CES Newsletter
Fall 2011
Table of contents
CES news page 3
CES acquisition trips in the USA page 5
Fun events at CES and Maastricht University page 13
Students’ impressions - differences page 15
Internships at CES page 19
CES student assistants page 25
Maastricht at this time of year page 27
CES photo book page 31
CES Monday Snapshots page 33
CES info page 35
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CES news
NEW PROGRAMMES:
WE ARE DELIGHTED to be running two further programmes in collaboration with
AIM Overseas in the New Year. On top of our intensive course in
International Relations and Politics in the European Union
which very successfully started in 2011, students from
universities all across Australia now also have the possibility to
come to CES in Maastricht to partake in the following two
programmes:
1. Positive Psychology
This programme is intended to familiarise students with the concepts and ideas of
positive psychology and to provide in depth knowledge on selected topics within the
field. It enables students to evaluate and design a positive psychological research
project, and gives them hands on experience with some of the positive psychology
intervention techniques.
2. International Environmental Law
The overall objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding
of the main characteristics and developments of environmental law in an
international perspective.
During the three and a half weeks of the programmes, students will get the
opportunity not only to earn credits for their degree back home, but also to discover
Maastricht and the surrounding area and to travel to several European cities for
study-related excursions and cultural visits.
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EVERY TWO YEARS, Washington & Lee University sends a group of students
to Maastricht under the supervision of professor Dr. Erich Uffelman for a very special
programme for chemistry students studying towards a career in art restoration. This
short but very intensive programme will be taking place
again in 2012 and will include a field trip focused on
Dutch Art (17th century Masters) and restoration,
during which the students visit conservation labs,
museums and various other institutions with state-of-
the-art technology.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAMMES, CHECK THE DEDICATED PAGES
ON OUR WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE COURSES’ NAMES ABOVE.
VISITORS:
It has been wonderful to host Jack Zerbe, (Guilford College), Chrysan Cronin
(Muhlenberg College) and Lisa Johnson (Smith College) in Maastricht this Fall and to
get the opportunity to showcase our vision, university and beautiful city.
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CES acquisition trips in the USA, Fall 2011 Jorg’s story
RECONNECTING WITH THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE In September I travelled to the US for
a couple of weeks and had the
pleasure of meeting up with study
abroad colleagues again that I have
known for many years and talking to
potential new partners, finding out
how our alumni are doing and getting
to know students interested in our
programmes. I mostly drove from
place to place this time instead of
flying everywhere and got a chance to
experience some of the landscape
along the way, giving me a new
perspective to old and familiar places.
View of Cincinnati from Mount St.
Adams.
With the implementation of the new
open enrolment programmes and the
expansion of tailor-made programme
opportunities, it’s an exciting time to
discuss the possibilities that exist at
Maastricht University with our global
network. For example, CES is
developing an exciting summer course
focusing on Transition Economies with
the Smeal College of Business at
Pennsylvania State University,
including a two week study trip to
Eastern Europe. The new semester
programmes are attracting a lot of
interest with old and new partners
alike and we look forward to
welcoming more bright and
accomplished students from
universities and colleges across the
disciplines.
As the Director of CES, there are lots
of new and exciting challenges to
enjoy but one of the things I miss from
a coordinator’s point of view is the
daily contact with students. Therefore
it was great to attend study abroad
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fairs and information sessions and
meetings again and I was very
impressed with the students I
encountered: liberal, open-minded and
intelligent, with a clear focus on what
they were looking for in study abroad.
As always sessions were very well-
attended and there were a lot of
students dropping by my table. They
loved the stroopwafels I brought too!
The Spring 2012 participants were all
very enthusiastic and could not wait to
depart – it was energising to share in
their excitement. As well as meeting
new faces, catching up with CES
alumni at fairs, presentations or over
dinner was a real delight.
Jorg, together with CES alumni Nathan
Dryer, Skip Young and Jenna Giese.
It was fun to surprise some former
visiting professors in their offices and
great to hear how much they had
fallen in love with Maastricht and how
eager they would be to come back if
they had the chance. The feeling is
mutual! The CES family has really
grown over the years and yet remains
close-knit, establishing long-lasting
connections. I want to take this
opportunity to thank all the colleagues
and friends who hosted me at your
schools and homes and for showing
me such wonderful hospitality.
Together with shared visions and ideas
about increasing opportunities and
finding matches between partner and
student expectations, this all makes
study abroad such a rewarding field to
be a part of.
