SPARKS program participants will study at the Korean Language Education Center of Seoul National University (SNU), often referred to by Koreans as “the Harvard of Korea” due to its esteemed reputation and high ranking. Students will dedicate four hours each weekday to reading, writing, listening, and speaking Korean.

 

SPARKS students will receive 120 hours of Korean language instruction. This is approximately equivalent to two full semesters of college-level Korean language courses. Upon completion, students will receive a transcript from SNU, which they may be able to use to earn college or high school credit.

 

SPARKS will provide students with resources to acquaint themselves with Hangul, the Korean alphabet, before their arrival in Korea. Students will take an online level test administered by Seoul National University before their arrival, after which they will be placed into an appropriate class based on their level.

Our residence hall in Seoul will provide all the comforts of home here in Korea. Students will live with roommates in rooms equipped with essentials like desks, beds, storage spaces, and linens.

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The building has laundry facilities, a full-sized kitchen, spaces to lounge and study in, a movie room, and a beautiful rooftop with a Han River view.

 

All entrances and exits are equipped with scanners and CCTV. The building has a 24/7 security guard, and at least two staff members will stay in the residence hall with the students every night.

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To take tour of a sample room, click the link below:

​Video Tour of SPARKS 2024 Room

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Please note that the location of the SPARKS 2025 residence hall depends on the number and needs of our students, so we may or may not use the same residence hall as 2024. However, you can rest assured that we will settle for nothing but the best when selecting accommodations for our students!

Students can immerse themselves in Korean culture through recurring 1:1 or 2:1 classes where they can learn skills including but not limited to the following:

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• Taekwondo (Korean martial arts)

• Minhwa (Korean folk paintings)

• Seoye (Calligraphy)

• Fashion Design

• Kpop dance

• and more!

 

Students can choose from the above activities or even request a completely customized activity (past requests have included Korean Sign Language, shadowing at a skincare company, journalism, and architectural photography). We will do our best to accommodate specialized requests so every student gets to do something they will absolutely love! Students attend the culture classes once per week for a total of six sessions and will have a chance to show off what they learn in the Graduation Showcase. These classes will allow students to pursue personal interests and hone new skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

Every weekend, students will go on group trips to locations where they can learn more about that the period of Korean history covered that week.

 

For instance, during the Joseon Dynasty unit, students will go to one of Seoul's five royal palaces and try on hanbok, Korean traditional clothing. In week three, when students will learn about the Korean War and the separation of the peninsula into north and south, students will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and learn about the legacy of Korea's separation from a North Korean defector and a North Korean studies professor.  In week six, when students learn about the Hallyu Wave, they will visit sites like television studios, E-sports tournaments, and K-cosmetic companies.

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Through these shared experiences, students will create lasting bonds with each other and also gain a true appreciation and empathy for the complete transportation Korea has undergone in the past several decades.

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Please visit our itinerary page to see more information about each week's field trips and activities.

Each student will be paired with a local Korean undergraduate student who will act as a "big brother" (형) or "big sister" (언니) and help them navigate their academic and personal journeys in Seoul.

 

The mentors can help students with homework and conversation practice, accompany them to sites not on the official SPARKS 2025 itinerary, let them know tips and tricks for how to make the most of their time in Korea, and act as a companion or friend during their time in Korea. Each mentor will have approximately three SPARKS students assigned to them based on a personality compatibility test that all participants in the mentorship program will take prior to the beginning of the SPARKS 2025 program.

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Spending time with a local Seoulite will enrich our students' experiences in Korea and give them contacts in the country that they can continue to engage for years to come. The mentors program was hugely successful in 2024, and we look forward to offering it again in 2025!

Each week, students will have the opportunity to meet people in the fields that our students will eventually go into - international business, politics, law, academia, entertainment, and national security. This will give students valuable insight into how they can use their newfound Korean language and cultural skills in their future careers and academic endeavors.

 

The expertise of each lecturer will correspond with that week's theme. For instance, during the week where students learn about the Joseon dynasty, they will attend a talk with a Korean-English translator who specializes in the translation of Joseon Dynasty-era poems and literary works. During the week where students learn about the Korean War, they will meet with a North Korean defector, an inter-Korean relations scholar, or a Korean military expert. In the week that covers Global Korea and the Hallyu Wave, students will get to have conversations with people who have intimate knowledge of the K-pop industry and Korean soft power diplomacy.

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Showing our students what they could eventually accomplish using the linguistic and cultural skills they are gaining during the SPARKS program will help them make decisions later in life to maximize their potential and achieve their goals.

At SPARKS, we’re committed to ensuring students have convenient, delicious, and well-coordinated meals throughout their experience. Here’s what you can expect:

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Breakfast: Every Monday, students will receive a selection of breakfast items delivered to their room. These are designed for easy preparation and enjoyment at their convenience before heading to classes or activities.

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Lunch and Dinner:  We’re excited to offer a mix of meals served at the SNU campus and inside the residence hall, as well as dining experiences at local restaurants. While we encourage students to join us for lunch and dinner, they are welcome to explore other options on their own—just let us know in advance for proper planning.

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Dietary Restrictions: Students with allergies, who need to keep a halal or kosher diet, or who have any other dietary restrictions will be accounted for. Please let us know what you can and can’t eat in advance, and we will keep that in mind while we make the dining schedule. We will also make you a wallet-sized card explaining what you can and can’t eat in Korean so you can enjoy meals without worrying about accidentally eating

In place of one of the customized activities listed above, a limited number of SPARKS 2025 students will have the opportunity to complete a research project and write a 15- to 20-page academic paper during the summer as part of the Summer Research Program (SPARKS SRP).

 

Participants, along with their designated "advisors," will collaborate biweekly—once in person and potentially a brief online session during the week—with a PhD student  enrolled at a Korean university. These PhD students will guide students in developing a 15-20 page research paper on a topic of their choice.

 

At the program's conclusion, students will present their research during the Graduation Showcase, sharing their insights with peers, mentors, and attendees.

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Note: The SPARKS 2025 SRP will be limited to four participants. While no additional charge will be incurred for SRP participants, students should understand that they can apply to do the research program OR a personalized activity, but not both. Participants must be rising high school juniors or above and should indicate their intent to apply to the SRP on their SPARKS application.​​

In 2025, we are excited to partner with The Keys Admissions to provide an optional college application assistance program for SPARKS participants. This add-on includes regular sessions with a seasoned college admissions expert.

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By summer’s end, students will not only have cherished memories from their SPARKS experience but will also have tangible progress in their college applications. Participants will work with their consultant on crafting a polished Common App essay, extracurricular activity list, supplemental essays, and a professional resume.

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With these significant application components started or completed before senior year, students will gain a substantial edge in the admissions process—and the freedom to fully enjoy their final year of high school stress-free!

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Note: The College Application Consulting add-on is separate from the regular SPARKS 2025 program and will incur an additional charge. Further details will be communicated at a later date.