When I was looking for a study abroad program for this past summer, I couldn’t find one that looked reliable and also had the focus on language and culture that I wanted. Then I found SPARKS! I loved that it was created by someone who had prior experience working with study abroad programs, and I was also interested in the schedule which had an even balance of studying Korean, learning about history, taking trips, and time for fun.
Many other programs involved a host family stay, and as someone coming to Korea for the first time, that was something I was a bit nervous about. SPARKS stood out to me because of its apartment-style living arrangement, which was something I really enjoyed while on program.
Throughout the summer, SPARKS staff were able to answer any questions I had, and helped me acclimate to life in another country, whether in the form of tech assistance, directions, or language help. I think that future applicants and parents should know that while SPARKS has a structured schedule, the free time we have gives us an amazing opportunity to explore the city and what it has to offer, and there will never be a dull moment during the program. Outside of our classes and activities, I saw an impromptu opera performance by a vocal group, sat next to a celebrity on the subway, went to many cafes and museums, and took more photo booth pictures than I can count.
Choosing SPARKS was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and it’s helped me to grow so much as a person and solidified my decision to study abroad again and continue learning Korean throughout college. The people I met, the places I went, and the memories I made during this program are all things that I will never forget and will always cherish.