/* ======================================================================
   Higher Edu Connect — Design System
   Brand: teal #1A7F6E · gold #C9963A · cream #FBFAF7
   Fonts: Newsreader (serif headings) · IBM Plex Sans (body)
   ====================================================================== */

:root{
  --teal:#1A7F6E;        --teal-600:#16695B;  --teal-700:#125749;
  --teal-900:#163C33;    --teal-tint:#E1F5EE;
  --gold:#C9963A;        --gold-700:#9A6B14;  --gold-tint:#FAF0DD;
  --cream:#FBFAF7;       --beige:#F4F1E9;     --line:#ECE7DD;
  --ink:#1F352F;         --body:#42524C;      --muted:#7A8780;
  --white:#fff;

  --radius-sm:8px; --radius:12px; --radius-lg:18px; --radius-pill:999px;
  --shadow-sm:0 1px 2px rgba(22,60,51,.05), 0 2px 8px rgba(22,60,51,.05);
  --shadow:0 6px 18px rgba(22,60,51,.08), 0 2px 6px rgba(22,60,51,.05);
  --shadow-lg:0 18px 48px rgba(22,60,51,.12), 0 6px 16px rgba(22,60,51,.06);
  --container:1160px;
  --ease:cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1);
}

*{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
body{
  font-family:'IBM Plex Sans',system-ui,sans-serif;
  color:var(--body); background:var(--cream); line-height:1.65;
  font-size:16px; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; text-rendering:optimizeLegibility;
}
img{display:block;max-width:100%}
a{color:inherit;text-decoration:none}
h1,h2,h3,h4{font-family:'Newsreader',Georgia,serif;color:var(--ink);font-weight:600;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-.01em}
.serif{font-family:'Newsreader',Georgia,serif}
.container{max-width:var(--container);margin:0 auto;padding:0 24px}
.section{padding:80px 0}
.section-sm{padding:52px 0}
section{scroll-margin-top:76px}

/* focus accessibility */
a:focus-visible,button:focus-visible,input:focus-visible,textarea:focus-visible,select:focus-visible{
  outline:2px solid var(--teal); outline-offset:2px; border-radius:4px;
}
.sr-only{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);border:0}

/* ---------- icons ---------- */
.ic{width:20px;height:20px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex:none}
.ic-sm{width:16px;height:16px}
.ic-lg{width:26px;height:26px}

/* ---------- buttons ---------- */
.btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-weight:500;font-size:15px;
  padding:13px 22px;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);border:1px solid transparent;cursor:pointer;
  transition:transform .18s var(--ease),background .18s,box-shadow .18s,color .18s;white-space:nowrap}
.btn:active{transform:translateY(1px)}
.btn-primary{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.btn-primary:hover{background:var(--teal-600);box-shadow:var(--shadow);transform:translateY(-1px)}
.btn-outline{background:transparent;color:var(--teal);border-color:var(--teal)}
.btn-outline:hover{background:var(--teal-tint)}
.btn-ghost{background:#fff;color:var(--ink);border-color:var(--line);box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.btn-ghost:hover{border-color:var(--teal);color:var(--teal)}
.btn-gold{background:var(--gold);color:#3A2A08;font-weight:600}
.btn-gold:hover{background:#b9852e;transform:translateY(-1px)}
.btn-lg{padding:15px 26px;font-size:16px}

/* ---------- chips / labels ---------- */
.chip{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:#0F6E56;
  font-size:12.5px;font-weight:500;padding:6px 14px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);letter-spacing:.02em}
.chip-gold{background:var(--gold-tint);color:var(--gold-700)}
.eyebrow{font-size:13px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold-700)}

/* ---------- section heading ---------- */
.head{text-align:center;max-width:640px;margin:0 auto 44px}
.head h2{font-size:34px;margin:12px 0 10px}
.head p{color:var(--muted);font-size:16px}

/* ---------- top bar ---------- */
.topbar{background:var(--teal-900);color:#CFE6DE;font-size:13px}
.topbar .container{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;padding-top:9px;padding-bottom:9px}
.topbar a{color:#CFE6DE;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}
.topbar a:hover{color:#fff}
.topbar .right{display:flex;gap:20px}

/* ---------- header / nav ---------- */
.header{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:60;background:rgba(251,250,247,.85);backdrop-filter:saturate(160%) blur(10px);
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);transition:box-shadow .2s}
.header.scrolled{box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.nav{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;padding-top:13px;padding-bottom:13px}
.brand{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
.brand .mark{width:42px;height:42px;flex:none}
.brand .name{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:19px;font-weight:600;color:var(--teal);line-height:1.05}
.brand .tag{display:block;font-family:'IBM Plex Sans',sans-serif;font-size:9px;letter-spacing:.12em;color:var(--gold-700);font-weight:500}
.menu{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:26px}
.menu nav{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:22px}
.menu nav a{font-size:14.5px;color:#56655E;position:relative;padding:4px 0;font-weight:500}
.menu nav a::after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:100%;bottom:-2px;height:2px;background:var(--gold);transition:right .25s var(--ease)}
.menu nav a:hover{color:var(--ink)}
.menu nav a:hover::after{right:0}
.nav-toggle{display:none;background:none;border:none;cursor:pointer;color:var(--ink);padding:6px}

/* ---------- hero ---------- */
.hero{padding:60px 0 56px;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.hero-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;gap:48px;align-items:center}
.hero h1{font-size:50px;line-height:1.08;margin:18px 0 0}
.hero h1 .accent{color:var(--teal)}
.hero .rule{width:62px;height:4px;background:var(--gold);border-radius:2px;margin:18px 0 18px}
.hero .lead{font-size:17px;color:var(--body);max-width:460px;margin-bottom:26px}
.hero-cta{display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-bottom:26px}
.trust{display:flex;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.trust .tb{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);
  color:#56655E;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:500;padding:8px 13px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.trust .tb .ic{color:var(--teal)}
.hero-media{position:relative}
.hero-media .photo{width:100%;height:420px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}
.hero-media .ring{position:absolute;inset:-14px -14px auto auto;width:120px;height:120px;border:2px solid var(--gold-tint);border-radius:var(--radius-lg);z-index:-1}
.float-card{position:absolute;left:-18px;bottom:26px;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);
  padding:14px 18px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}
.float-card .fc-ic{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:11px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}
.float-card .n{display:block;font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:24px;font-weight:600;color:var(--teal);line-height:1.05}
.float-card .l{display:block;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted)}

/* ---------- partner logos strip ---------- */
.logos{background:var(--beige);border-top:1px solid var(--line);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
.logos .container{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:28px;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px}
.logos .lab{font-size:11.5px;color:#9A9384;letter-spacing:.06em;font-weight:600}
.logos .u{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;font-size:14px;color:#6E7A73;font-weight:500;opacity:.85}
.logos .u .ic{color:var(--teal);opacity:.7}

/* ---------- steps ---------- */
.steps{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:20px;position:relative}
.steps::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:30px;left:12%;right:12%;height:2px;
  background:repeating-linear-gradient(90deg,#E0DAC9 0 8px,transparent 8px 16px)}
.step{text-align:center;position:relative}
.step .c{width:60px;height:60px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);
  color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin:0 auto 14px;
  box-shadow:var(--shadow);position:relative}
.step .num{position:absolute;top:-6px;right:-6px;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);
  color:#3A2A08;font-size:11px;font-weight:600;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-family:'IBM Plex Sans',sans-serif}
.step h3{font-size:16.5px;margin-bottom:5px}
.step p{font-size:13.5px;color:var(--muted)}

/* ---------- stats band ---------- */
.stats{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;position:relative}
.stats .container{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px;text-align:center;padding-top:46px;padding-bottom:46px}
.stat .n{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:42px;font-weight:600;line-height:1}
.stat .l{font-size:13.5px;color:#BFE5D9;margin-top:7px}
.stat+.stat{border-left:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14)}

/* ---------- cards ---------- */
.grid-4{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:22px}
.grid-3{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}
.grid-2{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:22px}

