big dreamer

I do think that several UofD people are commenting here because as soon as the brand was getting bashed, a bunch of people created new accounts to defend the company. If you went through the process and loved it, good for you! I'm just going to say that some posts sound phony in a cheesy infomercial sort of way...just plain hackneyed and unimaginitive. I've looked at some of these programs (not specifically UofD extensively), but I'm not paying 8k to go to NYC for a few weeks. Granted, it costs a lot, but you can find some internships closer to home. I personally am beginning to look for next summer, it just takes some initiative and careful planning people.

I like how the 1 posters have altered their writing styles to look less formal and more like "normal CCers." And then acting snarky as a petulant high school/college kid to look like they're not promoting the company lol. Sorry to offend 1 post wonders (if yu're actually legit), but I found it comical, yet annoying. I paid like $4500 for Brown' pre-college program last year, and it was awesome (seriously, check my other posts if you don't believe me). Some of the best fun in my life! I just hope to get in there in the coming years; I love it in Providence. Oh wait, I need to post a promoting testimony:

"Borwn University opened up amazing doors for me where I gained crucial knowledge of science to make me a better person. I got a nice meal plan (that my parents happily footed the bill for lol), and my stomach was happy every night! I've become a more professionalizerest person by going to this camp; if you want to go to Brown or a similar school, it is a necessity to go to summer@Brown!"

LOL, I'm sorry, I just HAD to do that because I felt like it!

julia9627

Alright, touche....

You can get an internship and housing on your own...you can also go to amazing speeches in NYC for free. Going to your career center at school can also give you resume revising for free. So what this program has that you can't get on your own is the network you gain while going through it (it has many other aspects that you can't get in other ways, but I'm not going to defend it). In NYC this summer there are about 450 students with the University of Dreams, from all over the world...so a big perk is having 450 other students who you will be living with and going on events with that are going through an 8 week program with you. It's basically like going to another college for 8 weeks...meeting new people, going through a transitional period, and so on...

At the end of the day, it's your decision...like some people said before in the posts, get into contact with someone who has done the program. Also, for future reference, the website will be updated in a few months with video from this summer...it will also give you a better understanding of the program.

finemrespice

Hi everyone on CC. As a current participant of UOD HK, I want to give a full-on downlow of this program. My experiences has good and bad and take it from what you will. I will have to keep some stuff vague to stay anonymous but feel free to private message me for any questions.

I am a finance major and I participated in the Hong Kong 2009 program. I had a few other offers including a prop trading firm I interned with last summer (paid quite well) but I felt like I needed to diversify myself. Another offer I considered heavily is the Analyst Exchange program in NYC (unpaid). I ended up with HK because I enjoyed the city and I THOUGHT the job would be something I wanted albeit unpaid.

Although expensive, I was able to finance this program on my own due to the money I made last summer. Despite the high opportunity cost, I still went with this program anyway because I wanted to work in Hong Kong and felt like this program would be convenient and make my life abroad easier.

A little humourous note on the process of application and an example in support of how UOD tries TOO HARD to maintain a certain image: When I first applied, I was told that I was rejected and then a week later, suddenly I was accepted. This made me LOL because it was clearly a ruse as I am confident in my own credentials having gotten interviews before at Merrill Lynch IBD, Merrill Lynch DCM, HSBC S&T, etc. After finding out the caliber of people in the program, I was further convinced that it was an act they put up.

The job - I probably should've done more research but I got the impression that I would end up supporting research analysts with publishing research reports for institutional investors. Instead, I ended up more on the private banking side dealing with rich retail clients. I thought I would be able to learn valuable financial skills to help me transition into investment banking (from trading) but I have not been given any guidance in that aspect. Although they are continually impressed with my work and has changed my internship from unpaid to paid, I felt like I could have had better learning opportunities elsewhere. Most people I've talked to in the program have back office jobs. Notable good finance jobs include sales assistant (in S&T) at a forex company and summer analyst in a local small M&A advisory. The latter would've been a job I wanted, however, it was not made available until I've already accepted my initial offer. Needless to say, I'm pretty ****ed about this and my advice to you is to do as much research as you can about the firm on your own and DO NOT SETTLE. The HK program basically has a recruiter who liases between you and the firm but honestly, the recruiter does not know (serious lack of knowledge about financial jobs) and does not care what is best for you.

