Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An INCREDIBLE, intense and overall amazing program for writers and performers! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/14/2016 with

Columbia College Chicago - Comedy Studies at The Second City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't express just how much I loved my experience. It was a very intense program, and forced you to put yourself out there in so many ways and be truly vulnerable. I am so thankful for that. I learned so much about comedy, writing, performance, Chicago and The Second City, but also so much about me. I was able to study under some incredible professors in fun and informative classes. The program gave me a skill set such that I feel ready to begin to enter the professional comedy world. I was also able to grow very close with the very kind program participants. I can't recommend this program enough to anyone interested in writing, performance or comedy!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

An incredibly educational experience. I've learned so much and could not be more happy with my teachers. All 6 classes taught so much about comedy, writing, performance and really about who you are as a person.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It can be very hard to find housing in Chicago for such a short period (4 months). Search early and often. I ended up finding a lovely living arrangement, but not all of my friends were able to.

* Food:

You are responsible for housing/meal plan. But there is a chipotle and starbucks in the Second City building!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a great job of orienting you with the city and with Columbia College Chicago during orientation. You even get a pass for the public transport!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't ever have to use the health center, but I knew I was eligible too. It is downtown though, so at least a train ride for most people.

* Safety:

Safety is dependent on where in Chicago you live. Do some research before choosing apartments!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You are responsible for finding housing and making your own food, so those expenses add up quick! but otherwise, the program gives you a free pass for public transport in most of Chicago, and that helps keep costs low.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • How much it forced you to put yourself out there, be vulnerable and try new things
  • The vast amount of information and skills we learned
  • The way the program was split up into tight knit cohorts
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation could be longer, such that transfers would meed non-Columbia kids
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how intense the program would be. It is 9-4 most days and has a large workload. However, the work we do is both challenging and fun. Knowing how much you will be putting yourself out there as you tackle new assignments (like monologues, stand up comedy, Vaudeville-style routines and more!) would also be helpful. Lastly, I wish I realized that about 2/3rds of the program''s students already knew each other because of Columbia College Chicago. However, it wasn't too hard to make friends because of the small size of the cohorts!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.