Who we are
Traverse (listed on the App Store as “Traverse MEA”) is operated by ISPARK (Sprks MEA, sprks-mea.com), based in Egypt. In this policy, “Traverse”, “we” and “us” mean ISPARK. This policy covers the Traverse mobile app and the website at traverse-mea.com (together, the “service”).
Traverse helps students explore and apply to universities abroad. You can build a profile, take an interest quiz, browse universities and programs, keep shortlists, submit applications with supporting documents, message the Traverse team, join events, receive notifications and request a consultation.
Information we collect
We collect the information you give us when you use the service:
- Account and contact details: your mobile phone number (used to log in with a one-time code sent over WhatsApp or SMS) and your email address (which we verify).
- Profile details: first and last name, date of birth, gender, nationality, city, school and grade.
- Interests: the interests you select and your answers to the interest quiz.
- Documents you upload: for example your passport, transcripts, certificates and photos.
- Applications: the details of the applications you make and their status.
- Payment receipts: receipts you upload as proof of a bank transfer. The app does not process card payments and does not collect or store card details.
- Messages: the messages you exchange with the Traverse team in the app.
- Consultation requests: the name, phone number and email address you submit when requesting a consultation.
- Device push token: a push-notification token for your device, so we can send you notifications.
How we use your information
- To provide and run the service, including your account, profile, shortlists and applications.
- To process your university applications.
- To contact you about your applications and requests.
- To send you notifications in the app.
- To keep the service secure and to prevent fraud and misuse.
We do not use your information for advertising. The service contains no advertising SDKs and no third-party analytics or tracking tools. We do not sell your personal data.
How we share your information
Universities and programs you apply to. When you ask us to apply to a university or program, we share your application details and the documents you provided with that university or program, at your request.
Service providers. We use the following providers to run the service. They process data on our behalf and only for that purpose:
- Vercel: hosting.
- Neon: database.
- Google Cloud Storage and Vercel Blob: file storage.
- Twilio: sending one-time login codes over WhatsApp and SMS.
- ZeptoMail by Zoho: email delivery.
We do not share your personal data with anyone else, except where we are required to by law.
Security
Data sent between your device and our servers is encrypted in transit using HTTPS.
How long we keep your information
We keep your information while your account is active. When you delete your account, we delete your information. See how to delete your account.
Children
The service is intended for students aged 15 and over. If you are under 18, please use Traverse with the involvement of a parent or guardian. The service is not directed at children under 15, and if we learn that we have collected personal data from a child under 15, we will delete it.
Your rights and choices
- Access: you can see your profile, documents and applications in the app, or ask us for a copy of your data.
- Correction: you can edit your profile details in the app at any time.
- Deletion: you can delete your account in the app (Profile → Delete account) or by emailing us. See Delete your account.
- Questions: you can contact us about your data at any time.
Changes to this policy
If we change this policy, we will post the updated version on this page with a new effective date.
Contact us
For questions about this policy or your data, email info@sprks-mea.com. You can also visit our Support page.