USA | J-1 Internship Opportunities

Advanced Culinary Internship - Michelin-Star

📍 Chicago, IL, USA
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Overview Company Role Skills Qualifications Benefits Housing Location Apply Now

Overview

Start your J-1 journey with Bridge Aspire.

Gain professional, hands-on experience in the United States through a tailored and inclusive J-1 internship program. Our partner host companies offer meaningful roles across key industries including business, hospitality, engineering, marketing, and more — all designed to help you grow your skills and your global career.

Throughout your program, you’ll be supported by Bridge Aspire and our U.S. sponsor partners with guidance on visa preparation, cultural adaptation, and professional development, so you can focus on learning, contributing, and making the most of your time in the USA.

What’s Included

Every Bridge Aspire internship includes core services designed to keep you supported before, during, and after your program.

Global Career Readiness Program Connect your academic background with real-world U.S. workplace experience and coaching.
Paid Internships Only Every placement offers competitive pay, helping you earn while you gain practical experience.
On-Site or Local Coordinator Support from local staff or company mentors for questions, guidance, and cultural adjustment.
Health & Safety Support 24/7 emergency assistance during your program period in the USA.
About the Role

Step into the vanguard of modern gastronomy in the dynamic world of haute cuisine with this J-1 Culinary Arts Internship in Chicago, IL. This program offers a unique opportunity to train at a world-renowned, Michelin-Starred restaurant famous for its entirely thematic, rotating menu concept. Designed for ambitious international culinary professionals, this internship provides hands-on experience in a high-pressure, elite kitchen environment. You will work alongside renowned chefs, learning intricate culinary techniques and contributing to the creation of exceptional, ever-changing dishes that push the boundaries of modern dining.

J-1 Advanced Culinary Arts Internship Michelin-Star – Chicago, IL

The comprehensive training curriculum rotates participants through various kitchen stations, including prep, the hot line, the cold line, and pastry. You will gain exposure to advanced food preparation, from butchery and fishmongery to vegetable processing, all while executing recipes with absolute precision. Mentorship is a core component; you are encouraged to embrace a learning mindset, seeking guidance from senior chefs to refine your speed, accuracy, and understanding of fine-dining execution.

This position is tailored for highly motivated candidates with prior fine dining experience. You will finish the program with unparalleled foundational knowledge in Michelin-level culinary standards, empowering you to pursue leadership roles in top-tier kitchens worldwide.

Benefits

• Highly Competitive Hourly Wage at $21.00 per hour

• Direct mentorship from world-class chefs and hospitality leaders

• Intensive training in Michelin-level culinary execution and advanced knife skills

• Exposure to an innovative, rotating thematic menu concept

• Cultural immersion in the vibrant Fulton Market district of Chicago

Company Overview

Located in the heart of Chicago’s dynamic Fulton Market district, this host organization is a global icon of culinary innovation. The restaurant offers a unique pre-fixe experience that undergoes a complete creative overhaul every four months, inviting guests to explore a new culinary region, theme, or historical moment in time.

J-1 Advanced Culinary Arts Internship Michelin-Star – Chicago, Ilinois

Recognized as the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation and awarded a Michelin Star, the organization operates with an unwavering commitment to creativity and excellence. As a J-1 host, they offer an intense, highly structured training environment. Interns are integrated into a team of passionate professionals who operate at the pinnacle of global gastronomy. This is an extraordinary setting for a Culinary Arts Internship, offering unmatched exposure to visionary culinary execution and menu conceptualization.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Work closely with the chef team to prepare high-quality ingredients, including butchery, fishmongery, vegetable preparation, and pastry work.

• Station Support: Rotate through various kitchen stations, providing critical assistance on the hot line, cold line, and pastry stations.

• Recipe Execution: Follow complex recipes and advanced techniques meticulously to ensure consistency and adherence to Michelin-level standards.

• Kitchen Maintenance: Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization, including equipment sanitation and proper storage of ingredients.

• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with fellow interns and kitchen staff to execute service smoothly and efficiently during high-pressure services.

• Safety and Hygiene: Strictly adhere to all food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure a safe environment for colleagues and guests.

Required Skills

• Basic and advanced knife skills.

• Comprehensive understanding and execution of kitchen sanitation guidelines – Food Handlers Certificate needed.

• Familiarity with fine dining and luxury culinary standards.

Qualifications

• Must meet J-1 Visa eligibility: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated within 12 months with a degree in Culinary Arts.

