Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture

Make Chicago Your Classroom

Earn credit and gain significant work experience at the internship of your dreams – we have connections with every sector of the city.

Chicago Center is more than an internship program. We’ll take you to the best theatre, spoken word and live music and get you connected with leaders, activists and artists making a difference. Our experienced, dedicated staff and faculty create unforgettable learning experiences that fully explore the city’s resources. And you’ll live in one of the country’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods, Chicago’s lakefront Hyde Park.

Make Philadelphia Your Classroom

The Philadelphia Center is a program of the Chicago Center. The Philadelphia Center off-campus study program offers you the opportunity to gain college credit while living and learning independently. You will explore career paths through real-world applications and rigorous, seminar-style courses. 

We partner with over 900 organizations and companies in the greater Philadelphia area to offer students a once in a lifetime opportunity at real-world experience. Whether you study in Philly in the fall, spring or summer, our faculty advisors will help ensure you enjoy a positive learning experience.

About the Chicago Center 

Chicago Center equips college students and other participants to learn from diverse urban communities through innovative programs, seminars and internships.

The Center expands the traditional classroom with a community-based first voices pedagogy that prepares its students for greater self-awareness and global citizenship.

Visit Chicago Center’s website for more information.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0

Fall application deadline: July 1

Spring application deadline: November 10

Summer application deadline: March 10

Students must be enrolled in two consecutive semesters at NWU prior to applying for the Chicago Center.