My thanks go to:
Jeff Cannon, Tammy Orahood
and Mark Beirn at Washington
University in St. Louis
Laurie Colglazier, Susan Carty,
Eric Richards and Greg
Kitzmiller at Indiana University
David Cleeton, Ohio State
University
Ellen Sayles and Donna Young
at Oberlin College
Molly Watkins and Lisa Brown
at Case Western Reserve
University
Ismael Betancourt, Laura
Johnson, Cindy Stockwell,
Nancy Mazza, Clint and Susan
Schertzer at Xavier University
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Austin Jaffe, Maureen Desorcie,
Heidi Wright, Carolyn Andersen,
Judy Meder, Barbara Rowe,
Leila Tubbeh and Kristi
Wormhoudt at Pennsylvania
State University
Jenifer Cushman, Mark
McKellop and David Widman at
Juanita College
Scott Manning at Susquehanna
University
Michael Monahan, BCA Study
Abroad
Jill Russell and Caitlin Murphy
at Lebanon Valley College
Donna Kish-Goodling, Susan
Norling, George Heitmann and
Paul Frary at Muhlenberg
College
- Jorg de Vette, CES Director
Campus at Washington University in St.
Louis
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CES acquisition trips in the USA, Fall 2011 Nathalie’s story
I FIND WORKING in study abroad
an inspiring experience. I get to work
with amazing students who are eager
to live in our beautiful city, immerse
themselves in a different academic
environment and explore Europe to its
fullest. A life-changing experience for
nearly everyone and the bonds of
friendships that are forged during
study abroad can last a life-time (not
only between students, but also with
us CES staff).
CES Ambassador Nathan Anderson and
Nathalie Ummels at the University of
Denver.
My role at CES recently changed from
programme coordinating to education
affairs and programme development
and in this capacity I was asked to
travel to the US for two weeks to give
more information about our seven new
Open Enrolment Semester
programmes:
Starting Spring 2012
1. Business & Economics in Europe
2. European Law & Human Rights 3. EU Politics, Policy &
International Relations 4. European Culture & Arts 5. European Society & History
Starting Fall 2012
6. Public Health & Medicine in Europe
7. Psychology & Neuroscience in Europe
Our new programmes replace CES’
former flag-ship programme Study
Europe and we are extremely proud of
the result. It was therefore an exciting
prospect to visit established and
possible new partner universities and
colleges and (re-)connect with study
abroad staff, faculty members,
prospective students and CES alumni
(who are now CES Ambassadors at
their home campus).
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My grand tour took me to North
Carolina (Guilford College, Duke
University and the University of North
Carolina – Kenan-Flagler School of
Business), Virginia (Christopher
Newport University), Massachusetts
(Brandeis University, Framingham
State University, Tufts University),
Colorado (Colorado College, University
of Denver, University of Colorado
Boulder), Connecticut (Trinity College)
and back to Massachusetts (Amherst
College, Smith College, UMass
Amherst). It included 14 intense travel
days, 10 flights, 8 time zones, 5
States, 1559 miles (2509 km) by car,
3 study abroad fairs and 11 visits.
Driving through Colorado.
Was it tiring? Of course it was! But the
overwhelming positive reactions of
study abroad staff, faculty and
students made me realise that all our
hard work of the last months had been
worth it. We are very proud of the new
study abroad programmes, which
feature strong European themes,
highlight Dutch and ‘Euregional’
strengths and achievements, and
include integrated academic study
trips, an extensive selection of courses,
independent research opportunities
and more.
CES Ambassador Roy Fuller at CNU
Campus.
Our established partners were also
excited by the new study abroad
opportunities in the fields of law and
human rights; public health and
medicine; and psychology and
neuroscience, so we hope to welcome
many more new students in our fair
city.
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But the best part of my trip was
reconnecting with students who
already studied abroad with CES. It
was truly amazing to hear how much
CES and Maastricht mean to them,
how their study abroad experience
changed them and how they long to be
back.
Information table at Trinity College
with CES Ambassador Erica Taylor and
Professor Gitte Schultz.
It meant the world to meet almost all
CNU students who attended our
Summer Programme in European
Studies 2011 for breakfast (many of
them sporting their Maastricht
University t-shirt); to receive
enthusiastic help from CES
Ambassadors Jarred Olson and Nathan
Anderson during the DU study abroad
fair; to have ice cream with CES
Ambassador Erica Taylor and professor
Gitte Schultz at Trinity College; and to
have dinner with Spring 2007 alumni
Robbie Waldeck (Colorado College),
his lovely wife Emily and his best
friend and roommate Andy Pope-
Rowleski (Macalester College)…
Each unique and heart-warming
experiences proving that bonds of
friendship forged at CES last long after
study abroad programmes are over.
