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Before You Go

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/live-the-language-school rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>LTL Language School</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>What drew me to LTL is the combination of things I love most: a language-driven mission, an international environment, and a team of genuinely enthusiastic people with interesting stories to tell. There's something special about being surrounded by individuals who are passionate about connecting cultures through language. I also got to meet a lot of curious minds from all over the world, and through everyday <em>convo</em> with them, I felt inspired a lot.</p>
<p>But what inspires me most is the chance to give back. I remember what it felt like to be a foreigner in Korea, figuring things out one step at a time. Working at LTL allows me to help other foreigners feel supported and empowered, which is the way I once wished I had been. That sense of purpose is what drives my creativity every single day.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1775634863/images2/interviews/Zv4qpsJpkeNc2PJSzNdgqRFvJ2wcxp3s4K9gPCoq.jpg" alt="LTL staff members enjoying Korean bbq"><div class="caption"><p>Food—reward for the hustle. 😁</p></div></div>
<h3>What advice would you give your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>Don't be afraid of the language barrier. It will frustrate you, humble you, and eventually become one of your greatest strengths. Embrace the discomfort, because that's exactly where growth lives.</p>
<p>Be patient with yourself. Adjusting to a new culture takes time, and it's okay to feel lost. Seek connections; the people you meet along the way will shape you more than any textbook ever could. Most importantly, trust the journey. Every challenge, every awkward moment, every small victory is building a version of you that's braver, more open, and more empathetic than you ever expected to be.</p>
<p>Being in the country, in an immersion environment, creates the biggest difference in learning the language. Me, before coming to Korea spoke zero Korean, would never have imagined I would be working here 7 years later.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose LTL over competitors?</h3>
<p>At LTL, we don't just teach language, we create an experience. There are a few things that truly set us apart from other language schools out there.</p>
<p>First, our classes are small and flexible by design. We believe that real language learning happens through genuine interaction, not in overcrowded classrooms where you're just another face in the crowd. Smaller class sizes mean more personalized attention, more speaking time, and faster, more meaningful progress for every student.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1775634577/images2/interviews/o6TM0zCIlbFz8YG9NbtR5Js4ooIGSHcsOe1pWmpB.jpg" alt="LTL team and students having dinner"><div class="caption"><p>Good food, good mood.</p></div></div>
<p>Second, learning at LTL is actually fun. Our activities and events are things we genuinely enjoy ourselves as staff, which means the energy is always real and the enthusiasm is contagious. When your teachers and organizers are just as excited as you are, it shows.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But, perhaps, what makes LTL most unique is our team. A large portion of our staff are foreigners living in Korea ourselves. We've navigated the visa processes, the culture shock, the language barriers, and the beautiful chaos of building a life in a new country. That means we don't just understand what our students are going through; we've lived it. We bring a level of empathy and genuine relatability to our work that's hard to find anywhere else.</p>
<p>At LTL, you're not just a student. You're part of a community built by people who truly get it.</p>
<h3>What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p><a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/live-the-language-school rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>LTL Language School's</ins></a> mission is simple but meaningful: to help students have the best possible experience living in Korea. We believe learning a language is about so much more than grammar; it's about unlocking a new world of culture, connection, and belonging.</p>
<p>As a digital content creator, I contribute to that mission through the stories I tell, making sure anyone looking for language support in Korea can find LTL and feel instantly welcomed. Through authentic storytelling and engaging content, I help reflect the warm community we've built.</p>
<p>But the mission doesn't stop at the classroom door. From exciting activities to an inclusive environment, every team member plays a role in making sure students don't just learn Korean, they truly thrive in Korea. That's something we wake up committed to every single day.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1775635141/images2/interviews/cid44RKrazYgHvxfApSETGzaJ3pucIvkiPKNddb1.jpg" alt="LTL team and students having dinner"><div class="caption"><p>Good food and good company – that's all you need.</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I want them to walk away with real confidence in Korea. That moment when you can hold a conversation or navigate a situation entirely in Korean is incredibly empowering and stays with you long after the program ends.</p>
<p>Beyond language, I hope they gain a genuine appreciation of Korean culture. Engaging with it on a deeper level makes the entire experience so much more meaningful.</p>
<p>Most importantly, I hope they find their people. LTL is built around community, and I want every participant to leave with a sense of belonging, knowing they were welcomed and supported throughout their journey.</p>
<p>Also, above all, I hope they carry fond memories and lifelong friendships from this chapter of their lives. The best takeaway isn't just a language certificate, it's an experience they'll never forget.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?&nbsp;</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1775635569/images2/interviews/FCGw1PkkYH3S2JeAsxEeSkrKFPdyPDvd69BK7s2d.jpg" alt="LTL team and students in front of a karaoke bar"><div class="caption"><p>Work hard. Party harder.</p></div></div>
<p>Immersing yourself in a different culture challenges your assumptions and expands your understanding of the world. That's where empathy is born. You stop seeing "different" as strange and start seeing it as simply another beautiful way of being human, an open-mindedness that reshapes the way you show up in life long after you return home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the people. Connections made across borders are unlike any others, built on curiosity, mutual respect, and shared experience. Those friendships tend to last a lifetime.</p>
<p>Having lived that journey myself, moving from Hanoi to Seoul, I can say with certainty that the world feels smaller and kinder when you've truly connected with it. You would be amazed by how different you see things in life!</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Honestly, I'm not someone who travels for the sake of traveling. I was never a big fan of traveling itself. I don't chase destinations or collect passport stamps. For me, meaningful travel has always been about the people you meet along the way.</p>
<p>For me, being in Seoul for 7 years wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a gateway to some of the most genuine, lasting connections of my life. The friendships I've built across cultures have shaped me in ways that no landmark or tourist attraction ever could. I learned a lot about this country's culture, but also the new points of view on my hometown.</p>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is less about where you go and more about who you become through the people you meet there.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1775635570/images2/interviews/M6XufsF96MwAuoivDZsaixTsKuaEBYFewV7plctc.jpg" alt="LTL team enjoying Korean bbq"><div class="caption"><p>Dinner is better when we're together.</p></div></div>