• Trainees: Culinary degree plus 1 year of experience OR 5 years of verified professional experience.

• Fine Dining experience is required; prior Michelin-Star experience is highly preferred.

• Advanced English proficiency – Upper-Intermediate to Fluent, B2 level or higher – is critical for kitchen safety and communication.

• Strong work ethic, passion for the culinary arts, and the physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and maintain pace.

• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Special Requirement: Candidates must prepare a short video under 2 minutes demonstrating their knife skills by breaking down an onion or prepping vegetables, showcasing speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Soft Skills

• Strong teamwork and dependability.

• Enthusiasm, motivation, and a positive attitude.

• Unwavering attention to detail and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits
Uniform Provided, Free staff perks
Housing Details

The Host Business does not provide housing for this position. Participants are expected to secure their own accommodation in Chicago. The restaurant is located in the vibrant Fulton Market neighborhood, famous for its restaurant and bar scene, and is highly accessible via major public transit, including CTA trains and buses. Candidates should be prepared to manage their housing search independently, fostering a true immersion into life in a major US metropolitan hub.

Paid J-1 Visa Internships in Chicago, IL

J-1 Hospitality Internship and professional exchange programs in Chicago offer unparalleled growth in the dynamic "Windy City." Whether you are pursuing luxury hospitality, Michelin-starred culinary arts, large-scale event management, or corporate finance, Chicago provides elite career opportunities amidst breathtaking architectural grandeur and the genuine, welcoming charm of the American Midwest.

Apply Now for Your Internship

Why Chicago?

J-1 Hospitality Internship placements in Chicago offer unparalleled exposure to one of the most robust hospitality and culinary markets in the world. As the economic and cultural capital of the American Midwest, Chicago boasts a magnificent skyline, miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, and a dining scene that regularly commands global attention.For J-1 Visa participants, Chicago provides the ultimate big-city training ground. Whether you are managing events at McCormick Place (the largest convention center in North America), training at a five-star hotel on the Magnificent Mile, or cooking in a Michelin-starred kitchen in the West Loop, Chicago sets the benchmark for elite professional standards mixed with genuine Midwestern hospitality.

What to Expect

Life in Chicago is defined by its distinct neighborhoods, its architectural beauty, and its intense weather. The city is a grid, making it incredibly easy to navigate, and the culture is famously friendly and hardworking. Pretentiousness is rare here; locals value authenticity, good food, and sports.Expect to rely heavily on public transit—the iconic "L" train connects the entire city. While the winters are famously brutal and require serious preparation, interns quickly learn that a Chicago summer—with its neighborhood street festivals, rooftop bars, and lively lakefront—is the best summer in the United States.

Fast Facts About Chicago

Population≈ 2.7 million (city) • 9.4 million+ (Metro Area)
City VibeArchitectural, foodie-paradise, hardworking, welcoming
Average Shared Rent~ $900–$1,500 USD per month (Moderate to High)
Main TransitCTA "L" Trains & Buses; No car needed
ClimateContinental • Gorgeous Summers • Freezing Winters
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Luxury Hotels

Downtown Chicago (The Loop and River North) is packed with historic luxury properties like The Drake, The Langham, and The Peninsula, offering elite front-of-house and management training.

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Culinary Capital

Beyond deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a global fine-dining powerhouse. The West Loop's "Restaurant Row" is a masterclass in culinary arts, high-volume service, and modern gastronomy.

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Events & Conventions

Chicago is the king of conventions. Event management interns gain incredible experience handling massive logistics for international trade shows, medical conferences, and corporate galas.

Best Neighborhoods for Interns in Chicago

Chicago is a "city of neighborhoods," each with its own distinct flavor and culture. Choosing where to live usually depends on which CTA train line runs closest to your internship. Staying off the main train lines makes living car-free highly convenient.

Busy downtown streets and high-rise buildings in River North Chicago

River North & The Loop

The bustling downtown core. It is dense, packed with skyscrapers, tourists, and luxury hotels. Rent here is the most expensive in the city, but you can likely walk to your hospitality placement.

Classic brick brownstone homes and green trees in Lincoln Park Chicago

Lincoln Park & Lakeview

Located just north of downtown along the lake. These areas are incredibly popular for young professionals and interns. They offer beautiful parks, great nightlife, and easy commutes via the Red or Brown Line.

Trendy bars and restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square Chicago

Logan Square & Wicker Park

Located northwest on the Blue Line, these neighborhoods are the trendy, creative, hipster hubs of Chicago. Expect amazing coffee shops, vintage stores, and an incredible independent food scene.

