HI-Chicago 
Chicago 
HI-USA 
Education
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Ben Wickstrom Spanish and Global Studies Majors "Being an intern at HI-Chicago was a very meaningful and formative experience. I was able to gain experience in many areas, like program leading, grant research, communication, intercultural relations, article writing, and even cooking. It was rewarding working with the different hostel programs offered to Chicago Students, like Cultural Kitchen, Exchange Neighborhoods, and Community Walls. I was able to help students grow in global understanding, expand their cultural views, and become excited about traveling. It was great introducing the students to new cultures and peoples, even in their own city. This internship has prepared me for many different roles in the future. The hostel staff are very friendly and helpful, and the hostel is in a superb location - Downtown Chicago. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything." |
Public Relations
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Kristen Oliszewicz Recreation and Tourism Major "My summer internship at Hostelling International Chicago was a wonderful experience because of the people I met and the work responsibilities I was given. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Living with other interns in the hostel was a great way to meet new people and find out about things giong on in the city. As a Public Relations Intern, I had legitimate responsibilities such as conducting focus groups, contacting governmental officials, and planning a fundraising event. My supervisor ensured that I was continuously learning and was able to accommodate my school's requirements so that I received credit for the internship. HI-Chicago exceeded all of my expectations." |
Education and Youth Outreach
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Holly Dixon Cultural Studies Major Columbia College Spring 2011 intern |
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" About the Internship: My experience as the Education and Youth Outreach intern not only helped me discover and develop professional skills, but also left me with a desire to pursue an opportunity to strengthen the Chicago community bond through encouraging people to learn and interact together. About my wonderful bosses: Throughout the course of the internship, my supervisors helped me to complete tasks, while still giving me enough freedom to feel like a needed and contributing member of the hostel. In addition to guiding my work at the hostel, they also gave me insight and advice that will help me as I look for further community program opportunities in the future. |
Activities and Volunteer Coordination
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Ted Gault "HI-Chicago is a true Chicago institution, and I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to gain insight into one of the world's best-rated hostels. As an intern I was given great flexibility in projects, allowing me to cater my experience to my particular interests and career goals. As the Volunteer and Activities Coordinator Intern I developed partnerships between the hostel and various Chicago businesses, created a walking tour of Hyde Park, researched and built displays on Chicago nightlife, bars and other attractions, and worked at the hostel concierge desk. Through HI-Chicago I was able to become more familiar with the Windy City while also delving into projects that challenged me and pushed me into unfamiliar territory. A big bonus of interning with HI is the environment. The staff is fantastic, and as one can imagine, working inside a hostel is a unique experience. I met travelers from the U.K., France, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Germany, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Japan and many other countries. Interns are strongly encouraged to lead and join excursions to festivals, outdoor events, bars and restaurants, improv shows and other Chicago attractions. These are great opportunities to socialize with a diverse group of people who all share an interest in travel. Overall, my internship exceeded all of my expectations. HI-Chicago is a great place to build your specific skill set, to encounter other cultures, and to act as a face for Chicago internationally." |
Interns Index: