Date: July 6 to 15, 2025
Location: Silicon Valley
Age: 10 to 15 years old
Accompanied by an Adult
Sparknify Overseas Youth Program
Participants, guided by industry experts, explore startups, big tech companies, and makerspace, gaining hands-on skills and insights into innovation and entrepreneurship. The program also includes cultural excursions, educational institution visits, and unique activities like staying overnight at the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier or California Academy of Sciences.
Students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership while engaging in interactive learning experiences, from building projects at a makerspace to panning for gold in California’s Gold Country. Families enjoy an inspiring journey filled with shopping, dining, and cultural highlights, including visits to Stanford University and Yosemite National Park. The program concludes with lasting memories and invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley, preparing young innovators to shape the future.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Silicon Valley
Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), families are warmly welcomed by the Sparknify team. After settling into their accommodations, participants attend a program briefing outlining the planned activities and goals. The day concludes with a welcome reception, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow participants and set the tone for an inspiring and transformative journey.
• Warm Welcome: Families arrive at SFO and are greeted by the Sparknify team before settling in.
• Orientation & Reception: Attend a program briefing and connect with participants at a welcome event.
Lunch: Self-Planned | Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel or 4-Star Equivalent Hotel
Day 2: Exploring San Francisco’s Innovation Hub
The first day brings the families to San Francisco, a dynamic center of urban innovation and unique startup culture. The day begins with visits to some of the hottest startups, where students gain firsthand insights into creative solutions emerging from the city’s tech scene. Families will traverse San Francisco in Waymo autonomous taxis, experiencing the city’s iconic sites. The adventure continues at the Exploratorium, a renowned museum of science, art, and human perception. Here, students participate in an educational program, engaging with interactive exhibits that foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of science and technology.
• Destination: San Francisco, a hub of innovation and startup culture.
• Startup Visits: Explore top startups and learn about creative tech solutions.
• Waymo Rides: Travel through San Francisco in autonomous taxis.
• Exploratorium: Visit a museum blending science, art, and perception.
• Interactive Learning: Engage in exhibits to spark curiosity and explore technology.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: 4-Star or Equivalent Hotel
Day 3: Berkeley Inspiring Innovation Through Rebellion
Families will visit Berkeley, a city renowned for its rebellious spirit that has fueled innovation and transformative ideas. As the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, Berkeley’s culture of challenging norms and embracing diverse perspectives deeply influences its role as a hub for creativity.
At the University of California, Berkeley, students engage in hands-on programs at the Lawrence Hall of Science and enjoy panoramic views from Sather Tower, immersing themselves in an environment that fosters questioning and experimentation. Visits to landmarks like Doe Memorial Library and Telegraph Avenue highlight Berkeley’s dynamic counterculture and its history of innovation, inspiring students to think critically and creatively.
In the afternoon, families will visit the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier, a historic vessel with a storied past. Guided by a historian, they will explore its critical role in military operations, including its involvement in bombing missions over Taiwan during pivotal moments in history. Through this immersive experience, students gain a deeper understanding of the carrier’s significance, the complexities of wartime strategy, and its broader impact on regional and global history. To deepen the experience, families will have the unique opportunity to stay overnight onboard the aircraft carrier, living as sailors once did. This overnight adventure includes exploring crew quarters, learning about daily life at sea, and participating in activities that offer a firsthand glimpse into the challenges and routines of naval service.
• Berkeley’s Spirit: Explore Berkeley’s rebellious culture and its influence on innovation and creativity.
• UC Berkeley Visit: Participate in hands-on activities and visit landmarks like Sather Tower and Telegraph Avenue.
• Cultural Insights: Discover Berkeley’s counterculture and history of transformative ideas.
• USS Hornet Tour: Learn the carrier’s military role, including missions over Taiwan, guided by a historian.
• Overnight Stay: Experience life as a sailor onboard the USS Hornet through interactive activities.
Breakfast: Hotel | Lunch, and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Bunk Bed Onboard USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier
Day 4: Inspiration from Tech Giants
Families embark on an inspiring journey through Silicon Valley, visiting the headquarters of some of the world’s most influential tech companies, including Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and other renowned innovators. These visits provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the environments where groundbreaking ideas are brought to life. From state-of-the-art visitor centers showcasing the latest advancements to office spaces designed for collaboration and labs where cutting-edge technologies are developed, participants gain an insider’s perspective on how these tech giants operate and innovate at a global scale.
