Curious about others' SPARKS experience?
Here are just a few of the things people have said about us.
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Students
Parents
Meet Our Students
SPARKS Year | Home State/Country | Custom Activity
AVA, 16
Class of 2024 | California | Skincare Internship
“I feel like I got to do so many unique experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to do or known to do without coming through SPARKS. So I’m really glad I came here."
“I really liked the program staff, especially Sarah and the mentors. I think they were some of the nicest people I've ever met.”
What made your SPARKS experience special?
"I love our program. It's so sad. I feel like I'll miss everyone so much. And I feel like I’ve done programs before... But I feel like this is the first time that I will miss people so much.”
LEILA, 17
Class of 2024 | California | Hanja Intensive
"Seoul SPARKS will provide you with a world-class education at Seoul National University...On top of this, you will also learn Korean history from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern day through guest lecturers, museum visits, movies, and field trips to locations all across Korea."
"I did another program [in Korea] last year, and they didn't really take us to as many places as SPARKS took us... I saw more of Seoul [during SPARKS orientation] than I did the entire three weeks last summer."
Any advice for future SPARKS students?
"As someone who has done the program and would do it again a million times, you WILL have the experience of a lifetime!"
VANSHI, 17
Class of 2024 | Massachusetts | Journalism
"I would definitely recommend SPARKS because I just feel like there's so much dedication behind every person... it’s very difficult to do this program, but... it's clear [the SPARKS team has] done the harder things... There's so much dedication, and [you can tell this is really a passion for the whole team] rather than them just trying to make a profit."
What's your plan post-SPARKS 2024?
"'I am definitely coming back!"
MIRANDA, 17
Class of 2024 | California | Photography
"My experience in Seoul was amazing. [The staff] has been really great, and I've really enjoyed getting to explore a different country and learn about the world...."
"The movie nights were definitely one of my favorite [parts of SPARKS] because we got to learn about Korean history in a way that was very visual... we also got to experience watching the movies with each other and sharing our takeaways from them and just enjoying them together."
Is there anyone you want to shout out?
"I'd like to thank everyone at SPARKS... [you] made my experience studying at SNU and going on these different cultural excursions and everything so memorable and enjoyable!"
XIA, 18
Class of 2024 | Colorado | Calligraphy
"For anyone considering studying abroad for the first time, you could not ask for a better program to do it with. This program is so, so special, and Sarah has put everything into making sure that every day just goes as well as it can. And I think for any future students, you'll really be able to feel how much care and how much effort she pours into this program."
What's a takeaway from the SPARKS 2024 program?
"While the language and the history you study might not last a lifetime, the connections and the memories you make most certainly will."
ROMY, 14
Class of 2024 | Morocco | Fashion Design
"I definitely recommend coming with SPARKS because that's going to help you way more than coming by yourself. I didn't even know the alphabet, and now I can read and write and have basic conversations with the locals."
"'I learned a LOT about Korean history from the movies, trips, and all the activities... The Korean classes are really challenging, but honestly that makes sense because it’s a college class at SNU."
What's a favorite memory you have from SPARKS 2024?
"The scavenger hunt we did with the Korean mentors during orientation was absolutely insane but so much fun."
ROWAN, 17
Class of 2024 | Florida | Skincare Internship
"I [didn't think] we'd get so close-knit, but I feel like we're really all connected together."
"[SPARKS] is six weeks, and it's a lot of information in a very short amount of time...I really didn't know much about Korean history or language at all. I knew the basics. So it was hard, but also very good. And I learned so, so much."
Summarize your SPARKS experience in three bullet points.
"Very nice. Did enjoy. Will use as a reference in the future... And will probably come again.'"
ALEXA, 18
Class of 2024 | California | K-pop Dance
"I really liked how there was a lot of structured time because, obviously, I've never come to Korea, so there's a lot of things—even if I came to visit, I don't think I would have been able to do a lot of the things [we did.]"
"I knew basic greetings [in Korean] before I came, and if someone talked to me in Korean, I would probably understand maybe 50%. But now I can actually do a full conversation. Like, I went to the hair salon to cut my hair, and I spoke entirely in Korean. So I was really proud of myself!"
Any words of wisdom for SPARKS 2025 applicants?
"'I am 100% satisfied, and I would 100% recommend SPARKS!"
KYRA, 17
Class of 2024 | New York | Photography
"Compared to [the other program I did in Korea last year], I was a lot closer to everybody at SPARKS. It was a lot more group-oriented, and we were able to do a lot of things together that felt really connected with the other kids in the program... We were able to learn so much outside of just Korean language and history. And I think it was a really special experience to come here, so I would definitely recommend it.'"
What was one of your favorite parts of SPARKS 2024?
"I would like to shout out the mentors. That was a super unique and special part of this program."
ELIA, 16
Class of 2024 | California | Korean Sign Language
"I think [SPARKS] was a really good balance of class time learning, but then also learning about culture and history and practical experience... I think it was a really good fit for me."
"Class is fast but super fun. There were so many opportunities to practice Korean outside a classroom setting."
How would you describe SPARKS 2024?
"It was a really good balance of class time learning, but then also learning about culture and history and getting practical experience."
Parent Testimonials
Elizabeth K.
2024 Parent - Palo Alto, CA
"My daughter had an amazing experience at Seoul SPARKS. We spent a lot of time looking for the right program in Korea and finally landed on SPARKS.
It was the right balance of great academics (language classes at Seoul National University), age-appropriate supervision (reasonable curfew), and accommodations we felt comfortable with (dorm setting with other students).
Most importantly, SPARKS is run by Sarah who is passionate about Korean culture and language. SPARKS isn't just a job for Sarah, it is something she cares deeply about and that care is evident in everything that she does.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in having their child have an immersive Korean experience. I wish I could attend!!!"
David K.
2024 Parent - Northern California
"My daughter really enjoyed her time at Seoul SPARKS. On top of really improving her Korean language ability, she was able to explore a lot of places and culture through the field trips and activities planned for her.
Sarah did an excellent job communicating with parents and keeping us up to date about the programming and sharing photos with us. It was a great summer!"
Monique J.
2024 Parent - Los Angeles, CA
"Seoul SPARKS is a phenomenal program!! I give it 5 stars!!
My daughter had an incredible time as a participant in their inaugural cohort this past summer. The program is very comprehensive - intensive language classes, cultural activities, history presentations, and travel in-country.
If your teen has a passion for Korean language and culture, this is the perfect opportunity for them to immerse themselves and learn so much so quickly. Kudos to program director Sarah Mack."
Sheila N.
2024 Parent - Los Angeles, CA
"The SPARKS Program is a well-rounded program for those like my ultra-ambitious daughter. She independently immersed herself in Korean linguistics, and the SPARKS program helped augment her language skills and provided Korean immersion.
SPARKS provided innovative support for enriching my child with advanced experiences, unique relationships, and a full submersion into brand-new traditions. My daughter had the opportunity to assemble with others worldwide, discovering new experiences and shared aspirations in real life. This program has been such a blessing for her.
Sending a warm and loud, THANK YOU to SPARKS and Sarah🫰"
Stephanie L.
2024 Parent - Manhattan, NY
"Here's what says it all.... Before my daughter even boarded the flight home from Seoul, she was already asking to go back and study for another year!
The program was rigorous and productive, but she focused more on the joy of the cultural immersion and learning. I can't recommend it enough. In addition to classes at South Korea's premier university (SNU) the students traveled, visited the DMZ, dressed in traditional hanboks, studied about South Koreas fraught history of occupation, ate wonderful food, and and more.
(This is unique and special) Students had the chance to live independently in their own apartments!"
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