.dest{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);overflow:hidden;
  transition:transform .22s var(--ease),box-shadow .22s;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.dest:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}
.dest .thumb{position:relative;height:150px;overflow:hidden}
.dest .thumb img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;transition:transform .5s var(--ease)}
.dest:hover .thumb img{transform:scale(1.06)}
.dest .badge{position:absolute;top:12px;right:12px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.94);color:var(--gold-700);
  font-size:10.5px;font-weight:600;padding:4px 9px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill)}
.dest .body{padding:16px 17px}
.dest .body h3{font-size:18px;color:var(--teal)}
.dest .meta{font-size:12.5px;color:var(--muted);margin:7px 0 3px}
.dest .tuition{font-size:13px;color:var(--body);margin-bottom:11px}
.dest .more{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px;color:var(--gold);font-weight:600;font-size:13.5px}
.dest:hover .more .ic{transform:translateX(3px)}
.dest .more .ic{transition:transform .2s}

.svc{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:22px;display:flex;gap:14px;
  transition:transform .2s var(--ease),box-shadow .2s;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.svc:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.svc .si{width:46px;height:46px;border-radius:12px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.svc h3{font-size:16px;margin-bottom:3px}
.svc p{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted)}

/* ---------- scholarship band ---------- */
.scholar{background:#FBF4E3;border:1px solid #EAD9B4;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);
  padding:28px 32px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:24px}
.scholar .si{width:58px;height:58px;border-radius:15px;background:var(--gold);color:#fff;
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.scholar h3{font-size:22px;color:var(--gold-700)}
.scholar p{font-size:14.5px;color:#8A6A2E;margin-top:3px}

/* ---------- testimonials ---------- */
.quote{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:24px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.quote .stars{display:flex;gap:3px;color:var(--gold);margin-bottom:11px}
.quote .stars .ic{width:17px;height:17px}
.quote blockquote{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:17px;font-style:italic;color:#2A4A42;margin-bottom:15px;line-height:1.5}
.quote .who{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
.quote .av{width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-tint);color:#0F6E56;
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-weight:600;font-size:13px}
.quote .who .nm{font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;color:#56655E}
.quote .who .pl{font-size:12.5px;color:var(--muted)}

/* ---------- blog cards ---------- */
.post{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);overflow:hidden;
  box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm);transition:transform .2s var(--ease),box-shadow .2s}
.post:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.post .thumb{height:160px;overflow:hidden}
.post .thumb img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;transition:transform .5s var(--ease)}
.post:hover .thumb img{transform:scale(1.05)}
.post .body{padding:16px}
.post .cat{font-size:10.5px;color:#0F6E56;background:var(--teal-tint);padding:3px 10px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);font-weight:600}
.post h3{font-size:16.5px;margin:10px 0 8px;line-height:1.32}
.post .read{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px}

/* ---------- lead band ---------- */
.lead-band{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.lead-band .container{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:40px;align-items:center;padding-top:58px;padding-bottom:58px;position:relative;z-index:1}
.lead-band h2{font-size:30px;color:#fff;margin:8px 0 12px}
.lead-band .pts{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:9px;margin-top:14px;font-size:14.5px;color:#CDEAE2}
.lead-band .pts li{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;list-style:none}
.lead-band .pts .ic{color:#E8C66B}
.formcard{background:#fff;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);padding:24px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}
.formcard .frow{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:11px;margin-bottom:11px}
.field label{display:block;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);font-weight:500;margin-bottom:4px}
.field input,.field select,.field textarea{width:100%;border:1px solid #DFD9CB;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);
  padding:11px 13px;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;color:var(--ink);background:#fff;transition:border .15s,box-shadow .15s}
.field input:focus,.field select:focus,.field textarea:focus{border-color:var(--teal);box-shadow:0 0 0 3px var(--teal-tint);outline:none}
.formcard .btn{width:100%;justify-content:center;margin-top:4px}
.form-note{font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);text-align:center;margin-top:10px}
.hp{position:absolute;left:-9999px}

