The SPARKS program truly takes things to the next level!

The SPARKS program truly takes things to the next level, facilitating cultural immersion and academically rigorous programming while offering participants a taste of everyday life in Seoul. As someone who came in as an appreciator of Korean history, though not very familiar with anything beyond the basics, I left with a much deeper understanding of relationships within the Korean peninsula, as well as between it and the rest of the world, significantly enhanced by the private lectures and tours that formed part of the historically-themed programming. Though I had previous experience speaking Korean, I also left with a much richer vocabulary, thanks to the access through SPARKS to Korean language programs at the top universities in Korea. In six weeks, I watched some students go from speaking no Korean at all to being able to order in their favorite cafes!

Having had the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul before, I left feeling incredibly lucky that my second experience had been with SPARKS. For anyone considering studying abroad for the first time, you could not ask for a better program to do it with. Not only is everyone incredibly warm and approachable, but the program staff went above and beyond to make sure that students had everything they could possibly want or need during the program. Spontaneous requests for bingsu (a Korean frozen dessert like shaved ice) were accepted with a laugh, and Sarah, the program director, was always willing to adjust the schedule based on what people looked like they were needing that day.

For anyone worried about dietary restrictions, I can also attest to the level of care that was put into honoring students' dietary needs. As a vegetarian, I know navigating Korean cuisine can seem a bit tricky, but during both the regular programming and on any excursions we took, the program staff made sure that I was eating well, and was able to try a variety of traditional dishes.

I encourage everyone considering the SPARKS program to go for it! While the language and the history you study might not last a lifetime, the connections and the memories you make most certainly will.