Cost of Living Overview

Chicago offers "New York amenities at a Midwestern price." While not cheap, it is significantly more affordable than San Francisco or Boston. Living with roommates in neighborhoods a few stops outside of downtown is the key to maintaining a comfortable budget.
CategoryEstimated Range (USD / month)Notes
Shared Housing$900 – $1,500Rent decreases the further you move from the downtown Loop.
Groceries & Eating Out$400 – $600Jewel-Osco and Aldi are popular; dining out includes many taxes.
Local Transport$75A 30-Day CTA Pass is exactly $75. Extremely cost-effective.
Phone & Internet$60 – $90Standard utility rates. Winter heating bills can be high.
Free Time & Activities$200 – $400Lakefront access is free; concerts and nightlife can add up.

Intern Experiences in Chicago

Interns consistently highlight Chicago's incredible balance of demanding, elite professional training and a welcoming, down-to-earth social environment.

Rooms Division • 12-month internship

“I worked at a luxury property on the Magnificent Mile. The volume of guests during the summer is staggering. I lived in Lakeview and took the Red Line to work every day. The city is so vibrant and alive.”

— Julien, France

Culinary Arts • 12-month internship

“The culinary scene in the West Loop pushed me to my limits in the best way possible. Winter was a shock to my system coming from a warm climate, but you buy a good coat and learn to embrace it!”

— Maria, Brazil

Event Management • 12-month internship

“Chicago people are the friendliest big-city people I’ve ever met. I helped manage corporate events, and the scale of operations here is massive. Summer weekends at North Avenue Beach were my favorite.”

— Akari, Japan

Navigate Your J-1 Journey with The Participant Compass

Your all-in-one hub for J-1 Visa participants — from preparing your DS-7002 and securing your placement, to adjusting to life in the U.S. and returning home. The Participant Compass helps you confidently move through every stage of your exchange journey.

🧭 Visit The Participant Compass Hub

Weekend Things To Do In Chicago

Chicago is a cultural heavyweight. With endless museums, distinct food traditions, and 26 miles of public lakefront, you will never run out of ways to spend your days off.

     
  • Architecture River Tour: Do this your very first weekend. Taking a boat down the Chicago River is the best way to understand the city's history and skyline.
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  • The Lakefront Trail: 18 miles of paved path along Lake Michigan. Perfect for running, biking, or walking from the beaches to downtown.
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  • Art Institute of Chicago: One of the world's greatest art museums, located right in Grant Park next to Millennium Park (home of "The Bean").
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  • Wrigley Field: Catching a Chicago Cubs baseball game in this historic neighborhood stadium is a quintessential summer experience.
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  • The Pizza Debate: Try the famous Deep Dish pizza (Lou Malnati's or Giordano's), but also try "Tavern Style"—the thin, square-cut pizza that locals actually eat more often.
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  • Second City Comedy: Chicago is the birthplace of modern improv comedy. See a show where many famous Saturday Night Live actors got their start.
A tour boat traveling down the Chicago River surrounded by skyscrapers

Finding Housing in Chicago

The Chicago rental market moves fast, especially in the summer. Because the city is so expansive, your primary goal should be finding an apartment within a 10-minute walk of a CTA "L" train station.Consider looking in **Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, or Pilsen** for vibrant, intern-friendly areas.
     
  • Start your search **4-6 weeks** before arrival.
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  • Move-In Fees: Many Chicago landlords charge a non-refundable "move-in fee" (often $300-$500) instead of a traditional security deposit.
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  • Heating Costs: Ask if heat is included in the rent. If your building uses radiator heat, it might be included. If it uses gas forced-air, your winter heating bills can be high.
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  • Garden Units: You will see ads for "Garden Apartments." These are basement or semi-underground units. They are cheaper, but ensure they get good natural light and are secure.
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  • Roommate Groups: Utilize Facebook groups like "Chicago Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets" to find established apartments looking for a new roommate.

Tips for International Interns

Chicagoans are tough, proud, and friendly. Adapt to these local norms to fit right in.
     
  • Midwestern Nice: It is genuine. People will hold doors, strike up conversations at bus stops, and offer directions if you look lost.
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  • The Ketchup Rule: Never ask for ketchup on a classic Chicago-style hot dog. It is considered a local sin. (Mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt only!)
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  • The Grid System: Chicago's streets run on a strict grid meeting at State and Madison streets downtown. Once you learn the grid coordinates, you can never get lost.
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  • The Pedway: Downtown Chicago has an underground system of pedestrian tunnels called the "Pedway." It connects train stations, offices, and hotels, allowing you to bypass the freezing winter wind.
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  • "The Loop": When locals say "The Loop," they mean the central downtown business district, named for the rectangle created by the elevated train tracks overhead.