Value - The program includes housing (you have to room with a roommate) at the City University of HK in Kowloon, trips, and only one meal per day. City U is close to an MTR station so I can't be picky about that. However, it was extremely inconvenient for me because all my friends and my work were on Hong Kong Island, about an hour away by MTR. I am currently living in a hotel (moved out early because I couldn't stand my roommate) that is much nicer than the student dorm (oceanview), close to work(costs me less than a quarter USD to get to work), has people housekeeping for me, and costs $45/night. So accomodation on my own would be around $3000 USD MAX on my own. Split it with a roommate makes it $1500. The meal allowance provided by UOD per day is $30, 5 days a week, giving you $1200HKD or $200 USD. The cost of the weekend activities amount to less than $7000 HKD (1000 USD) if you do it on your own. So that adds up to 3000 USD MAX (1500+200+1000) and the rest (5000 UOD) is profits and internship placement costs by UOD.

UOD provides.. and how much it costs them
Accomodation - $1500 USD
Food - $200 USD
Weekend activities - $1000 USD
------------------------------
Total - ~$3000 USD

Cost of program - ~$8000 USD
Cost of internship placement + profits = $5000 USD

You might think I'm exaggerating but awhile ago there was a WSJ article about how profitable these internship programs are, most notably UOD. So think about whether it's worth it to hand all this profit to the program for the convenience and how much you actually want to work in HK (or NYC, Chicago, etc). Essentially, do you really want to pay $5000 to work for 8 weeks? $5000 amounts to almost 200 hours of work. You will definitely be able to get a job through cold calling and networking for 200 hours.

The people - some people mentioned that this program is for spoiled rich kids. I offer no stance on the statement but I will give a few anecdotes:

1. People party a lot - this included my roommate who partied 4-5 days a week until 5AM. If you are into partying instead of actually working the internship you paid for, then this program would be perfect for you.

2. Sense of entitlement - recently, there was an email thread going out with people complaining that a dinner scheduled in Macau conflicted with their Cirque de Soleil show. Then, one level headed guy (but apparently no one knows who he is) stood up and basically told these kids to be more understanding and more mature and not be little *****es because F up's happen in life all the time and maybe they should get used to it. Immediately it became a witchunt of who this guy was while everyone who was complaining started calling him out and basically saying "since I don't know you, you must have no friends, therefore ****". One complainer wrote the following paragraph in one of the emails:

"But perhaps I should put my point of view in perspective for you all. Unlike GL my life actually has been pretty easy. I was born in a private hospital in 1988. When I was three I attended an exclusive private Baptist school that I hated. My mother headed the accounting department at my grandpa's multimillion dollar moving company and could afford to buy a brand new car every two years. At 10 years old I moved to another school where I was even more happy. The campus sat on a cliff overlooking a beach but it really sucked when I had to watch in agony as my classmates were picked up in Mercedes and BMWs as I sat waiting for my Lexus. Middle school was a good time for me and I got lots of random gifts from my parents such as a moped, jet ski, a quad, and even a go-cart. This is not to say that there were never any rough patches...some days I would not eat McDonald's for breakfast, other days our maid would **** up and not iron my favorite shirt for me to wear to school, and when times got really rough my driver stopped picking me up from and I would have to get a ride from my parents themselves. Middle school was an awesome time for me and I spent most of my time outside of school playing sports like soccer. My soccer team went 8-5 my 6th grade year, 9-4 my 7th grade year, and 13-0 my 8th grade for my school's first all-island championship with me leading our defense. At 14 I moved to Oregon and attended the only private Catholic high school in my city. I graduated near the top of my class despite having dicked off for 3/4 of my time there. I now attend U of Oregon where I pretty much party my ass off 4 days of the week while maintaining a great GPA and being in the Honors Business Program. After I graduate I'll probably get a job through one of my classmates from high school or a family friend (after I spend some time traveling, of course). I found U of Dreams by googling "Hong Kong Internship" and simply clicking the first thing that came up. I have also paid for this trip in cash...c-notes, *****. Just kidding, I used my credit card."

Maybe he thinks he's being funny but he just comes off as a ******. That pretty much summarizes the people who participates actively in this program.

Seminars - Perhaps the only redeeming part of this program, at least for me, was the seminars. Speakers, mostly finance, included an MD at an international FX firm, an Associate from a local M&A advisory, some big wig from an Asset Management firm, an entrepreneur, and an MD from a top 3 PE firm. These are actual good networking opportunities as most students don't care and don't show up. Thus, if you know your ****, you will stand out.