This immersive experience not only highlights the technological achievements of these companies but also serves as a catalyst for students to broaden their horizons. Seeing firsthand how creativity, teamwork, and bold thinking shape transformative products and services inspires students to dream big and envision their own potential impact on the world. The tour instills an appreciation for the dynamic culture of Silicon Valley and motivates students to embrace challenges and pursue innovation with confidence and determination.
• Visit Top Tech Companies: Explore Apple, Google, and Microsoft to witness innovation firsthand.
• Discover Creativity and Technology: Learn how collaboration and bold ideas drive cutting-edge advancements.
• Inspire Future Innovators: Embrace Silicon Valley’s culture and gain confidence to tackle challenges.
Breakfast: Mass Hall Inside Aircraft Carrier | Lunch, and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: 4-Star or Equivalent Hotel
Day 5: Makerspace Exploration
While parents enjoy exploring local attractions, students will embark on an exciting experience at one of Silicon Valley’s largest and most advanced makerspaces. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, design software, and CNC hardware, this space provides the perfect environment for hands-on learning and creativity.
Students will be organized into teams, working collaboratively on unique projects that challenge their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they will transform their ideas from concepts into fully realized creations. This team-based approach not only inspires innovation but also nurtures critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, as each student contributes their strengths toward a shared vision.
This immersive session allows students to explore the powerful combination of technology and creativity, equipping them with practical, real-world skills. By the end of the day, each team will have a completed project to present, showcasing their ingenuity and growth as young innovators ready to tackle future challenges.
After a productive day in the Maker Space, families will head to the vibrant Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, two of Silicon Valley’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and exploration. Santana Row offers a unique outdoor experience, blending upscale shops, boutiques, and chic restaurants with a lively atmosphere, where families will have the opportunity to visit the Tesla store to explore and even sit inside Tesla’s newest RoboTaxi, a cutting-edge autonomous vehicle that represents the future of sustainable transportation. Nearby, Westfield Valley Fair boasts an expansive indoor shopping experience featuring luxury brands, trendy retailers, and a diverse food scene, where families can self-plan to dine at Eataly, a renowned Italian marketplace featuring fresh pasta, gourmet pizzas, and artisanal desserts, or choose from a variety of other interesting restaurants offering global cuisines, ensuring a delightful end to the day.
• Makerspace Experience: Students collaborate in a high-tech makerspace, turning ideas into real creations.
• Skill Development: Projects foster creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
• Shopping: Families visit Santana Row for shopping, dining, and exploring Tesla’s RoboTaxi.
• Dining Options: Enjoy global cuisine at Westfield Valley Fair, including Eataly’s Italian specialties.
Breakfast: Danny's (Jensen Huang's first job place) | Lunch: Included | Dinner: Self-Planned
Accommodation: The Ameswell Hotel or 4-Star Equivalent Hotel
Day 6: Exploring Education Excellence
This day focuses on exploring Silicon Valley’s educational institutions and uncovering how their approaches inspire creativity and cultivate leadership skills.
In the morning, families will visit one of the top three private high schools in the United States. Students will have the rare chance to observe classes, immersing themselves in an innovative and dynamic learning environment.
In the afternoon, the group will visit Stanford University. Families will participate in a guided campus tour, exploring iconic landmarks and gaining insight into Stanford’s storied history of academic excellence and groundbreaking innovation.
Late in the afternoon, depending on your passion, families have two options to choose from. Please select one during registration:
Option 1: Head to the California Academy of Sciences, located in the heart of Golden Gate Park. This renowned research institute and natural history museum is one of the largest in the world, boasting over 46 million specimens. Dive into the wonders of the ocean’s depths, explore the lush canopies of rainforests, and embark on a cosmic journey with a private planetarium show. At night, unroll sleeping bag provided by Sparknify in one of the museum’s iconic exhibits. Depending on staff's assignment, you may be sleeping alongside the African Penguin colony, dreaming near vibrant fish in the Philippine Coral Reef, or falling asleep surrounded by the vivid displays of Color of Life!
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Sleeping Bag on the Exhibit Floor of the California Academy of Sciences
Option 2: Spend an unforgettable evening at the world-famous Oracle Park in San Francisco, where you can watch an exhilarating Major League Baseball game featuring Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the San Francisco Giants. Enjoy the electrifying atmosphere, iconic views of the Bay, and the thrill of live sports as two legendary teams face off. After the game, take a short walk to the sleek and modern Luma Hotel, conveniently located near the baseball stadium. Relax in this hip and trendy hotel, featuring contemporary design, comfortable accommodations, and stunning city views, ensuring a restful and stylish night’s stay after an action-packed evening.
Shohei Ohtani
All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Theme: Learn how Silicon Valley education inspires creativity and leadership.
• High School Visit: Observe innovative classes at a top private high school.
