Training Center Highlight
San Francisco, CA
Like the City by the Bay, SAS Education's San Francisco training center is bustling and diverse, says Training Center Coordinator Evian Ketchem. In 2008, the training center's two classrooms hosted 200 days of training and 1,000 students from around the world. Ketchem recalls one class in particular as an example. "Last June, we had a class with 22 students who spoke a total of 33 different languages. They came from as far away as Lithuania, Brazil and Belgium."Despite their differences, however, many of the students share common interests. Sometimes they just need a little help discovering them. "My favorite part of my job is facilitating the introduction and networking of fellow students," says Ketchem, who's worked at the training center for the past four years. "Most students come not knowing anyone in their class, but by the last day it becomes a pretty social place."
It's hard not to be social in a city like San Francisco, known for its openness to visitors, busy bay area and beautiful surroundings. Located just two blocks from Union Square and Chinatown, the training center is in a prime location and boasts some of San Francisco's best vistas, says Ketchem. "Most first-time visitors head straight for our floor-to-ceiling windows in the break area or training rooms and enjoy the view. From the 34th floor we look out on the city, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the boating activity on the bay, including cruise ships and world-class racing."
Ketchem says that many students bring family along while they're in town training and extend their trip to take in all the Bay Area has to offer. When looking for advice on local activities, the staff at the San Francisco office is always eager to oblige. In fact, Ketchem relies on co-worker Hunter Manning, who mans the front desk, to answer students' requests for events and restaurant suggestions. Manning has lived in the area for 30 years. "He's our own five-star concierge," says Ketchem, "and just one more reason the San Francisco office is so unique."
View more information on the San Francisco training center or offerings.