Mai Huong

Get to know the people behind LTL Language School! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Mai Huong.

Mai Huong | LTL Language School Staff Interview

LTL Language School Staff Interview with Mai Huong

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/live-the-language-school rel="" target="_self" class="link">LTL Language School</a>?</h3>
<p>Joining LTL allowed me to combine two things I really enjoy, Marketing and Language Learning. Being part of a team that genuinely changes people's lives through language, while building a global brand I believe in, makes this more than just a job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm a big believer in learning languages through immersion. That's how I've approached Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Japanese myself. I know firsthand the difference between sitting in a traditional classroom and actually living inside a language and culture. That experience shapes everything I do at LTL, because I'm not just marketing a concept, I'm marketing something I've lived.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having relocated from the UK to Seoul, I'm also reminded daily of just how transformative it is to immerse yourself in a new culture. That personal connection to LTL's mission gives my work a sense of purpose that goes beyond campaigns and conversion rates.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When you genuinely believe in the product, because you are the product's target audience, it makes for far more authentic and effective marketing.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774926199/images2/interviews/wRES3xI3UlyivErevQqP67prNwmqLfU7av86kVok.jpg" alt="three people smiling while sitting together at a desk"><div class="caption"><p>With the LTL Marketing Team in Beijing</p></div></div>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>Be open to everything, don't be shy, and never say no. Coming to another country can lead to a huge number of opportunities for not only learning a language but also self-improvement. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and they'll quickly turn comfortable.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I gave a wedding speech in Chinese in front of 500 people. Tell that to my 18-year-old self, and I'd have laughed. This confidence then allowed me to deliver half of my very own wedding speech in Italian, two moments I'll never forget for the rest of my life. That kind of growth doesn't happen by playing it safe. It happens when you throw yourself into a culture, commit to the language, and trust the process.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Living in Seoul has reinforced that for me all over again. Every day brings a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. I put so much of that down to the confidence that being part of the LTL journey has given me, both as a marketer and as a language learner.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774926199/images2/interviews/UnzpbxMPC9JBkggCLIOq50BTzLJKqIZpmLf2PDCa.jpg" alt="forur people posing for a photo while holding plush toys"><div class="caption"><p>Meeting influencers Dana, Matt and Julia at LTL Beijing</p></div></div>
<p>I love two things about the job. I love how marketing is always evolving. Our strategy changes every year because the industry never stops, it's always changing, and I love keeping on top of that as a team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the other side of the coin, I love the fact that every Monday morning we welcome fresh faces from around the world to our schools. We have the chance to meet so many interesting people at this job, and after nearly a decade, that still doesn't wear off.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose LTL Language School over competitors?</h3>
<p>There are a few things: Our homestay experiences are the way to go. I've actually stayed with multiple LTL homestays before, in Beijing, Chengde, and here in Seoul. They are game changers. Living with a family is an experience you just cannot replicate and speeds up your progress no end.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our safari classes are unique. 1-on-1 students have the option to upgrade their class to a safari class, which is an outdoor class, where students go with their teacher somewhere in the city and learn the language together. This can include going to a museum, going to a restaurant, going to a sports match, etc. This is a really fun way to learn a language and switches things up from classroom learning.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our community. I often get told by our students that they loved how we represented ourselves online. We are diverse, we welcome all ages, and we are fun. None of our schools is huge, and this is by design. It's to keep that community feel. Everyone knows everyone at a school, and we want to keep it that way.</p>
