<p>In my major, junior-standing students must complete a practicum in Chicago or Washington DC related to public policy and human services. I had decided that I wanted to work in Washington DC. However, mid-way through the process I may change my plans to work in Chicago so that I will be closer to home. It will be cheaper in costs too.</p>
<p>Washington DC has a lot of networking opportunities. However, it is a very expensive city. I have no relatives in the DC area. It will cost $14,500 to live and work in DC vs. $12,000 in Chicago. Either way, I will need financial aid. I just received a letter in the mail that I need to send in a $300 deposit for housing reservations. While I can seek university housing for the summer, it is very expensive. I have no family in Chicago and I’m originally from Ohio. I live in a single-parent home and money is very tight. My college career depends on financial aid.</p>
<p>Should I just work in Chicago? Or try to work in DC?</p>
<p>Could you clarify for those of us who aren’t familiar with this program?
What period of time does the practicum cover?
Are you paid during the practicum?
Can you easily get a practicum to your liking in either location?
Can you explain the cost differential a little more and how the costs are affected if you use university housing?</p>
<ol>
<li>The entire practicum (internship) is unpaid. That is the biggest problem. I have tried to talk to the director about exceptions (if it’s possible I can receive a stipend on the job).</li>
<li>Transportation costs will be more in Chicago because students will have to depend on either their own car or the local public transit. Transportation is provided in Washington DC.</li>
<li>The practicum is 9 weeks: mid-June to August 8th-ish.</li>
<li>Students who are enrolled in the practicum look for careers in politics, public policy, education, and human services. I can probably find similar opportunities, but DC is the main hub for policy-related jobs.</li>
<li>Students will be living in university-affliated housing for DC internships. In Chicago, you can obtain housing through the university or live on your own (sharing apartment with someone else to pool expenses).</li>
</ol>
<p>Okay, I’m hoping others will chime in. I grew up in DC and have spent a lot of time there, but admit to being out of the loop as far as current costs of living are concerned.</p>
<p>However… for a 2-month± period, why are the costs so high? Wouldn’t there be other practicum students so that you could share rent if that’s the bulk of the costs? </p>
<p>The $300 housing deposit is for what type of housing?</p>
<p>Can you get a practicum you will like in Chicago as well? </p>
<p>If there is a good practicum in Chicago, you will be effectively networking there, as well. If you will be a “lone eagle” in Chicago, though, and there will be many practicum students in DC, that would argue for DC even if the cost is somewhat higher.</p>
<p>These are just random thoughts at the moment, as I am still feeling my way through your situation. Would like to help; but not sure whether best help would be brainstorming ways to help you save costs or weigh the pros and cons of the two locations. Still don’t understand enough about the program and your options.</p>
<p>how are you possibly spending $14,000 to leave in DC for 2 months. Housing at a dorm (GW?) is maybe $2000, unless for some reason you feel like you need an amazing apartment. You could also live at American (and commute further) with it being cheaper. Food cannot be that expensive, and if you’re working at the capitol they provide lots of free food. It’s also possible to work at night ( i know a bunch of ppl who did) being a waiter or something to cover expenses</p>
<p>I’m just not sure how youcould possibly spend that much money in two months.</p>
<p>DC is the better arena for what you’re looking for. Find a way to make it work. Since the cost is $2,500 higher, your financial aid should be higher. Which is not to say that the net cost to you won’t be more.</p>
<p>did you ask the school if you need to pay for those credits? credits usually cost because of the classroom/professor costs. However, if you are doing an internship then they dont get any of those costs, plus you work for free. In my experience, internships offer academic credit because they don’t have the money to pay you, and want to give you something back.</p>
<p>Why is this all of a sudden a crisis…it seems you would have known about this from the moment you declared your major. I have been in DC and will be there and it is unrealistic to spend what you are claiming…one could but it would not be necessary.</p>
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<p>Why do you care if you are in DC for job connections if what you really want is graduate school? I don’t understand that aspect of your thought process:</p>