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Urban Studies

Chicago, Illinois

Location

What is Chicago?


Home to outstanding cultural institutions like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute, and the Goodman Theater?

Definitely! But also Sweet Home Chicago -- jammin’ with blues bars and jazz clubs, poetry slams and amazing street murals, vibrant video, theatre, and arts communities, and a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists, and the socially engaged.


The City of Big Shoulders?

Maybe. But you’ll see people of remarkable diversity in this mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, and interests.

Hog Butcher to the World?

Nope! Not any more. But it is an international business center and home to a remarkable

array of start-up companies and non-profits, medical centers, and educational institutions.


The City that Works?

Much of the time! Chicago is a model for urban environmentalism and a city with a deep history of urban reform and social movements. But it’s also a city that grapples with wide-ranging challenges, divisions, and disparities.

Urban Studies

Nikki Ostrowski I initially applied to the Chicago Urban Studies program to get away from my life on-campus and to live in Chicago. Little did I know that this would be one of the smartest decisions I’ve made for myself, both academically and personally. I learned so much about Chicago in the first two weeks of the program, and so much more in my 3 1/2 months in the city, through the experiential learning style. I also realized it’s OK for me to do things for myself and realized I will be OK on my own in the future! The ACM Chicago Programs makes you strong, builds strong friends, and networks you into city life. It was the best semester I’ve had yet!

—Nikki Ostrowski, Chicago Urban Studies, Spring 2009

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