<h3>What is LTL Language School's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>Fluency through immersion. The belief that the fastest and most meaningful way to learn a language is to live it, not just study it. Every decision we make as an organization comes back to that principle, from the way our schools are structured to the communities we build around learners.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That mission plays out across everything LTL does. From our physical schools in some of the world's most exciting language destinations like Seoul, Beijing, and Taipei, to our Flexi Classes platform, which brings that same immersive philosophy online and makes it accessible to learners anywhere in the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In my role, I work towards that mission by making sure our message reaches the right people in the most authentic way possible. The best marketing is always rooted in truth, and at LTL, the truth is compelling. Immersion works. I've experienced it myself learning Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Japanese, so I'm not just communicating a philosophy; I'm living proof of it.</p>
<h3>What makes LTL Language School special?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774926200/images2/interviews/zWZOfIzqeBhwoASa8MSyIGS4YsbmEZ2Bpvn59ds0.jpg" alt="two people smiling and posing with peace signs "><div class="caption"><p>Lunchtime at LTL Beijing</p></div></div>
<p>LTL is special because it actually walks the walk. Immersion isn't just a marketing word here; it's baked into everything, from the classroom structure to the cities we operate in. For students who are serious about fluency, there simply isn't a better environment, and our 500+ GoAbroad reviews prove that!</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>More than anything, I hope participants leave with confidence. Confidence to speak, to make mistakes, to try again, and to realize that fluency isn't some distant goal reserved for the naturally gifted. It's something anyone can achieve with the right environment and the right support.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beyond the language itself, I hope they take away a genuine connection to the culture they've immersed themselves in. Whether that's a love of Korean street food and the energy of Seoul, a deeper appreciation of Chinese history and tradition, or friendships with locals that outlast the program by decades.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those human connections are what transform a language course into a genuinely life-changing experience. I also hope they leave with a method. An understanding that immersion works, and the habits to continue that approach long after they've walked out of the classroom. The best outcome for any LTL student isn't just the progress they make during their time with us; it's the passion and tools to keep going independently.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>Culture and language are completely inseparable. You can study grammar and vocabulary in a classroom anywhere in the world, but you cannot truly understand a language without understanding the people who speak it. Their humour, their values, their history, and their daily rhythms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Travelling abroad puts you inside that context. Suddenly, the language has texture and meaning. That's why immersion works so powerfully, and why encouraging people to take that leap and experience a new culture is so central to everything LTL does.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I experience this every single day living in Seoul. Korean makes so much more sense when you're navigating a bustling market in Gwangjang, sharing food with colleagues, or figuring out the unwritten social rules that no textbook ever covers. Those moments of real-world context are irreplaceable.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774926201/images2/interviews/dYztfLl8iLLwyRd5n18k8rGQeoLPmqZuhF6oBhKC.jpg" alt="a man and a woman pose for a photo"><div class="caption"><p>With returning student Amanda at LTL Shanghai</p></div></div>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel is when you start to understand how people actually live. When you can order your coffee in the local language, when you know which neighbourhood to head to on a Sunday morning, and when you have local friends rather than just fellow tourists.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having lived in Seoul, Beijing, and Hong Kong, I've felt that shift firsthand, from being a visitor to genuinely feeling part of a place. That transition is where the real magic happens. It doesn't happen overnight, and it rarely happens on a two-week holiday. It comes from committing to a place, showing up consistently, making mistakes, looking foolish occasionally, and slowly but surely finding your footing. Every city I've lived in has taught me something different about myself, and about the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Language is the key that unlocks all of it. Without making the effort to speak Korean in Seoul or Mandarin in Beijing, so many doors simply stay closed. The moment you engage with someone in their own language, even imperfectly, the relationship with that place changes entirely. That is what meaningful travel feels like, and it's precisely the experience LTL exists to give people.</p>