In general, UOD can be disorganized and provide really ****ty service despite the high cost. I was extremely stressed due to the conflicts between me and my roommate's lifestyle, as well as because she steals food from me and borrows my things without my permission, etc. I've voiced my opinion on how they're not helping out one of the top students in their program despite claiming to provide opportunities for hardworking students from unprivileged backgrounds. But I was told that if I contacted headquarters about my situation that the only response I would get is that they're not liable for my lack of well-being due to roommate situations because it wasn't explicitly promised. In short, nothing was done for me. So don't come into the program believing that since you paid all this money, they would treat you well as a customer. They already have your money and they really don't care about you as a person despite claiming otherwise.

I think that pretty much summarizes UOD. I'm sure there are some people who enjoy the program a lot more than I did. For everyone contemplating this program, I hope my experiences will help you make an informed decision.

kush009

I'm gonna shed some light on the naysayers. Don't be quick as to be so cynical over something that is nothing less than great.

I have not YET participated in a UD program, however, I have just returned from a 2 month internship program in Geneva, Switzerland. Since I'd rather be anonymous, I will not name the organization nor the university. However, I will give you some of the cost details and my thoughts on it.

The program cost 10g's. This includes a 2 week class on international business (3 credits), an unpaid internship in Geneva, brand new and nicely outfitted accomodations, and public transportation. I'm not going to sit here and give a review on this program, but I will say that the idea of paying for such a situation is quite worth it. I happened to be placed in a bad internship, solely due to the fact that the company was disorganized and unprofessional in networking. However, the experience as a whole was nothing short of a privilege. A privilege that will rank as one of the best decision's in my life.

It's not as easy as all of you think to land an international internship in a major city. I'm not sure how I feel about UofD's U.S. programs, but please people, be a little more logical when criticizing their international programs. How many students have the contacts to set up a finance internship in a city such as Hong Kong or Sydney? How many students will have the means to be self sufficient in such a city while working in an unpaid position (IF it can be attained)?

Summer 2010 is my last summer as an undergrad. As someone focusing on international business, I will once again look for some international experience to accentuate my resume. I am not rich, and will have to work my ass off throughout this school year so that I can partially pay for the program and loan the rest. Do I think this is worth it? Absolutely. Let me give you some major reasons for why these programs are key:

1. It is a package. It is much easier to gather the funds for a single cost package than it is to allocate the various costs of living that are incurred while abroad independently.

2. The social experience you will have is unforgettable. Being in a city while somewhat "confined" with students from all around the world for 8 weeks will leave you astounded. I guarantee that if you are a personable, outgoing, open minded person you will share great times with these people.

3. From the research I have done, I have found that UofD has a good amount of contacts. I am sure that an overwhelming majority of undergrads do not have this type of networking. If an internship program has access to sought after companies then why wouldn't it be worth it?

Anyway, this type of program really depends on your areas of interest. These programs are optimal for business majors and more specifically, finance. The bottom line is that you get what you're paying for and it IS worth it, but can you afford it?

clarissa101

this to me sounds good.
i live a freakin small ass town. money is a HUGE factor. traveling is even a bigger factor.
unlike most of you spoiled brats where mommy and daddy can pay for tution or where financial aid meets to you.
i dont have such luxuries like you all.
its really expensive to go to new york alone and pay your way through each factor of living.
they take care of food,housing and seems like they give you an experience. thats is what they are aiming for experience.
so instead of ripping or critizing what you think you know or dont i say give it a chance.
if you havent done it then how about give it a chance and stop being such close minded asses.
so i think ill try this.
but damn loans i gotta work more now.
:/

jdp349

Half of this thread is the most blatant and pathetic example of PR/media management I've ever seen. For all the money University of Dreams charges this is the best they can afford... pathetic.

commentcomment

90% of my friends did not have internships their freshman and sophomore year in college. Half of them ended up in investment banking their junior year and the other half are doing fairly well. I don't see why anyone would pay for an internship unless you just want to go make new friends and hang out for 8000 dollars. If its a vacation, then its not too bad.

Weekend activities for $1000? what are you doing? smoking crack?

The program costs more than living a whole year in NYC. for 8000 dollars, you can get a sublet for a year, food, and expenses. Anyone who has lived in NYC a while known 8000 dollars can go a long way. ANYONE who does the research and do some shopping on craigslist can get a shared apartment for 5-600 bucks a month.