• Stanford Tour: Explore Stanford’s campus and learn about its academic legacy.
• Option 1: Stay overnight at the California Academy of Sciences after an immersive experience.
• Option 2: Watch a Dodgers vs. Giants game at Oracle Park and stay at Luma Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: Luma Hotel or 4-Star Equivalent Hotel
Day 7: Exploring Coastal Conservation and High-Speed Thrills
Families will also go on an enriching tour, designed to explore the unique cultural and natural highlights outside of the Silicon Valley. The journey begins by heading north toward the Pacific Coast, where participants embark on an engaging and educational exploration. Families will participate in a specially designed marine conservation activity. During the session, expert guides will explain the region’s rich marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on ongoing seal rescue programs. Participants will learn about the challenges these marine creatures face, such as habitat loss, threats from fishing nets, and the impacts of climate change. Families will also have the opportunity to visit a marine life rescue center, witnessing firsthand how professionals care for injured or stranded seals and help them recover. Through the guided experience, participants will not only gain knowledge about marine conservation but also observe these adorable marine animals up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for the significance and importance of conservation efforts. This part of the journey not only inspires a love for nature but also instills a profound understanding of marine protection.
After lunch, participants will head to the renowned Sonoma Raceway to experience the excitement and thrill of NASCAR racing. Here, they will have the opportunity to watch professional drivers maneuver their cars at incredible speeds, tackling the challenging twists and turns of the demanding racecourse while immersing themselves in the high-energy atmosphere of a live race. At the same time, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the advanced engineering behind these high-speed vehicles, including aerodynamic design, engine performance optimization, and vehicle safety technologies. This experience is not only a feast for the eyes and ears but also an engaging lesson on speed and innovation, offering a deeper appreciation and inspiration for the world of motorsports.
• Marine Rescue Center Visit: See professionals rehabilitate injured seals and their conservation efforts.
• Sonoma Raceway: Enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing. Discover the technology behind race cars.
Breakfast: Academy Café or Hotel | Lunch and Dinner: Included
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Day 8: Exploring the Wonders of Yosemite
Families embark on an educational journey to Yosemite National Park, a gem among America’s natural wonders. Led by expert guides, the tour offers a deep dive into Yosemite’s breathtaking geological features, including the iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan and the towering spires of Half Dome. As participants explore these dramatic landscapes, they will learn about the park’s formation, glacial history, and the unique geological processes that have shaped its stunning scenery over millions of years.
In addition to its majestic rock formations, the tour highlights Yosemite’s diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows and ancient sequoia groves to cascading waterfalls and rich forest habitats. Guides will share insights into the park’s conservation efforts, discussing the ongoing challenges of protecting its delicate flora and fauna. Families will gain a greater appreciation for the natural history and environmental significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, leaving with a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains Yosemite’s beauty for future generations.
After a full day of exploring the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of Yosemite, families will retreat to the comfort of a stylish Airstream RV, where modern luxury meets outdoor adventure. These trendy RVs are designed to provide a unique blend of sophistication and practicality, offering cozy sleeping arrangements, sleek interiors, and all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. To enhance the experience, each family will receive a specially prepared BBQ meal kit, complete with all the essentials for grilling up a delicious dinner. From juicy meats to fresh vegetables, the meal kit allows families to bond over the joy of cooking together. For dessert, enjoy a delightful twist on a classic treat with cotton candy s’mores, adding a fun and whimsical touch to the evening.
• Geological Wonders: Explore Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan and Half Dome while learning about its glacial history.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Discover alpine meadows, sequoia groves, waterfalls, and forest habitats.
• Conservation Insights: Learn about efforts to protect Yosemite’s delicate flora and fauna.
• Airstream Stay: Relax in modern, stylish RVs with cozy amenities after a day of exploration.
• BBQ Experience: Enjoy a BBQ meal kit and cotton candy s’mores for a fun, bonding evening.
Breakfast: Hotel | Lunch: Included | Dinner: Self-Cook Inside RV with BBQ Meal Kit Provided
Accommodation: Airstream RV
Day 9: California’s Gold Country
In the afternoon, the journey leads families to California’s historic Gold Country, a region rich with stories of fortune seekers and pioneers who shaped the American West during the 1849 Gold Rush. The tour begins with a visit to well-preserved mining sites, where participants can step back in time and walk in the footsteps of the early miners. Families will explore the rustic remnants of the old mining camps, see the original equipment used in gold extraction, and learn about the challenging lives of those who traveled from all over the world in search of prosperity. Expert guides will share tales of the hardships, dreams, and dramatic events that unfolded in this era of rapid expansion, providing an immersive glimpse into one of the most transformative periods in California’s history.