- Nathalie Ummels, Education
Specialist at CES
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Denver study abroad fair.
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Fun events at CES and Maastricht University
OPENING OF THE VIRTUAL REALITY LAB AT THE FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE
SINCE 10 NOVEMBER 2011,
Maastricht University has its own state
of the art Virtual Reality Lab, located
at the Faculty of Psychology and
Neuroscience (FPN).
The lab offers 3D visualisation
possibilities by means of a Head
Mounted Device and is equipped with a
tracking system and a 3D sound
system. Researchers at FPN and other
faculties of Maastricht University now
have the possibility of conducting
experiments in a virtual and controlled
environment.
During the opening symposium and
lab visit, guests were offered the
chance to try on the 3D screen glasses
and venture into a virtual world built
especially for a social psychology
experiment.
CES is excited about this new
development and looks forward to
following future research conducted in
the lab. Who knows, maybe we’ll even
be taking students there for visits!
CES programme coordinator Aude
Collioud ventures out in a 3D virtual
world during the opening of the new
lab.
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Students impressions - differences
“AFTER HAVING BEEN IN THE NETHERLANDS for only two months,
I feel very welcomed and acknowledged. Elements of sociability and
tolerance for diversity that are inherent in the Dutch culture have influenced
me already. The attitude of living in the Netherlands with its slower pace
differs from many parts of the United States where many people on the
street are in such a hurry that they don't make eye contact or take time to
enjoy their surroundings. Here, in Maastricht especially, I am met with
kindness and actually given the time and opportunity to appreciate the
importance of the history and culture that the city offers. Through my travels
I have experienced Europe in a manner that would not have been possible
had I not chosen the Netherlands as my first study abroad experience. Given
the proximity of other cultural centers, combined with an outstanding rail
system, I have come to view Europe as my backyard. My first
Netherlands experience has enriched my college career as well as my life. I
hope to return someday to this true center of Europe.”
FOR THIS EDITION of our newsletter we asked some of our current students to tell us about the
most striking difference(s) they had noticed between their new life in Maastricht and what they were
used to back home.
As you will most probably notice, one subject comes back regularly… and it’s only fair, as it is a big part
of everyone daily life here in the Netherlands!
Laurel Hayden, USA
“IN THE NETHERLANDS, unlike in the US, biking is safe
(no helmets required). It is the safest, easiest way to travel in
a Dutch city like Maastricht because there are bike lanes and
car drivers are always aware of bikers. Every public building
has its own bike rack too. I love this about Holland, because
riding a bike is easy and fun and fast. I ride my bike to class,
to the store, to the train station, and many other places. In
Maastricht, biking is a way of life.
When I return to the US, I will definitely miss my bike and the
safe, convenient transportation.”
“ONE ASPECT OF STUDYING ABROAD that I have found to be quite
different from life back at home in the States are my interactions with the
locals. Back at home, it seems fairly normal or a part of our cultural to smile
at someone passing by on the street or even addressing them personally
with a friendly "Hello". Here in Maastricht, Netherlands, I have noticed from
my personal experience that it is a bit different. I rarely find someone who
smiles at me on the street or even acknowledges that I am there. At first, I
was taken aback by this because I automatically thought that passers-by
could tell I was not from here and that made me a bit self-conscious.
After a while though, I came to realize that it is nothing against me at all. I
had become so influenced by the lens that I came over here with from
America that I was unable to see past that and realize that anytime
something is different, it's not a bad thing at all. In fact, it's a great
learning experience that opens you up to a whole new world
that may be different from the one you grew up in, but can become your
home in no time.”
Claire Whitt, University of Denver, USA
Addison Corriher, Duke University, USA
“I’VE NOTICED several differences between my hometown Chicago
and the Netherlands. I think the most obvious one is the culture. Not
only is the language different, but also the food and the portions! In
America, I am used to being served big portions, which is not the
case in Holland (I think that’s their secret for staying thin and in
shape).
My experience in Holland has been very rewarding. I can't wait to
continue learning more about this country and its culture.”
“ONE OF THE NICEST DIFFERENCES between living in
Maastricht verses living in the United States is the ease of
getting around. In the city of Maastricht I travel everywhere
by bike which immediately made me feel like a Dutch
citizen. Traveling on the weekends outside of Maastricht is
very convenient. Trains and airplanes make traveling easy and
we can get to many desirable cities in less than 2 hours!
Traveling around the Netherlands and Europe has been an eye
opening experience I will never forget.”