/* ---------- footer ---------- */
.footer{background:var(--teal-900);color:#9FBEB5;padding:56px 0 0}
.footer .cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.6fr 1fr 1fr 1.4fr;gap:30px}
.footer .ft-brand .name{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;color:#fff;font-size:18px;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:10px}
.footer p{line-height:1.7;font-size:13.5px}
.footer h4{color:#fff;font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:12px;letter-spacing:.02em}
.footer .links a{display:block;font-size:13.5px;margin-bottom:7px;transition:color .15s,padding .15s}
.footer .links a:hover{color:#fff;padding-left:3px}
.soc{display:flex;gap:9px;margin-top:13px}
.soc a{width:34px;height:34px;border-radius:9px;background:#244C42;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:#CFE6DE;transition:background .15s,color .15s}
.soc a:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.newsletter{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:10px}
.newsletter input{flex:1;background:#1E4439;border:1px solid #2F5A4F;color:#fff;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);padding:10px 12px;font-size:13px}
.newsletter input::placeholder{color:#7FA295}
.copy{border-top:1px solid #244C42;margin-top:40px;padding:18px 0;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap;font-size:12.5px;color:#7FA295}
.copy a:hover{color:#fff}

/* ---------- floating whatsapp ---------- */
.wa-float{position:fixed;right:22px;bottom:22px;z-index:80;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;
  background:#25A05B;color:#fff;font-weight:500;font-size:14.5px;padding:13px 18px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);
  box-shadow:0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.2);transition:transform .2s var(--ease)}
.wa-float:hover{transform:translateY(-2px)}

/* ---------- reveal animation ---------- */
.reveal{opacity:0;transform:translateY(18px);transition:opacity .6s var(--ease),transform .6s var(--ease)}
.reveal.in{opacity:1;transform:none}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.reveal{opacity:1;transform:none;transition:none}html{scroll-behavior:auto}}

/* ---------- responsive ---------- */
@media (max-width:960px){
  .hero-grid,.lead-band .container{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .hero h1{font-size:40px}
  .hero-media{order:-1}
  .grid-4{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
  .grid-3{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
  .steps{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:28px}
  .steps::before{display:none}
  .stats .container{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:28px}
  .stat+.stat{border-left:none}
  .footer .cols{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
}
@media (max-width:680px){
  .section{padding:56px 0}
  .menu nav{display:none}
  .topbar .container>span:first-child{display:none}
  .topbar .right{margin-left:auto;gap:16px}
  .header .btn-primary{display:none}
  .brand .name{font-size:16px}
  .nav-toggle{display:inline-flex}
  .menu{gap:10px}
  .head h2{font-size:27px}
  .hero h1{font-size:33px}
  .hero-media .photo{height:300px}
  .grid-4,.grid-3,.grid-2{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .scholar{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}
  .formcard .frow{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .footer .cols{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .copy{flex-direction:column}
  /* mobile menu */
  .menu nav.open{display:flex;position:absolute;top:100%;left:0;right:0;flex-direction:column;
    align-items:flex-start;gap:4px;background:var(--cream);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);
    padding:14px 24px;box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
  .menu nav.open a{width:100%;padding:9px 0}
}

/* ======================================================================
   Interactive features: eligibility quiz · destination explorer ·
   cost calculator · testimonial carousel · FAQ accordion
   ====================================================================== */

/* ---- generic tool card ---- */
.tool{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius-lg);box-shadow:var(--shadow);overflow:hidden}
.tool-head{padding:20px 24px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px}
.tool-head .ti{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:12px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.tool-head h3{font-size:19px}
.tool-head p{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted)}
.tool-body{padding:24px}

/* ---- eligibility quiz ---- */
.quiz-progress{height:6px;background:var(--line);border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden;margin-bottom:22px}
.quiz-progress span{display:block;height:100%;width:16%;background:var(--gold);border-radius:4px;transition:width .35s var(--ease)}
.q-step{display:none;animation:fade .35s var(--ease)}
.q-step.active{display:block}
@keyframes fade{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(8px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}
.q-step h4{font-size:20px;margin-bottom:4px}
.q-step .q-sub{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:18px}
.opts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:10px}
.opt{border:1.5px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:14px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-size:14.5px;font-weight:500;
  color:var(--ink);background:#fff;transition:border .15s,background .15s,transform .12s;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px}
.opt:hover{border-color:var(--teal)}
.opt.sel{border-color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-tint)}
.opt .dot{width:18px;height:18px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #CBD3CE;flex:none;transition:.15s}
.opt.sel .dot{border-color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal);box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 3px #fff}
.q-nav{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;margin-top:22px}
.q-back{background:none;border:none;color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;cursor:pointer;font-family:inherit;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}
.q-back:hover{color:var(--ink)}
.q-result{text-align:center}
.q-result .ricon{width:64px;height:64px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin:0 auto 14px}
.q-result h4{font-size:22px;margin-bottom:6px}
.match-row{display:flex;gap:10px;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:18px 0}
.match{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:12px 16px;min-width:120px;background:var(--cream)}
.match .mn{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-weight:600;color:var(--teal);font-size:16px}
.match .ms{font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted)}
.q-result .est{background:var(--gold-tint);border:1px solid #EAD9B4;border-radius:var(--radius);padding:12px 16px;font-size:13.5px;color:var(--gold-700);margin:6px 0 18px}

