Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Program Eligibility and Program Requirements

  • The SPARK application is now closed.

  • Please complete your SPARK application in English. Supporting documents such as your resume, essay, and video must be in English. While the transcript can be uploaded in Russian, you must also upload a translated copy.

  • Your resume should be no more than 1 page in length and list academic and professional experience. Applicants could include information such as relevant coursework, volunteering or work experience, awards or certifications, and more.  

  • The SPARK application will be completed online here.

  • SPARK accepts applications from first, second-, and third-year college students in a four- or five-year program, provided they have one remaining year left at their home university upon returning to Russia.

    SPARK applicants should be born between August 1, 2003 and June 1, 2007. The age range for students with disabilities is August 1, 2002 to June 1, 2007.

  • Applicants will need to upload documents including a resume, transcript, and international passport and will need to submit one short essay and one short video.

  • Please upload the information page; you do not need to upload the entire international passport.  

  • No, it is not required to translate the stamp on documents. 

  • No, only Russian citizens currently residing in Russia can participate in the SPARK program.

  • The transcript is a document issued by your university that includes the record of your grades for exams.

  • First-year undergraduate students can submit their high school certificate with grades while completing the application. If the candidate moves on in the application process, they will submit their university transcript with winter session exams at a later time.

  • No, if your university has provided an official transcript in English, you can upload the English version in both sections- the transcript in Russian and the translated copy.  

  • Yes, you can upload the international passport even it expires before the application deadline. If the applicant becomes a finalist, they will be required to obtain and submit a new valid international passport. 

  • Yes, if you do not have an international passport when applying you can submit a domestic passport. If the applicant becomes a finalist, they will be required to obtain and submit an international passport. 

Pre-Travel Course

  • SPARK students will complete the four-week online course over April and May 2025, the spring before coming to the U.S. for your summer semester. 

  • The course is intended to prepare students for their semester in the U.S. and provide you with a background on American culture, society, and the education system.

  • SPARK students will be expected to spend no more than two hours per week on course modules.

Summer Semester in the U.S.

  • SPARK students will live on-campus during the summer semester, or in some cases live with a host family.  

  • SPARK students are not allowed to drive in the United States but can travel by car with host families or friends.

  • During the summer semester in the U.S., SPARK students can only travel domestically within the U.S. International travel will only be permitted for emergency situations that require students to return to Russia.

  • SPARK covers tuition and mandatory university fees, roundtrip airfare from participants’ home in Russia to their host institution in the U.S., housing and meals, medical insurance, a monthly stipend, a cultural activity stipend, and a book allowance.

  • During the summer semester, SPARK students will enroll in six to nine credits as full-time students. SPARK students are encouraged to to enroll in one American studies course such as U.S. history, African American literature, and U.S. government, to learn more about American society. However, students can also enroll in general education courses, courses in their field of study, or other electives based on subject offerings available during the summer. 

  • Yes, family can visit you but must make all logistical and visa arrangements without SPARK program assistance. 

  • Your arrival in the U.S. will depend on your host institution's academic calendar but will be in late May or June.

  • You will be placed at an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university based on your English language test scores, areas of studies, and other factors.

  • Typically, the summer semester in the U.S. is 8-10 weeks.

  • While in the U.S. during the summer, SPARK students are encouraged to connect with their professors and academic advisors to choose the most impactful virtual courses for their studies. Similarly to summer, SPARK students can enroll in American studies courses, general education courses, courses in their field of study, or other electives.  

  • SPARK students can enroll in a maximum of two courses for the virtual fall semester.

  • SPARK students are given the option to enroll in virtual fall courses, but it is not required. However, only participants who complete both the summer and fall semesters will receive a program completion certificate. While virtual courses are not mandatory, students are encouraged to take them to complement their in-person experience, engage with American students and colleagues, and earn additional academic credits.

  • During the summer, SPARK students will work with their host institutions to select their fall courses before the institution’s registration deadline.

Virtual Fall Semester