Weather & Seasons in Chicago

Chicago is a city of extremes. You must mentally and physically prepare for the winter, which makes the reward of the summer so incredibly sweet.

Summer (Jun – Aug)

Hot, humid, and energetic. Highs are typically 80°F–90°F (27°C–32°C). The city comes alive with outdoor dining, massive music festivals (like Lollapalooza), and packed beaches.

Winter (Nov – Mar)

Fierce and freezing. The "wind chill" from Lake Michigan makes it feel much colder than the actual temperature. You must invest in a heavy, knee-length down coat, insulated boots, and thick gloves.

Chicago Commuting & Transportation

An elevated CTA L train traveling through the downtown Chicago Loop

The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) operates the famous "L" trains and buses. A monthly Ventra pass is essential for interns, making the city entirely accessible without a car. Source: CTA (2025)

Owning a car in Chicago is an expensive headache due to parking costs, city stickers, and digging your car out of the snow. Luckily, Chicago has one of the best public transit systems in the country.

The **CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)** runs the buses and the elevated trains, universally called the **"L"** (short for elevated).

     
  • Ventra Card: This is your transit pass. You can buy a physical card or load it directly onto your Apple/Google Wallet. A 30-day unlimited pass is $75.
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  • The Color Lines: Train lines are color-coded. The Red Line (North/South) and Blue Line (to O'Hare Airport) run 24 hours a day, which is crucial for late-night hospitality shifts.
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  • Divvy Bikes: Chicago's bike-share program is excellent. There are stations everywhere, offering classic and e-bikes for riding the Lakefront Trail or commuting in the summer.

Always check the CTA tracker app before leaving for work in the winter, as extreme snow can sometimes cause delays on the above-ground tracks.

Chicago Safety & Navigation

Chicago is a major metropolis. While the downtown core and northern neighborhoods are generally very safe, big-city street smarts are mandatory.

     
  • 🚇 Late Night Transit: While the Red and Blue lines run 24/7, ride in the front train car near the conductor if you are commuting very late at night.
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  • ❄️ Winter Survival: "Dibs" is a local tradition where people claim shoveled street parking spots with lawn chairs. Never move someone's "dibs" chair! Also, watch out for falling ice from skyscrapers during the winter melt.
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  • 🎧 Awareness: Avoid walking with noise-canceling headphones at night. Stay alert to your surroundings.
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  • 🚗 Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are abundant, but always verify the license plate and driver's name before getting into a car.
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  • 🚨 Emergency: Dial 911. Chicago has a massive network of world-class hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial right downtown.

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Disclaimer: Estimates only. Actual take-home and costs vary by placement, housing market, and lifestyle. Always follow your sponsor’s guidance.

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Race & Ethnicity in Chicago

Chicago is a beautifully diverse, global city that is roughly divided into thirds demographically. Neighborhoods take immense pride in their unique cultural heritage, from the vibrant Latino community in Pilsen to the historic African American legacy in Bronzeville, and a bustling, ever-expanding Chinatown.

     
  • White (Non-Hispanic): ~33%
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  • Black or African American: ~29% (Deep historical roots on the South and West sides)
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  • Hispanic or Latino: ~29% (Strong Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage)
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  • Asian: ~7%

Chicago is a highly welcoming and inclusive city for international visitors. It boasts a massive LGBTQ+ community centered in "Northalsted" (formerly Boystown), ensuring a progressive environment with strong legal protections for all residents and interns.

Race and ethnicity distribution chart for Chicago, Illinois

Data source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimate (2023)

J-1 Intern Salaries & Taxes

Chicago offers a high minimum wage that competes with coastal cities, making it a lucrative spot for interns. The state income tax is a flat rate, making your paycheck easy to calculate, though you must budget for high local sales taxes when shopping or dining out.

Typical Intern Salary

Paid J-1 internships in Chicago typically pay $18.00 – $24.00 per hour ($2,900 – $3,800/month).

Note: Chicago has a strong tipped minimum wage, making front-of-house hospitality roles highly profitable during the busy summer tourist and convention season.