/* ---- destination explorer ---- */
.exp-tabs{display:flex;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-bottom:22px;justify-content:center}
.exp-tab{border:1px solid var(--line);background:#fff;color:#56655E;font-weight:500;font-size:14px;padding:9px 18px;
  border-radius:var(--radius-pill);cursor:pointer;font-family:inherit;transition:.15s;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}
.exp-tab:hover{border-color:var(--teal);color:var(--teal)}
.exp-tab.active{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal);box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.exp-panel{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr 1fr;gap:26px;align-items:center}
.exp-facts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px 18px}
.fact .fl{font-size:11px;color:var(--muted);letter-spacing:.02em}
.fact .fv{font-size:15px;font-weight:600;color:var(--ink)}
.scores{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}
.score .sl{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;font-size:12.5px;color:#56655E;margin-bottom:5px}
.score .sl b{color:var(--teal)}
.score .track{height:8px;background:var(--beige);border-radius:5px;overflow:hidden}
.score .fill{height:100%;width:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--teal),#2BA98F);border-radius:5px;transition:width .7s var(--ease)}

/* ---- cost calculator ---- */
.calc-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:26px}
.calc-controls{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:16px}
.calc-controls label{font-size:12.5px;font-weight:500;color:#56655E;display:block;margin-bottom:7px}
.calc-controls select{width:100%;border:1px solid #DFD9CB;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);padding:11px 12px;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;color:var(--ink);background:#fff}
.seg{display:flex;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius-sm);overflow:hidden}
.seg button{flex:1;border:none;background:#fff;padding:10px;font-size:13px;font-family:inherit;cursor:pointer;color:#56655E;transition:.15s}
.seg button.on{background:var(--teal);color:#fff}
.range-row input[type=range]{width:100%;accent-color:var(--teal);cursor:pointer}
.range-row .rv{font-weight:600;color:var(--teal)}
.calc-out{background:var(--teal-900);color:#fff;border-radius:var(--radius);padding:22px}
.calc-out .co-row{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);font-size:14px;color:#CFE6DE}
.calc-out .co-row .v{color:#fff;font-weight:600}
.calc-out . co-total{border:none;padding-top:14px}
.calc-out .total{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:baseline;margin-top:8px}
.calc-out .total .tl{font-size:13px;color:#A7E0CD}
.calc-out .total .tv{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:30px;font-weight:600}
.calc-out .bdt{font-size:12px;color:#A7E0CD;text-align:right;margin-top:2px}
.calc-out .roi{margin-top:14px;font-size:12.5px;color:#CFE6DE;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px}
.calc-note{font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:14px;text-align:center}

/* ---- testimonial carousel ---- */
.carousel{position:relative}
.carousel-vp{overflow:hidden}
.carousel-track{display:flex;transition:transform .5s var(--ease)}
.carousel-track .quote{flex:0 0 100%;box-sizing:border-box;margin:0}
.carousel-ctrl{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:14px;margin-top:22px}
.carousel-ctrl button{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:50%;border:1px solid var(--line);background:#fff;color:var(--teal);
  cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:.15s;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.carousel-ctrl button:hover{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-color:var(--teal)}
.dots{display:flex;gap:7px}
.dots span{width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:#D5D9D2;cursor:pointer;transition:.2s}
.dots span.on{background:var(--gold);width:22px;border-radius:5px}