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A highlight of the experience is the interactive gold panning demonstration, where families get hands-on with the techniques used by miners to sift for gold. Children and adults alike can try their luck at finding small flecks of gold, just as the early prospectors did over a century ago. This engaging activity offers a tangible connection to the past and gives participants a sense of the excitement and challenges faced by those who rushed to this region in hopes of striking it rich. Beyond the thrill of panning for gold, the visit provides a deeper understanding of the significant impact the Gold Rush had on California’s development, from the boom of population growth and the establishment of new towns to the broader economic shifts that helped shape the future of the United States.
In the evening, families can explore San Francisco Premium Outlets, the largest outlet mall in California. With over 180 stores featuring top brands and unbeatable discounts. It’s the perfect destination for a memorable shopping spree before wrapping up your trip, ensuring you leave with fantastic deals and cherished items.
• Historic Gold Country: Explore preserved mining sites and learn about the lives of 1849 Gold Rush pioneers.
• Gold Panning: Try hands-on gold panning, experiencing the techniques of early prospectors.
• Cultural Insights: Understand the Gold Rush’s impact on California’s growth and economic transformation.
• San Francisco Premium Outlets: Enjoy shopping at over 180 stores offering top brands and discounts.
Breakfast and Lunch: Included | Dinner: Self-Planned
Accommodation: Residence Inn Livermore or 3-Star Equivalent Hotel
Day 10: Farewell Silicon Valley
After having breakfast prepared by the hotel, families prepare for their departure back to Taiwan. Reflecting on days filled with innovation, discovery, and new friendships, students and their families carry home invaluable experiences and insights gained from Silicon Valley, and beyond. This transformational journey has provided unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, equipping young innovators with inspiration and knowledge to fuel their future endeavors. Families say their farewells, taking with them memories and lessons that will last a lifetime as they begin their journey home.
Reservation Deadline: February 28, 2025
Upon paying the $500 deposit to complete your reservation, you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance, to be paid in two installments on March 15 and May 15, 2025.
Details
Cost
Oversea Youth Program
US$6,000 /person (1st and 2nd Person /Room)
US$5,500 /person (3rd and 4th Person /Room)
Inclusive
Price includes all meals, accommodations, tuition, tickets, transportation, except airfare and insurance.
Terms
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The program cost is based on a single room for at least 2 people and up to 4 people. Additional charge of US$2,000 will apply for single person room.
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All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, except during supervised educational sessions led by Sparknify staff.
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Please book your flight to arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) no later than 5:00 PM PST on July 6, 2025.
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The itinerary provided is a sample and subject to change. Sparknify reserves the right to make adjustments as needed.
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How does this program differ from other summer educational programs for overseas students?Many overseas summer programs focus on sightseeing or mass education in dormitory settings. This program stands out with its personalized approach, offering an insider’s view of how Silicon Valley startups operate. Students engage directly with mentors and industry leaders, including visionaries behind major tech companies and founders of leading startups, gaining unique insights into innovation and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on projects, students collaborate in dynamic environments, fostering critical thinking and creativity. The program concludes with participants pitching ideas to real investors and engineers, bridging education with real-world application. Beyond immediate learning, this experience shapes their mindset and approach to challenges, leaving a lifelong impact on how they think, work, and innovate.
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Do I need to know English to join the program?No, English proficiency is not a mandatory requirement for either adults or children to join the program. However, having a good grasp of English can significantly enrich your experience by making it easier to fully engage with the content, communicate with instructors and peers, and participate in discussions. To ensure inclusivity, live summarized translation services will be provided during certain events, particularly during instructional classes. Participants will have access to earphones for real-time translation, enabling everyone to follow along and fully benefit from the program’s offerings. This ensures that language barriers do not hinder your ability to enjoy and learn from the activities and sessions provided.
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What level of technical skills are required for my child before joining the program?The program is thoughtfully designed to accommodate children between 10 and 15 years old, making it accessible and engaging for a wide range of participants. While prior technical skills, such as programming or computer-aided design (CAD), can provide an advantage and may enhance the learning experience, they are by no means a prerequisite for joining. The program emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that children with diverse skill levels feel welcome and supported. Participants are placed in mixed-age and mixed-skill group settings, fostering an environment where everyone’s abilities are appreciated and contribute to the collective learning process. This approach not only helps children learn from each other but also encourages teamwork, creativity, and peer support. The program’s structure ensures that all participants, regardless of their prior experience, can actively engage, build confidence, and develop valuable new skills while contributing meaningfully to group projects and activities.