University of Dreams

I know that I've talked about my summer with University of Dreams a lot, and I swear this is the last time I'm going to, it'll be hard not to, but I'll try my hardest, I just might break a promise, sorry. But since I had such a fantastic summer with this internship program and the deadline to apply is getting close, I thought that I'd spend this blog promoting the program for those of you who are looking for an internship during the summer to help with gaining experience in the field that you're intereseted in.

University of Dreams is an all-inclusive summer internship program for college students. You spend two months in one of the following cities: Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Barcelona. You are able to choose your own internship and meet many different people from not only the United States, but throughout the world. Within the program, you get a professionally revised resume and interview coaching with the help of a placement agent, housing, your meals provided, academic course credit, transportation to and from work, weekly seminars from inspirational speakers, weekend activities, and a summer of a lifetime.

University of Dreams offers internships in many industries, including: Advertising, Fashion, Marketing, Finance, Theatre/Arts, Hospitality & Tourism, Non-Profit, Real Estate, Legal, Photography, Publishing, Technology, Event Planning, Public RelationsTelevision and Broadcasting, and Music Radio.

This is a guaranteed internship program, which means, you are guaranteed an internship in the city of your choice, and if not, you are given your money back. But the chances of not being placed are extremely unlikely. According to the program's website, in the six years that they have been running their summer internship programs, they have successfully placed over 99% of enrolled participants. Not a bad deal right. To be eligible for the progam, you must be a full-time college student at a four-year university or have graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, but you must be within the age of 18-26. Your GPA should be 2.5 or higher and all majors are welcome.

The cost of the program differs according to which city you choose to live in.

New York: $7,499

Chicago: $6,499

San Francisco: $6,499

Los Angeles: $7,499

London: $8,999

Barcelona: $7,999

The dates of the program also differs according to which city you live in:

New York Session 1: 5/27 - 7/21

New York Session 2: 6/10 - 8/4

Chicago: 6/17 - 8/11

San Francisco: 6/10 - 8/4

Los Angeles: 6/24 - 8/18

London: 6/11 - 8/4

Barcelona: 6/24 - 8/18

The application deadline for San Francisco, Chicago, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and London is May 1, and the deadline for both sessions of New York is April 1.

My experience in New York City was the best experience I have ever had. Throughout the summer, I interned at BlackBook Magazine in NoHo, (BlackBook's office on Broadway seen below) in the advertising section. I loved every second of it. I took the subway to work everyday, ate lunch in little cafes on cobblestone sidewalks, delivered packages throughout the whole city, attended parties at VIP clubs in which the magazine hosted, and was able to sell ads for the magazine's 10th Anniversary Issue.

I lived in one of NYU's dorms, located in Union Square, was provided with dinner everynight and a little extra money on my I.D. card for groceries in the dining hall and the Dunkin Donut's next door. I lived in an apartment style dorm with three other roommates from different schools, who I am still in contact with now. I attended weekly seminars every Wednesday night, with guest speakers such as Patrick Combs, who inspired us to break a 1-inch board in half with our hand, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a Ghanaian who overcame a disability to achieve his dreams, and Eric Lochtefeld, the company's founder.

Throughout the summer I was able to go on a double-decker bus tour through Manhattan and into Brooklyn, see the Broadway play "Rent," attend a Yankee's game against the Chicago White Sox, travel to Atlantic City for the fourth of July weekend, hop aboard a sunset cruise around NYC's harbor, and party at a VIP club the progam rented out just for the dreamers.

On my day's off, I found myself shopping at Bloomingdale's, constantly visiting the Today Show until I finally was able to meet Matt Lauer (seen below signing his autograph for me), walking through museums, sitting on the beach at Coney Island, and walking around Greenwich Village.

I have nothing but great things to say about University of Dreams. The program and the staff were so organized and for me, it was probably the biggest and scariest thing I had ever gotten myself into, and each member of the staff was so helpful and made it so easy for me to make the transition from a small town to a big city. It really was the summer of a lifetime. I met so many great new friends and made so many memories that will last forever.

If you would like to hear former dreamer's speak about the program and their experience, you can watch this video. Apply now and have the summer of dreams!