Mac.u

commentcomment, where in nyc are you planning on living for 5-600 dollars a month because a lot of my friends live there and they sure as hell aren't paying that little. so if you could shed some light on where i can get a cheap apartment, maybe a lot of people might consider moving there...and 8000 bucks for a year? are u sure about that?

Kenz07

I'm in no way affiliated with UoD, but I am planning on spending a semester in NY through one of their programs. At first I thought it was a scam, but then I did the math and realized why, for me personally, it was a good option. I am way ahead in units, so I am able to take a semester off to go get work experience. Sure, I could do this on my own, but finding an internship/housing is hard from 3,000 miles away.
My program will cost $8000. This seems like a lot, but where I live currently, my rent for a semester is $5000, and I'm assuming it would be about the same for an entire semester of housing in NYC, give or take a little. I realize this leaves a few thousand that UoD is profiting by simply "placing" me in an internship I could probably find on my own, however many large, reputable companies require that interns get school credit. UoD gives a unit of credit, but if I were to go independently and get credit from my home (private) university, I would be required to pay for 3 units instead of just one (school policy) and over $1,000/unit.
Finding my own housing and arranging my own internship is definitely possible, but in my case, the costs wind up being very similar, with UoD being much more convenient.
I think either way I could wind up with a good internship, but living in California and being enrolled in a full load of classes right now, UoD makes planning a semester away a lot easier. I just wanted to add my two cents because I think many people could benefit from one of their programs. Obviously, it is a huge rip off for certain students, but since everyone is in a different situation, people should not be quick to bash the company. If you can get your own internship and secure housing, by all means do it independently and save the money. But in cases like mine, going through a company is very helpful.

balla221

yoooo chill haters...its not about PAYING to GET an internship. I am more than qualified to go to my city and get an internship or job at any old place, but its about the EXPERIENCE!! I am looking at the LA music internship...i want to work in the music industry and its very competitive. This internship will allow me to be working hands on MAJOR RECORD LABELS!! im from a small town...thats NOTHING compared to any experience i could find around my neck of the woods, and trust me ive lived all over the country. It sounds legit to me

greenvison

My god! look at the PR people on this thread!

I know a bunch of guys who do that for a dollar ($1) per post. Lol! I make fun of them, bunch of losers.


GUYS University of Dreams is A BIG BIG SCAM! Why would I hire someone who paid their employers for work?! Are you peter Griffin? hahahaha

SCAM SCAM SCAM

lkt334

If i want to do an event planning internship where is the best city for that one? im also considering public relations too.. and i sadly cannot afford to do the program without a loan.. do alot of students take out loans for the program? is there any scholarships outside the program for the program? l've heard UofD does not give alot of scholarships.. and frankly i'm not considered "poor or needy" enough because of my parents income.. they just can't afford to give me 7,000 for an internship you know? it's expensive. i really want to do but i need moneyy.. lots of moneyy.. like 7,000.00. also, what are the best companies for Corporate Event Planning? Thats what I want to do, I am a Corporate Communications major. at the University of Texas at Austin! Hook Em'. =)

Kenz07

Greenvision- I MUST be a "PR person" because my 26th post is my first about UoD. You're right, UoD can be a huge rip off for some people.
But it would cost me more to find my own housing for a semester and then pay my overpriced university for 3 internship credits. So even though it's expensive, a semester through UoD is 1/3 the cost of a semester at my home university and also much cheaper than doing it independently. And I've paid enough tuition to my school that I don't mind if UoD makes the profit, because either way it's costing me roughly the same. I'm a business student with a high GPA and I know I am capable of doing the math correctly. The name sounds like a joke, true, but when you're 3,000 miles away it's nice to have someone making things a little more convenient.
lkt334, I would look for an internship in LA. But unless you can save the money, UoD is not worth debt. They have some scholarships but if that's not enough I would look independently or wait a year.

greenvison

i guess we can speak for ourselves. A good business major student can land an internship with and earn close to a grand a week rather than pay someone for an opportunity.

uofigirlie

I am currently trying to decide if I should pursue this internship as well. I feel like maybe it is worth the money. You are paying for a place to stay, a safe way to get back and forth from your job, and the overall experience of working in the field. I am from a really small place where it would be impossible to get an internship in my major. I applied for the LA session because I am interested in film and what better place for film than LA? But I don't know anyone in that area or even in California for that matter. I would feel a lot better knowing I had a place to live and people to help me find an internship in a business that is very difficult to crack into. It is a lot of money but the safety and uniqueness of the situation might warrant trying to get funding.