Max Hobbs

Get to know the people behind LTL Language School! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Max Hobbs.

Max Hobbs | LTL Language School Staff Interview

LTL Language School Staff Interview with Max Hobbs

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>My brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a person. I recognized that the value of studying abroad extends far beyond the classroom and lasts a lifetime.&nbsp;</p>
<p>API was the perfect partner to help me realize this goal, as they guided me through every step to ensure my own experience was just as impactful and rewarding as my brother's was.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/api rel="" target="_self" class="link">Academic Programs International</a>?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774507148/images2/interviews/ZTogbfWB9iQoTcGqLmSnAVxFYr1LlcOyGXYuz2dU.jpg" alt="a Red-eyed tree frog on a leaf"><div class="caption"><p>A frog, captured during my hike in Sarapiqui.</p></div></div>
<p>I selected API Abroad because its mission aligned perfectly with my personal and academic goals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Their team offered comprehensive guidance throughout the entire application and admissions cycle, ensuring that all my needs were met with clear communication, genuine expertise, and constant encouragement.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?</h3>
<p>My favorite part was the rewarding challenge of taking what I learned in the Spanish courses I took while abroad and immediately using it to build a real connection with my host family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>API provided a great environment for this, as my placement with my host family allowed me to turn my academic lessons into daily conversations.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience extraordinary was the applied learning that transformed my tough Spanish class into total self-reliance. Navigating the Tracopa bus station and booking a solo trip to Manuel Antonio entirely in Spanish gave me the confidence to explore.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My Spanish class provided the tools necessary that helped me navigate everyday life in Costa Rica.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774507149/images2/interviews/DxFLatT3zAHgqv4rBSGY41aNIYavZLQLgjflLJX9.jpg" alt="a woman on a zip lining adventure"><div class="caption"><p>A photo of me at the end of my Manuel Antonio Ziplining Tour.</p></div></div>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local API staff helped in so many ways. They were consistently communicative and showed us incredible hospitality during our first weekend, personally showing us around town to help us settle in.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They gave us great advice on how to navigate the country, provided constant guidance, and ensured our safety during every excursion. I felt secure and supported throughout my stay in Costa Rica.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone sooner to participate in more university events and connect with a wider circle of students. While I enjoyed my academic focus and the independence of exploring the city solo, I realized later how much those campus connections add to the experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As someone who is naturally more of a social recluse, I’m grateful that API provided a structured environment that still allowed me to make meaningful connections, even if I wish I had pushed my own social boundaries a bit more.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>My typical day began by waking up at 6:45 AM. From Monday to Friday, my Spanish class started at 9:00 AM, so between 6:45 AM and 8:20 AM, I got ready, ate breakfast, and finalized assignments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My housemate and I would then walk 15–20 minutes to school. From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, we practiced Spanish, followed by a break to eat a snack and walk around campus until 11:00 AM, when I would return to Spanish class and finish at 12:00 PM.<br><br>Afterward, I would have lunch in the cafeteria or buy food from the fresh market down the street.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Mondays and Wednesdays, I had four hours of free time before my Ecological Photography class, which ran from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. I used that time to finish assignments. After class, I caught the student bus back home in time for dinner, finished my homework, and got ready for bed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On days without my Ecological Photography class, I spent my afternoons walking around downtown San José and visiting art or history museums for fun.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774507151/images2/interviews/cw8KsVTL93fkaWPVaBuWwSHW1aDGsptF9iYDD2f2.jpg" alt="Jaco Beach, Costa Rica"><div class="caption"><p>Photo Captured in Jaco Beach.