/* ---- FAQ accordion ---- */
.faq{max-width:760px;margin:0 auto}
.faq-item{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);background:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.faq-q{width:100%;text-align:left;background:none;border:none;padding:18px 20px;font-size:15.5px;font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);
  font-family:inherit;cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:12px}
.faq-q .pm{width:26px;height:26px;flex:none;border-radius:50%;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);
  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:transform .25s var(--ease)}
.faq-item.open .faq-q .pm{transform:rotate(45deg)}
.faq-a{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:max-height .3s var(--ease)}
.faq-a p{padding:0 20px 18px;font-size:14px;color:var(--body)}

@media (max-width:680px){
  .opts{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .exp-panel,.calc-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .exp-facts{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
}

/* ======================================================================
   Inner pages: page hero · breadcrumbs · fact band · uni grid ·
   info cards · requirements · contact · legal prose · CTA band
   ====================================================================== */
.page-hero{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#F4F1E9,#FBFAF7);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);padding:46px 0 40px}
.page-hero.with-img .container{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr .9fr;gap:40px;align-items:center}
.page-hero h1{font-size:42px;margin:12px 0 12px}
.page-hero p.lead{font-size:16px;color:var(--body);max-width:520px}
.page-hero .ph-img{width:100%;height:300px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}
.crumbs{font-size:12.5px;color:var(--muted);display:flex;gap:7px;align-items:center;margin-bottom:6px}
.crumbs a:hover{color:var(--teal)}
.crumbs .sep{opacity:.5}

.facts-band{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:16px}
.factcard{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:18px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.factcard .fi{width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:11px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:10px}
.factcard .fl{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted)}
.factcard .fv{font-size:15.5px;font-weight:600;color:var(--ink)}

.uni-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:16px}
.uni{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:13px;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:16px 18px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm);transition:transform .2s var(--ease)}
.uni:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.uni .ui{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:11px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.uni .un{font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px}
.uni .us{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted)}

.chips-wrap{display:flex;gap:10px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.pill-lg{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius-pill);padding:10px 18px;font-weight:500;font-size:14px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.pill-lg .ic{color:var(--teal)}

.info-2{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px}
.infocard{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:22px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.infocard h3{font-size:17px;margin-bottom:6px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px}
.infocard h3 .ic{color:var(--gold)}
.infocard .big{font-family:'Newsreader',serif;font-size:26px;color:var(--teal);font-weight:600;margin:4px 0}
.infocard p{font-size:13.5px;color:var(--muted)}

.reqs{list-style:none;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px}
.reqs li{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:10px;font-size:14.5px}
.reqs li .ic{color:var(--teal);flex:none;margin-top:2px}

.contact-cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:16px}
.cc{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:22px;text-align:center;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.cc .ci{width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:13px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin:0 auto 12px}
.cc h3{font-size:15px;margin-bottom:4px}
.cc a,.cc p{font-size:13.5px;color:var(--body)}
.cc a:hover{color:var(--teal)}
.map-embed{width:100%;height:300px;border:0;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.map-ph{width:100%;height:300px;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);background:var(--teal-tint);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:var(--teal);gap:9px;font-weight:500}

.prose{max-width:780px;margin:0 auto}
.prose h2{font-size:22px;margin:28px 0 10px}
.prose p,.prose li{font-size:15px;color:var(--body);margin-bottom:12px;line-height:1.75}
.prose ul{padding-left:22px;margin-bottom:12px}

.cta-band{background:var(--teal);color:#fff;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);padding:40px;text-align:center;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.cta-band h2{color:#fff;font-size:28px;margin-bottom:8px}
.cta-band p{color:#D6EFE7;font-size:15px;max-width:520px;margin:0 auto 20px}
.cta-band .btn-gold{box-shadow:var(--shadow)}

.section-band{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.2fr 1fr;gap:40px;align-items:center}
.value-list{list-style:none;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px}
.value-list li{display:flex;gap:13px;align-items:flex-start}
.value-list .vi{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:11px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.value-list h4{font-size:15.5px;margin-bottom:2px}
.value-list p{font-size:13.5px;color:var(--muted)}
.about-img{width:100%;height:380px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:var(--radius-lg);box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg)}

