"Wheaton in Chicago is a program for anyone who wants to grow professionally in a new context. Students are challenged to learn outside of a classroom and instead in a city. Through internships, site visits, and cohort living, students see what life could be like post-grad, and they return to campus with unique experiences that enhance continued learning."
- Ailee Viana, WIC Spring 2024
“Wheaton in Chicago has facilitated my most intense growth period since entering college. I learned how to recognize my own race and biases, how to function in spaces where I am the only white person, how to figure out public transportation on my own, how to manage my own work/life/school balance, how to deal with conflicts in close-contact community, etc. Wheaton in Chicago fostered and grew my sense of self, calling, and independence.”
- Elinor Hiller, WIC Spring 2024
“Wheaton in Chicago creates room for exploration. I don't think I have ever grown more in my sense of self and vocation than I have during this semester at WIC; the support from staff, cohort, and supervisors has been phenomenal in allowing me to engage deeply with the world around me and ask meaningful questions.”
- Isaac Hubing, WIC Spring 2024
“Wheaton in Chicago allows you to engage with the city in a way that you can't while being [on Wheaton’s main campus]. This program exposes you to so many different communities and a lifestyle that has really helped me grow as a person both mentally and spiritually.”
- Kayla White, WIC Spring 2024
“Though there are several things I loved about my Wheaton in Chicago experience, one of the foremost was definitely my internship and the experience I was able to gain through it. I have never worked in a setting that I am actively interested in pursuing as a career, so gaining new skills--as well as learning about all the incredible things my organization is doing--was an incredible experience. Another thing I loved about WIC was the opportunity to build a strong community with the cohort. Living and learning and working in the same space for three months allowed me to build and/or strengthen relationships with these amazing people, and I am super grateful for that."
- Anna Ritzema, WIC Spring 2024
“I would recommend Wheaton in Chicago because of its interdisciplinary structure and how rich it is with knowledge. You have access to all of Chicago through the U-Pass and are exposed to a world-famous city while interning there and picking up valuable skills and experience. The community you form with your cohort is also something that I have learned to cherish.”
- Alexis Goddard, WIC Spring 2024
“Before Wheaton in Chicago, I had read about systemic and local issues in Woodlawn, but it wasn’t until I spent a few months in the neighborhood that I was able to contextualize what I learned in the classroom. I found myself empathizing much more and connecting with the community in a unique way.”
- Maura Wilkerson, WIC Spring 2024
“The FOOD in Chicago is amazing.”
- Brayden Vandervelde, WIC Spring 2024