Taxes & Deductions

You must pay Federal income tax AND Illinois State Income Tax (A flat rate of 4.95%). J-1 interns are generally exempt from FICA taxes.

Tip: While income tax is a flat 4.95%, be aware that Chicago has one of the highest sales taxes in the country (10.25%) applied to most retail goods and restaurant meals.

Chicago Culture & Etiquette

Chicago culture is defined by big-city hustle paired with "Midwestern Nice." It lacks the pretentiousness of New York or Los Angeles, valuing hard work, authenticity, and community.

     
  • Midwestern Nice: People are genuinely friendly. It is completely normal to chat with the cashier at the grocery store or a stranger at the bus stop.
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  • The Ketchup Sin: Never, ever ask for ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog. It is a massive local faux pas. The correct toppings are mustard, neon relish, onions, tomato, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt.
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  • "Dibs": In the winter, if someone shovels a street parking spot out of the snow and places a lawn chair or bucket in it, that spot is claimed. Never move someone's "dibs."
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  • Sports Division: The city is fiercely loyal to its sports teams. In baseball, you must choose a side: The Cubs (North Side) or the White Sox (South Side).
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  • The Lake is Not an Ocean: Locals call Lake Michigan "The Lake," even though it looks and acts like an ocean (complete with beaches and waves). It is the heart of the city's summer lifestyle.

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Paid J-1 Visa Internships in Chicago, IL – FAQ

Chicago provides the ultimate big-city training ground, rivaling New York in scale but offering a more welcoming "Midwestern" culture. It is home to North America's largest convention center (McCormick Place) and a Michelin-starred dining scene, making it the perfect ecosystem for ambitious hospitality, culinary, and event management interns.

 

No, you absolutely do not need a car in Chicago. The city has one of the best public transit systems in the United States. The CTA "L" trains and buses connect the entire city, and major routes like the Red and Blue lines operate 24 hours a day, which is essential for late-night hospitality shifts.

 

J-1 interns in Chicago typically earn between $18.00 and $24.00 per hour. Because Illinois has a high minimum wage and a strong tipped wage structure, front-of-house roles and banquet serving can be highly lucrative, especially during the busy summer tourist and convention seasons.

You should budget between $900 and $1,500 per month for a room in a shared apartment. Rent is highest in the downtown Loop and River North neighborhoods. To save money, most interns live a few train stops away in vibrant neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, or Logan Square.

Illinois charges a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, making it very easy to calculate your net paycheck. However, while the income tax is straightforward, you must budget for Chicago's high local sales tax (10.25%), which applies to retail goods and dining out.

Chicago winters are famously freezing, with temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F (-6°C) from December through March. The "wind chill" off Lake Michigan makes it feel even colder. You must invest in a heavy, knee-length down coat, insulated boots, and thick gloves to commute comfortably.

Yes, the downtown core and northern neighborhoods where most interns live and work are generally very safe. However, Chicago is a major metropolis, and big-city street smarts are mandatory. You should always stay alert, avoid walking alone late at night with noise-canceling headphones, and stick to well-lit areas.

It is a massive local tradition to never ask for ketchup on a classic Chicago-style hot dog. It is considered a culinary faux pas. The authentic local recipe strictly calls for mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.

 

Yes, Chicago is incredibly easy to navigate because it is built on a strict, mathematical grid system. The grid centers at the intersection of State and Madison streets downtown. Once you understand the grid coordinates, it is nearly impossible to get permanently lost.

Absolutely. Beyond its famous deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a global fine-dining powerhouse. Neighborhoods like the West Loop (known as "Restaurant Row") are packed with James Beard Award-winning chefs and Michelin-starred kitchens, offering elite training in modern gastronomy.

 

Chicago is the unrivaled king of the convention industry. It hosts McCormick Place, which offers 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. Event management interns gain incredible, high-volume experience handling massive logistics for international trade shows, medical conferences, and corporate galas.

Summer in Chicago is legendary and makes the harsh winter completely worth it. Interns spend their free time relaxing on 26 miles of public beaches along Lake Michigan, biking the Lakefront Trail, enjoying rooftop bars, and attending massive outdoor events like Lollapalooza and neighborhood street festivals.

 After your J-1 internship concludes (as defined by the end date on your DS-2019, you have a 30-day Travel Grace Period. You are no longer allowed to work during this time, but you can travel extensively. This is the perfect time to visit other iconic U.S. destinations. Check our travel guides for Arizona (Grand Canyon) or Louisiana (New Orleans) for nearby adventure ideas before you return home.