Menu
May 21 – 26, 2023
Thoughts of Chicago conjure up pictures of skyscrapers, bright lights, and bustling streets but in between its world-renowned architecture, this metropolis is home to thriving urban farms and food justice initiatives. This program will explore the transformation of vacant lots to vegetable gardens that gave rise to neighborhood compost clubs and honey co-ops and beckons farm-to-table chefs from across the USA throughout Chicago and its surrounding greater urban area.
World Famous Architecture
Whether it's the skyline or historic alleyways, our adventure through Chicago will feature picture-worthy architecture.
Everything's Included
With the program fee covering everything you'll need, you can truly immerse yourself in the experience without worries about unexpected expenses or hidden fees.
Broaden Your Perspectives
How does urban farming contribute to developing equitable communities? We'll explore this theme with authentic learning experiences without compromising any fun.
Authentic Experiences
From beekeeping to foraging at Lincoln Park, we've developed an itinerary full of experiences that will forever change how you travel.
Global Community
Whether it's developing authentic connections with Sage alumni in Chicago, or building friendships with other like-minded travelers, you'll leave Chicago with a sense of belonging to a growing community.
World Famous Architecture
Whether it's the skyline or historic alleyways, our adventure through Chicago will feature picture-worthy architecture.
Everything's Included
With the program fee covering everything you'll need, you can truly immerse yourself in the experience without worries about unexpected expenses or hidden fees.
Broaden Your Perspectives
How does urban farming contribute to developing equitable communities? We'll explore this theme with authentic learning experiences without compromising any fun.
Authentic Experiences
From beekeeping to foraging at Lincoln Park, we've developed an itinerary full of experiences that will forever change how you travel.
Global Community
Whether it's developing authentic connections with Sage alumni in Chicago, or building friendships with other like-minded travelers, you'll leave Chicago with a sense of belonging to a growing community.
Welcome to Chicago! There’s no better way to start a Chicago experience than with a stop at Lou Malnati’s for a taste of their famous deep dish pizza pie. Then hope aboard an architecture river cruise to learn about some of the stars of Chicago’s skyline.
Start the day with a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship. Then tour Northwestern University and enjoy a meet and greet with Sage student alumni!
In the afternoon, take a stab at foraging at Lincoln Park! This ‘eat the neighborhood’ tour will have you looking at food and plants a whole new way.
End the day at a restaurant with a rooftop garden where you’ll learn all about their farm-to-table philosophy.
Meet up with the Chicago Food Policy Action Council who co-facilitate, advocate, and implement policies that advance food justice & sovereignty in Chicago, for the day! Start at Windy City Harvest to participate in their urban farming initiatives. Then visit El Paseo Community Garden to learn about food forests. Observing seven layers of plants grown in a harmonious, planned ecosystem.
End the day with dinner at Chicago’s famous Fulton Market.
Don a bee suit and learn about the Peer-to-Peer Farmer Mentorship Grant that allowed Cedillo’s to gain 6 hives while learning under another local beekeeper.
Then learn about how a community-lead initiative became reality and transformed the 9-acre former brownfield site to a renewable energy facility and green oasis for the community, while diverting 55M lbs of monthly food waste and creating over 300 new jobs created for the community.
The best way to wrap up your trip is with breakfast at the Blind Faith Café where everything we’ve learned about in the program is incorporated into delicious concoctions in a unique space.
There are currently no federal or state requirements related to Covid-19 for travel to Chicago.
In the event the program is delayed or cancelled due to COVID-19, all program fees will be fully refunded.
Insight has robust policies in place in the event participant(s) contract COVID during the program, in line with practices established by the Government and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). COVID-19 specific medical and interruption insurance is included in the program fee.
Insight has delivered international trips for a wide variety of audiences, including both adults and youths, since 2013. Our top priority from start to finish is the health and well-being of our participants. In the event conditions change while on trip, Insight may need to adjust the itinerary to ensure participant health and safety.
As with all trips, risks do exist and participants will need to complete Acknowledgement of Risk documentation prior to departure. Insight will take every precaution to ensure this experience is truly unforgettable, all for the right reasons. To learn more about our health and safety practices, please contact us.
If the program is cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all participants will be refunded in full.
Insight develops immersive travel programs that incorporate fun and adventure with purpose driven learning. By incorporating authentic experiences into the itinerary, we’re able to show you amazing things about Chicago while also broadening your perspectives. No need to worry as there won’t be any test at the end!
We’ve run programs for high school, university, and adults around the world. Chicago is a welcoming and safe city to visit. Our experienced team will be with you the entire time and will give you a thorough briefing upon arrival on best practices while exploring the city. We have run high school programming since 2013, all without significant incidents or issues.
The program fee includes flights, accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities as listed in the itinerary. It also includes travel and medical insurance. Personal expenses, such as shopping for souvenirs, are not included.
Chicago is a great program for students interested in food justice, sustainable development, equity, architecture, and environmental sustainability. Anyone who loves skylines and deep dish pizza will enjoy the cultural scene. Anyone who enjoys learning about and engaging with local initiatives will have plenty of opportunities to do so. Students who sign up should be comfortable with possible cool or humid weather.
Please refer to instructions sent by your school.
We take students out of the classroom and challenge them to learn about how the world really works in different places, delivering truly unique study abroad and student travel opportunities.