FAQ

The program combines experiences designed for teens ages 13–17 with activities the whole family can enjoy. Teens get a program built just for them, while the whole family gets to discover California together.

The Silicon Valley program runs from June 29 to July 8, 2027. Families who’d like to keep exploring can continue to Los Angeles from July 8 to 12, 2027.

The program brings together university campuses, technology and innovation stops, city tours of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, cultural visits, English workshops and activities for the whole family. Some days also include optional excursions and activities.

The workshops are led by a native English-speaking instructor: five 2-hour sessions, 10 hours in total. They’re not a traditional class. The goal is a relaxed setting where teens feel comfortable speaking, share their ideas and take an active part.

Teens who complete the workshops receive a Spoklo certificate of participation at the end of the program. Please note that this is not an official language proficiency certificate.

No, a basic level of English is enough. This isn’t a traditional language course. Our goal is to create an environment where teens can use the English they already have with more confidence.

Some parts of the program are for the whole family, while some workshops and activities may be just for teens. Before the program, we’ll clearly explain which parts are open to families and which are for teens only.

The core program is designed for ages 13–17, but families are welcome to bring younger or older siblings. Teen-only workshops and activities are planned for the 13–17 age group.

The 2027 Silicon Valley program is a family program. Every child taking part must be accompanied by at least one parent or another adult approved under the program terms.

Depending on the schedule, some time is left open for families to make their own plans. On some days, we may also offer optional excursions and activities for families.

Days are full but never exhausting. Tours and social activities are balanced with time to rest and relax.

Yes. The schedule includes free time for families to do their own thing.

Yes, families are welcome to join from any country. We’ll plan flight and transfer details with you accordingly.

When choosing where to stay, we look at easy access to program activities, the surrounding neighborhood, convenience for families’ daily needs and overall comfort. Hotel and room details will be shared with registered families once confirmed.

Program pricing is based on each family sharing a room. We’ll plan the right room type for your family’s size, and an additional fee may apply if you’d like an extra room.

Some meals are included in the program fee, and the program details list exactly which ones. For other meals, we share restaurant and food recommendations based on the day’s schedule and where we are.

Spoklo arranges transportation for all planned group tours, as well as airport transfers. The program details specify which transfers and transportation are included in the program fee. In the Los Angeles extension, airport transfers and transportation for the listed tours and activities are included. Airfare is not included.

No. The Los Angeles portion is an optional extension for families taking part in the Silicon Valley program.

No, airfare isn’t included in the program fee. The included airport transfer is planned around the flight times Spoklo recommends. If your family chooses a different flight, we can arrange a separate transfer for an additional fee.

Visa applications are each family’s own responsibility. If you’d like professional help, we can recommend an independent consultant who specializes in US visas. Once your registration is confirmed, Spoklo provides a program acceptance letter. Visa approval is at the discretion of the US authorities.

Yes. Every family member taking part must have valid travel health insurance that covers the entire trip. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own policy.

If a health issue or emergency comes up during the program, we’ll help the family get the medical care they need. All costs for medical care, treatment and insurance coverage are the participant’s responsibility.

The program page lists in detail the accommodation, transportation, workshops, admission tickets and activities included in the fee. Optional excursions, personal expenses and any services not listed are not included.

We share the deposit, payment schedule and main cancellation and refund terms with you during registration, and the full terms are set out in the program agreement.