UAE, February 16, 2011 -  Starbucks announced that it will be hosting free career guidance sessions in collaboration with education counselors from Intelligent Partners every Sunday for the next two months. The partnership is in line with Starbucks’ ongoing commitment to support local communities.

The sessions began last Sunday, February 13th on Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi and are due to start on February 20th at Higher College of Technology Dubai Waterloo, both Starbucks locations will provide a venue where students can meet with educational counselors and obtain relevant information about broadening their experience through international studies. The counselors will provide information on different educational programs available, and help students explore their personal and career objectives.

Rana Shaheen, Regional Communications & CSR Manager, for Starbucks MENA said: “Empowering youth and supporting education is a key priority for Starbucks, and we are very excited about this career guidance project in partnership with Intelligent Partners. International studies help people broaden their cultural and educational experience, and our partnership with Intelligent Partners will help students from the Emirates be better prepared for studying abroad.”

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Sanjeev Verma, Managing Director of Intelligent Partners, said they were proud to be working with Starbucks to help students achieve their goals. “Come to Starbucks, enjoy a coffee and let us guide you and your parents through the entire process of selecting colleges, completing applications, filling visa forms, sourcing educational loans and understanding all the other necessary paperwork required.”

Students can visit their nearest Starbucks store to receive more information about the career guidance sessions, dates and times.