already visited a bunch of places in the past five months.

 

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Thank you Ariungerel for sharing her experiences and for being an exceptional student.

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Do you want to learn English and achieve your goals like Ariungerel? Check out our English courses here.

If you have any questions, we are here to help you out, please get in touch.

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