Frequently Asked Questions


Program Participation

  1. Who can participate? What is the age range?
    Spoklo programs are designed for specific age groups to ensure strong peer connection and group harmony. The age range for each session is clearly stated on the relevant program page.
    As part of the application process, we hold a brief introductory meeting with the student and parent to ensure the program is the right fit.
  2. What is a typical day like?
    Weekdays follow a balanced structure: Mornings are dedicated to interactive English workshops focused on communication and confidence.
    Afternoons may include university visits, cultural landmarks, innovation centers, or guided city explorations, depending on the program location. Evenings are reserved for group games and social activities. Weekends feature full-day exploration trips to nearby cities or nature reserves.
  3. What are the morning English sessions like?
    English sessions are designed according to students’ age, proficiency level, and program structure.
    Our goal is not only to teach grammar, but to help students use English confidently in real-life settings. Some programs emphasize project-based learning, while others follow a more structured academic format. In all cases, sessions are interactive, supportive, and participation-focused.
  4. What level of English is required?
    Students should have a basic foundation in English and be able to understand everyday communication.
    We help them use their existing English more confidently and naturally through real-life practice.

Accommodations & Daily Life

  1. What are the accommodations like?
    Students stay in carefully selected, program-approved accommodations that meet our standards for safety and comfort. All accommodations are chosen with student supervision, location convenience, and group needs in mind.
  2. How are room arrangements organized?
    Rooms are shared only between students of the same gender. Most rooms are double or quadruple occupancy. Final assignments are confirmed prior to arrival with attention to age compatibility.
  3. How are meals provided?
    The program includes hotel-style breakfasts, packed lunches for excursions, and dinners at casual local restaurants or food courts.
    Because of the mobile and group-based nature of the program, we cannot guarantee accommodation of strict individualized meal plans. Students with food allergies or dietary restrictions must be able to make safe food choices independently. Parents are responsible for in forming us of any medical or dietary conditions prior to the program.
  4. How do students communicate with their families?
    Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, and students may stay in touch with their families. To maintain balance, recommended contact times may be shared, especially across time zones. Limited phone-use guidelines may apply during classes and scheduled activities.
  5. What should my child pack for a 2-week trip?
    Upon acceptance, we will provide a comprehensive packing list. Key items will include layered clothing (Silicon Valley weather can be cool, especially in the evenings), comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and any personal items.

Travel & Logistics

  1. Are flights from Turkey to San Francisco (SFO) included in the program fee?
    No. Airfare is not included in the program fee.For coordination and safety, students are encouraged to travel on the recommended group flight. After enrollment, families receive flight details and book independently.
  2. Will students be met at the airport?
    Yes. Students arriving on the group flight are welcomed by the Spoklo team and transferred to the accommodation via private vehicle.
  3. How does the visa process work?
    Students travel on a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa. The visa application is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, and approval is determined by the relevant U.S. consulate. Upon confirmed enrollment, Spoklo provides an official Program Confirmation Letter to support the application. Spoklo is not responsible for visa denials or delays.
  4. How is transportation handled? How will students get to activities?
    All scheduled group transportation, including airport transfers and scheduled excursions, is organized by Spoklo and included in the program fee.

Safety & Supervision

  1. What is your supervision policy?
    Student safety and well-being are central to our programs. All classes and scheduled activities are conducted under staff supervision. Students are accompanied by program staff throughout structured program activities.
    In controlled environments such as shopping centers or theme parks, limited free time may be permitted within clearly defined boundaries and under staff supervision, taking into consideration the students’ age group and maturity level.
  2. Who are the program staff?
    Our team includes bilingual (English- and Turkish-speaking) group leaders, chaperones, and English instructors experienced in working with young students.
  3. Is health insurance required?
    Yes. Students must have comprehensive Travel Health Insurance that meets U.S. standards. Obtaining coverage is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
  4. Can students move around independently?
    Students may not leave the accommodation or travel alone during the program unless otherwise approved by program leadership. All activities take place as a supervised group. Free time is allowed only within designated areas under staff guidance.

Communication & Emergencies

  1. How are families updated?
    Parents receive regular updates through a dedicated WhatsApp group with daily highlights and important information. WhatsApp updates are for informational purposes and do not replace direct communication in case of emergency.
  2. What happens in case of an emergency?
    If a health concern arises, the program leader takes immediate action and informs the family. If medical care is required, the student is accompanied by a staff member. Medical expenses are the responsibility of the participant and are expected to be covered by the student’s travel health insurance.

Fees & Registration

  1. What is included in the program fee?
    Included:
    Accommodation
    Specified meals
    Educational workshops
    Planned excursions and activities
    Ground transportation
    Full supervision and guidance

    Not Included:
    International airfare
    Visa fees
    Travel health insurance
    Personal spending money
    Optional activities not included in the official program schedule
    Any personal purchases, optional activities, or additional services not listed in the official program schedule.

Admission Process

To preserve our boutique structure, we follow a three-step process:

  1. Online Application (free)
  2. Introductory Zoom Meeting
  3. Official Acceptance & Enrollment
  4. Enrollment is secured once the agreement is signed and the deposit is received.

Payment Structure

Detailed fees and payment schedules are shared in writing prior to enrollment.

Payments are typically made in two stages:

• Initial Deposit (to secure placement)
• Remaining Balance (due before program start)
Deadlines are outlined in the enrollment agreement.

Cancellation Policy

Deposit: Non-refundable.

Cancellation 15 or More Days Before Program Start:
Payments beyond the non-refundable deposit are refundable, except for any non-recoverable booking, excursion, or activity fees already secured by Spoklo.

Cancellation Within 15 Days of Program Start:
Due to finalized operational commitments, 50% of the total program fee (excluding the non-refundable deposit) will be refunded.

Personal circumstances or travel plan changes are not considered force majeure. For this reason, comprehensive Travel Insurance is required for all participants.

Spoklo reserves the right to adjust the program schedule, activities, or accommodations due to operational, weather-related, or unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the overall program quality and structure.