Luis Concepcion, Trinity College, USA
Michael Binstok, Muhlenberg College, USA
“TRANSPORTATION is a huge difference between
Maastricht and America. It is very nice that people bike and
walk much more here than back home. Being an
Environmental Science major it is good to see less reliance
on fossil fuels for transportation. Bikes and pedestrians
also get much more respect from cars. I am always given the
right of way and people stop when I am biking or walking
across the street.
People here are just much more comfortable biking places. I
have seen mothers carry their children on their bikes in ways
that you would never seen back home. I have also seen
people that I would have thought to be too old to ride their
bikes everywhere, but when they get on their bikes they are
way better than me at riding them.”
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“IT ISN’T FARFETCHED to say that Panama City and
Maastricht are complete opposites. There are so many
things that are different, from the geography to the
amount of kisses people exchange when they greet.
However, I will focus on something very simple that
made my life here very different from the way it had ever
been: my bicycle. I really had to learn how to ride my
bicycle, always looking like a novice compared to my
Dutch friends.
But now that I am comfortable on my bicycle, I feel truly
happy. It is a simple thing that I derive the
biggest joy from. And once I return to Panama,
although it will be nice to sit in the front of a car I know I
sure will wish I had my bike around.”
Marta Kupfer, studies at TUFTS University, USA, goes home to Panama City, Panama
Hank Brehm, University of Denver, USA
Internships at CES
CES IS LOOKING FOR TWO SUMMER INTERNS FOR 2012!
The Center for European Studies at Maastricht University organises study programmes for non-EU students studying for a semester or a year. If you want to gain international work experience in a dynamic environment, where you will have a high level of independence and responsibility and lots of contact with international students, CES is the place for you! Our workplace is informal, with supportive and friendly colleagues who will offer you a diverse workload which is challenging and fun. You’ll be in touch with students and professors and are bound to benefit immensely from working in this innovative and international setting.
Responsibilities Front office activities. You will be responsible for providing
assistance and information to students from the various programmes offered by CES Organisation and supervision/guidance of study trips and day trips
for CES students Administrative programme tasks Various activities supporting the CES staff, secretariat and professors
Requirements You are a CES alumnus/alumna; You are a native speaker or have an excellent command of the English language; You are open-minded towards other cultures and nationalities; You are outgoing and able to work independently, as well as in a team; You are accurate, you are used to working to deadlines and are a good organiser; You have a high-level of customer service You have some experience in guiding groups (desirable but not a must)
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When Between May 14-September 3. The internship can take place any time during this period for a maximum of 90 days. Exact dates, working days and working hours to be determined in conjunction with CES.
Please note The internship can be within the framework of your programme of study, but this is not necessary. If requested, CES can grade your internship. The grade can transfer to your home university.
Remuneration The internship is unpaid; you will be housed by CES at Maastricht University’s Guesthouse (C single, P double or C double according to your preference) for free.
How to apply Please send your motivation letter and résumé to [email protected] to the attention of the Head of CES, Jorg de Vette before February 15, 2012. Don’t forget to include information about your availability (dates). Please don’t hesitate if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
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CES internships - talking from experience
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CAITLIN MURPHY, from Lebanon Valley College
(Pennsylvania, USA) was our intern in the Summer of 2011.
We first met Caitlin when she came to Maastricht to
participate in the Xavier University and Lebanon Valley
College Summer programme in 2010.
She came back a year later for her internship, and spent a
total of 10 weeks with us during which she showed
wonderful enthusiasm, hard work and dedication and
brought the perfect amount of fun into the office.
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“Since my experiences at CES, I have focused my interests on
International Studies and I plan to attend graduate school in the
field next Fall.” - Caitlin Murphy, Intern at CES, Summer 2011 -
AT CES I was able to participate in a
comfortable work environment and
learn from International Relations
personnel on how to mentor students
as well as organise study programs.
As an intern, I was responsible for a
variety of tasks such as designing
promotional videos, writing and editing
material for the website, and research
potential American partner universities.
When I was not in the office, I led
students around the city of Maastricht,
travelled to Brussels International
airport for pickups, and even helped
supervise students on study trips
throughout Europe.
On weekends and holidays, I visited
other countries including England, Italy,
Germany, and the Czech Republic.
While my study abroad experience was
impactful, my internship in Maastricht
assured me that I could work and
survive abroad. Each day I observed
Dutch culture and gained recognition
and understanding, and afterwards I
participated and enjoyed my new way
of life and my new way of thinking.
Since my experiences at CES, I have
focused my interests on International
Studies and I plan to attend graduate
school in the field next Fall. I am
extremely grateful for this internship
opportunity and have since continued
correspondence with my co-workers
months later! In the future, I plan to
return to the Netherlands in attempt to
relive some of my fondest memories in
Maastricht.