@media (max-width:860px){
  .facts-band,.uni-grid,.contact-cards{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
  .page-hero.with-img .container,.section-band{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .page-hero .ph-img,.about-img{order:-1;height:240px}
}
@media (max-width:680px){
  .facts-band,.uni-grid,.contact-cards,.info-2,.reqs{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .page-hero h1{font-size:32px}
  .cta-band{padding:28px 20px}
}

/* ======================================================================
   Language toggle · University & Course Finder · Document Checklist
   ====================================================================== */
.lang-toggle{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;border:1px solid var(--line);background:#fff;color:var(--teal);
  font-weight:600;font-size:13px;font-family:inherit;padding:8px 13px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);cursor:pointer;transition:.15s}
.lang-toggle:hover{border-color:var(--teal);background:var(--teal-tint)}

/* finder */
.finder-bar{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:12px;margin-bottom:8px}
.finder-bar .field-wrap label{display:block;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);font-weight:500;margin-bottom:5px}
.finder-bar input,.finder-bar select{width:100%;border:1px solid #DFD9CB;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);padding:11px 12px;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;color:var(--ink);background:#fff}
.finder-count{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);margin:14px 0}
.finder-results{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:16px}
.ucard{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius);padding:18px 20px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm);transition:transform .2s var(--ease),box-shadow .2s;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px}
.ucard:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}
.ucard .uc-top{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px}
.ucard .uc-ic{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:11px;background:var(--teal-tint);color:var(--teal);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex:none}
.ucard .uc-name{font-weight:600;font-size:15.5px}
.ucard .uc-loc{font-size:12px;color:var(--muted);display:flex;align-items:center;gap:5px}
.ucard .uc-tags{display:flex;gap:6px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.uc-tag{font-size:11px;background:var(--beige);color:#5C6B64;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:var(--radius-pill);font-weight:500}
.ucard .uc-foot{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;margin-top:4px;border-top:1px solid var(--line);padding-top:10px}
.ucard .uc-fee{font-size:13px;color:var(--ink);font-weight:600}
.ucard .uc-cta{font-size:13px;color:var(--gold);font-weight:600;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px}
.finder-empty{text-align:center;color:var(--muted);padding:30px;font-size:14px}

/* checklist */
.checklist-bar{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr auto;gap:12px;align-items:end}
.checklist-bar label{display:block;font-size:11.5px;color:var(--muted);font-weight:500;margin-bottom:5px}
.checklist-bar select{width:100%;border:1px solid #DFD9CB;border-radius:var(--radius-sm);padding:11px 12px;font-size:14px;font-family:inherit;background:#fff;color:var(--ink)}
.checklist-out{margin-top:22px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:10px}
.check-item{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:11px;background:var(--cream);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:var(--radius-sm);padding:12px 14px;font-size:14px}
.check-item .cb{width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:6px;border:2px solid var(--teal);flex:none;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:#fff;cursor:pointer;transition:.15s}
.check-item.done .cb{background:var(--teal)}
.check-item.done .cl{text-decoration:line-through;color:var(--muted)}
.checklist-actions{display:flex;justify-content:flex-end;margin-top:18px}

@media (max-width:760px){
  .finder-bar{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
  .finder-results,.checklist-out{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .checklist-bar{grid-template-columns:1fr}
}

/* ======================================================================
   MODERN UI/UX LAYER — progress · condensing header · back-to-top ·
   hero ambiance · stagger · micro-interactions · mobile drawer
   ====================================================================== */
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
[id]{scroll-margin-top:84px}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){html{scroll-behavior:auto}}

/* refined focus ring */
a:focus-visible,button:focus-visible,input:focus-visible,select:focus-visible,textarea:focus-visible,[tabindex]:focus-visible{
  outline:2px solid var(--teal);outline-offset:2px;border-radius:4px}

/* scroll progress */
.scroll-progress{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;height:3px;width:0;z-index:100;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--teal),var(--gold));box-shadow:0 0 8px rgba(26,127,110,.4);transition:width .08s linear}

