Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Comedy: A Worthy Quest Past Review

By (Comedy Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

Columbia College Chicago - Comedy Studies at The Second City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about whether comedy is what I want to pursue.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is an amazingly intensive and rigorous program that excels in teaching you the nuances of comedy. The teachers are phenomenal; being performers themselves and having undergone the same struggles with which the student will likely face, they can offer a personal, empathetic approach towards their curriculum. This is definitely an environment that strongly pushes you to grow in this discipline.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program is run very efficiently with new workshops being offered on different comedic skills each Friday. The classes from Monday-Thursday are well structured to provide personal feedback to your skills both as an independent performer and as a member of an ensemble. The last couple of weeks effectively test one's intra and inter-personal skills as the ensemble are given the autonomy to create its own final showcase.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the living arrangements and the time I spent with my roommates; however, I would have loved to live closer to The Second City.

* Food:

I tried to prepare my meals a week in advance and supplement with fast food from nearby restaurants. Keep in mind that there are a few fast food restaurants near The Second City, including Subway, McDonald's, and Jimmy John's. There is a Chipotle and Starbucks connected to the building. I would budget about $75-$100 if you are going to eat both home prepared and store bought foods and $50-$75 if you are strictly going to eat home prepared foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Chicago feels like a very welcoming city, and my cohort was very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The fitness center and counseling center were easily accessible.

* Safety:

I think one should be fine if one is using common sense and is aware of the surroundings. Keep in mind that this is a big city. Most if not all of the academic time is spent in The Second City, which should be safe. Be sure to keep your eye on your belongings.

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)

If possible, try to 1) choose a roommate so that the cost of living is not as great, and 2) choose a roommate who will attend the same program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$120 (Most expenses will be spent in the beginning as you pay for one-time large fee items such as air mattresses, security deposits, etc)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to limit eating out to social gatherings and figure out how to cook on a budget.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People
  • The Curriculum
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • The Transit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't try to skimp on an air mattress! Don't. Just don't. Just buy a good air mattress the first time. It shalt serve thee well.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.