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time, I enjoyed relaxing at home or exploring the downtown area to shop and visit museums. I spent a lot of my afternoons walking around San José, trying delicious local food, and learning about the history of the city.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the museums I have visited during my free time was the Museum of Gold, the Costa Rican Contemporary Art Museum, the Museum of Jade, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. I even went to the Insect Museum and a Butterfly Garden.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having that balance between my academic schedule and my personal time allowed me to really see the culture firsthand.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I lived in a homestay, which was provided by API. My host family was incredibly welcoming, and the environment was very peaceful and vibrant.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What I liked best was the daily opportunity to practice my Spanish with my host family over breakfast or dinner. During these times, I would talk about my plans for the week and the upcoming weekend.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/api/programs/experience-san-jose-costa-rica-187974 rel="" target="_self" class="link">program</a> before their program begins?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774507152/images2/interviews/1qx325G9tGCljPIufvpy23bHy4Mt4Yzk1X3oVuTp.jpg" alt="a small grasshopper"><div class="caption"><p>A small insect, resembling a grasshopper. Captured in Carara National park.</p></div></div>
<p>Future participants should always plan ahead and expect the unexpected. Do not fight the delays or inconveniences that come your way; instead, work through them and learn from them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite all the unfamiliarity I faced, it was the one thing that truly allowed me to grow. Unfamiliarity encourages growth and helps you adapt to new environments.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Academic Programs International to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes. I would definitely recommend API because their team is incredibly supportive and reliable. They guided me through the application process with clear communication and ensured I felt prepared for the transition to San José. Their expertise made a complex process feel simple, and their constant support gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Not to mention, they offer a wide variety of countries, semester lengths, and academic disciplines. They provide a comprehensive list of courses available at your host university of interest, making it easy to plan your studies. If any mishaps or inconveniences occur, the API staff is very quick to notify you and work through those challenges together.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is experiencing the unfamiliar and learning from it. Going to a whole new country forces you to adapt and see things from a different perspective. Embracing new challenges and cultural differences is what allows you to grow into a more independent, adaptable person, and you become more confident in your own abilities.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1774507154/images2/interviews/p3g4v74kRzomHIZ61KH7c5zoPWPDbZpBYvZ0vnxM.jpg" alt="a woman standing on a commercial road"><div class="caption"><p>An experimental photo taken of me by my classmate Izzy.</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Working in a large hospital in Texas, I encounter Spanish-speaking patients daily. Before studying abroad in Costa Rica, it was difficult for me to understand the needs of my Spanish-speaking patients, especially during those times when immediate access to a translator wasn't available.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although my Spanish is nowhere near advanced enough for medical jargon, it is now strong enough to handle basic communication and identify their immediate needs, allowing me to relay that information to nurses who may not speak the language.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This experience has significantly improved the level of care and support I can provide to my patients.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is about gaining practical skills and the perspective needed to connect with others. When you are used to a certain way of living your whole life, it keeps you in a box and limits you to a single point of view.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But when you travel, you begin to see how people from different sides of the world operate. Experiences such as studying abroad force you to adapt, challenge your own assumptions, and realize that there are many different ways to solve problems and approach life.</p>


Kesa Ferguson

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Kesa Ferguson who participated in Academic Programs International program.

Kesa Ferguson | Academic Programs International Academic Programs International Interview

Academic Programs International Alumni Interview with Kesa Ferguson

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