Caitlin Murphy, Intern at CES, Summer 2011.
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CES student assistants
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Name: MEDI GOOSSENS Field of study: BSc Health Sciences and Medicine Nationality: Dutch
Student assistant at CES since: June 2011 The best thing about being a student assistant at CES is that I meet all these amazing people who are just enjoying life in Europe. They make me feel happy every time I see them, if we are socialising in Maastricht or experiencing new places around Europe, every time I come back totally satisfied. The best experience I have had as a student assistant at CES so far was at the beginning of the football match Holland-Moldova. After 15 minutes of good quality music, the Dutch anthem began. I stood there in the middle of all the American students who were in such a good mood, and who were trying so hard to sing along with the anthem. That made the game awesome, even though the Dutch team played awfully that night. My favourite thing about Maastricht is that I feel like I’m on holiday every day of the year. When it is snowing or when the sun shines bright and even in the terrible Dutch autumns I love to walk around in Maastricht. The atmosphere is good all year long, the nice squares, the lovely bars and the pretty old buildings on the water make me feel at home and like I’m on vacation at the same time.
OUR TEAM AT CES wouldn’t be complete without the support of our dear student assistants who help us
with many tasks throughout the year.
Allow us to introduce the three members of our current ‘squad’, always at the ready to make CES students
feel at home in Maastricht and to take them across Europe to discover all it has to offer.
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Name: JOHANNA STURM Field of study: MSc Strategic Marketing Nationality: German
Student assistant at CES since: I have been involved with CES for years but I am now working even more regularly since this Summer (2011). The best thing about being a student assistant at CES is that … it’s a Dream Job! You are doing fun things with even more fun people and getting paid for it whilst getting to know Europe. The best experience I have had as a student assistant at CES so far is that I enjoy being part of our students’ life abroad - they call me at night for the best pub to go to after hours, ask for advice for their adventures abroad… It’s nice to see how everyone enjoys Maastricht and its surroundings. My favourite thing about Maastricht is the atmosphere: cobble stone streets, exquisite restaurants, cozy cafés, cute boutiques…
Name: GLENN BORRET Field of study: MSc Healthcare innovation, policy and management Nationality: British
Student assistant at CES since: 2009 The best thing about being a student assistant at CES is chaperoning the study tours that are part of each programme. During my time with CES I have visited all major EU Institutions and some really amazing beacons of Europe which I would not have got around to seeing on my own. The best experience I have had as a student assistant at CES so far is probably going to the Von Rundstedt Offensive site in the Ardennes (Belgium) where I took a group of students to the area where the 'Battle of the Bulge' was fought. The bleak landscape took us right back to one of the famous World War II battle (it’s since been on Band of Brothers, the one in the snow). My favourite thing about Maastricht is the local landscape where I ride my bike, and ‘bitterballen’, a delicious Dutch culinary specialty.
Maastricht at this time of year
FALL IN MAASTRICHT is always a beautiful time of year. Even if the rain and
cold start to make their dreaded appearance, there are plenty of beautiful sunny
days as well. And they make the trees in the park shine in their autumnal colours.
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Photos: A. Collioud
CES photo book
TO SEE MORE about Maastricht, the University,
student life, and popular study-trip destinations in the
surrounding, come and have a look at our online photo
book!
Click here for a direct link.
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CES Monday Snapshots
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‘LIKE’ the CES page on facebook and get weekly
visual updates of what is happening in our neck of the
woods, such as students activities, cultural happenings,
staff updates, weather news, and more!
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FALL 2011 AND SPRING 2012 AT CES International Relations and Politics in the EU (AIM Overseas, Australia)
January 5-28
Positive Psychology (AIM Overseas, Australia) January 5-28
Dutch Culture and Language (University of California) January 13-27
European Arts & Culture January 23 – June 9 European Society & History January 23 – June 9 European Law & Human Rights January 23 – June 9 European Politics, Policy & International Relations January 23 – June 9 Baylor in Maastricht (Baylor University, Waco, Texas)
January 27 – April 25
International Environmental Law (AIM Overseas, Australia) January 28 – February 18 IU-UNC programme (Indiana University- University of North Carolina)
January 30 – June 9
European Management Residency in Entrepreneurship and Business for Benedictine College Executive MBA March 3-10
CES info
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Mailing address
Maastricht University Student Services Centre | SSC Center for European Studies | CES PO Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht The Netherlands
Visiting address
Maastricht University Student Services Centre | SSC Center for European Studies | CES Bonnefantenstraat 2 6211 KL Maastricht The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0) 43 388 5282 Fax: +31 (0) 43 388 5290 Email: [email protected]
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