Comedy: A Worthy Quest Past Review
By A student (Comedy Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2018 to 12/14/2018 with
Columbia College Chicago - Comedy Studies at The Second City
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
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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
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Finances
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* 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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * 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 AdventurerThe 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. |