/* condensing header */
.nav{transition:padding .28s var(--ease)}
.brand .mark{transition:width .28s var(--ease),height .28s var(--ease)}
.header.scrolled{background:rgba(251,250,247,.93);box-shadow:0 6px 24px -14px rgba(22,60,51,.28)}
.header.scrolled .nav{padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px}
.header.scrolled .brand .mark{width:34px;height:34px}

/* active nav link */
.menu nav a.active{color:var(--ink)}
.menu nav a.active::after{right:0}

/* button press feedback */
.btn{transition:background .18s var(--ease),color .18s var(--ease),box-shadow .2s var(--ease),transform .12s var(--ease)}
.btn:active{transform:translateY(1px) scale(.99)}
.lang-toggle:active{transform:translateY(1px) scale(.99)}

/* back to top */
.to-top{position:fixed;left:22px;bottom:22px;width:46px;height:46px;border-radius:50%;border:none;cursor:pointer;
  background:var(--teal);color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;z-index:70;
  box-shadow:0 10px 26px -8px rgba(22,60,51,.5);opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(12px) scale(.9);
  transition:opacity .25s var(--ease),transform .25s var(--ease),background .18s,visibility .25s}
.to-top.show{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:none}
.to-top:hover{background:#16695B;transform:translateY(-3px)}
.to-top svg{width:20px;height:20px;transform:rotate(-90deg)}

/* hero ambient blobs (one signature atmospheric touch) */
.hero::before,.hero::after{content:"";position:absolute;border-radius:50%;filter:blur(64px);opacity:.45;z-index:0;pointer-events:none}
.hero::before{width:340px;height:340px;background:radial-gradient(circle,var(--teal-tint),transparent 70%);top:-90px;left:-100px;animation:heroFloatA 18s ease-in-out infinite}
.hero::after{width:300px;height:300px;background:radial-gradient(circle,var(--gold-tint),transparent 70%);bottom:-110px;right:-70px;animation:heroFloatB 22s ease-in-out infinite}
.hero > .container{position:relative;z-index:1}
@keyframes heroFloatA{0%,100%{transform:translate(0,0)}50%{transform:translate(34px,22px)}}
@keyframes heroFloatB{0%,100%{transform:translate(0,0)}50%{transform:translate(-26px,-20px)}}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.hero::before,.hero::after{animation:none}}

/* staggered children reveal (applied via ui.js by swapping .reveal -> .stagger) */
.stagger > *{opacity:0;transform:translateY(16px);transition:opacity .55s var(--ease),transform .55s var(--ease)}
.stagger.in > *{opacity:1;transform:none}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(1){transition-delay:.00s}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(2){transition-delay:.07s}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(3){transition-delay:.14s}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(4){transition-delay:.21s}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(5){transition-delay:.28s}
.stagger.in > *:nth-child(6){transition-delay:.35s}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.stagger > *{opacity:1;transform:none;transition:none}}

/* card image zoom for blog/uni cards */
.post .thumb{overflow:hidden}
.post .thumb img{transition:transform .5s var(--ease)}
.post:hover .thumb img{transform:scale(1.06)}
.uni,.ucard,.factcard,.cc,.infocard{transition:transform .2s var(--ease),box-shadow .2s var(--ease)}
.cc:hover,.infocard:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:var(--shadow)}

/* modern mobile drawer */
.nav-backdrop{position:fixed;inset:0;background:rgba(22,60,51,.38);backdrop-filter:blur(2px);z-index:55;
  opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transition:opacity .25s var(--ease),visibility .25s}
.nav-backdrop.show{opacity:1;visibility:visible}
body.nav-open{overflow:hidden}
@media (max-width:880px){
  .menu nav.open{animation:drawerIn .26s var(--ease) both;box-shadow:0 18px 40px -16px rgba(22,60,51,.4);
    border-radius:0 0 var(--radius-lg) var(--radius-lg);padding:10px 20px 18px}
  .menu nav.open a{font-size:16px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line)}
  .menu nav.open a:last-child{border-bottom:none}
}
@keyframes drawerIn{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(-8px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}

/* dynamic blog list extras */
.post .post-ex{color:var(--muted);font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.5;margin:6px 0 10px}
.post .read .post-views{color:var(--muted)}