Studying abroad is not only a learning journey but also an opportunity for you to explore a new land, expand your horizons, and shape your future. If you are planning to study in the United States and are looking for a vibrant, multicultural destination with a high-quality education system, the city of Chicago promises to provide worthwhile study abroad experiences. In this article, let's learn about the city of Chicago, from interesting tourist destinations to famous universities!

1. Overview of the city of Chicago

1.1. What US state is Chicago in?

The city of Chicago is located in the state of Illinois and on the western shore of Lake Michigan – one of North America's five largest and famous lakes. The city is located on a large plain, surrounded by two major rivers, the Chicago River that flows through the center and the Calumet River that flows through the South Side industrial region.

Strategically located in the Midwest of the United States, Chicago is not only famous as an important financial center but also a major trading hub with strengths in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and services. This also makes it easy for the city to connect to other vibrant cities such as New York, Washington D.C., or the Southern and Western states of the United States.

1.2. Climate of the city of Chicago

Chicago has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, providing international students with a variety of weather experiences:

  • Summer (June to August):

    Warm, humid and can be quite hot. The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 29°C. The city regularly picks up winds along the lake's shores, which help cool the air, but there can also be heat waves or thunderstorms.

  • Fall (September to November):

    Cool and pleasant, with Chicago temperatures around 7°C to 24°C. This is a time of year when the landscape is beautiful with leaves changing colors.

  • Winter (late November to early March):

    Cold, snowy and windy. The average temperature is usually below 0°C, which can drop to -20°C or lower during severe cold snaps. Heavy snowfall and occasional blizzards are common in Chicago. In particular, Lake Michigan can bring a lake snow effect, making the snowfall in the area near the lake even thicker.

  • Spring (March to May): The

    weather is unstable, starting cold with snow falling in March-April and gradually warming up in May. Temperatures in Chicago range from 0°C to 21°C.

Chicago is also known as "The Windy City," thanks in part to its proximity to Lake Michigan, where rain and strong winds are frequent. So don't forget to prepare the right clothes for all four seasons of the year. The average annual rainfall is about 990 mm, concentrated in spring and summer.

1.3. Economic potential of the city of Chicago

Founded in 1837, Chicago has grown from a small town to an important center of commerce, as well as the focal point of America's largest rail and air system. This makes the city the "maritime crossroads and center of America's rail system," facilitating transportation and trade across the globe.

In addition, the city of Chicago is also one of the largest economic centers in the United States and the world, with GDP ranking third in the country after New York and Los Angeles. This city has a diverse and strong economy in many fields such as: Finance, Insurance, Logistics, Healthcare, Technology and Industrial Production.

1.4. People and culture in the city of Chicago

Chicago offers a learning space that harmoniously combines academics, culture, and modern lifestyles. Not only is Chicago prominent for its skyscrapers and strong economy, but it is also one of the most multicultural cities in the United States, with an immigrant community from more than 100 countries, creating an open and identity-rich living environment.

Chicago culture is a unique blend of art, music, food, and entertainment. The city is the cradle of jazz and blues, home to a variety of music festivals, street art and theatre performances throughout the year.

2. Landmarks in the city of Chicago

Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most iconic and iconic destinations. Located in the heart of the busy The Loop area, this park is not only a relaxing green space in the middle of the city but also a hub for art, culture and community activities. The biggest highlight here is the Cloud Gate – also known as "The Bean." This is a sculpture designed in the shape of a giant bean made of 168 stainless steel plates, the ultra-glossy surface reflects the panoramic view of the city.

Willis Tower & Skydeck Chicago

With a height of 442 meters (including the roof) and 110 floors, the Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and the third in the United States to date. The 103rd floor of the Willis Tower is home to the famous Skydeck, which allows you to get panoramic views of the city of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and maybe even see four other states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan) on clear days.

Art Institute of Chicago

As one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in the American city of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago is a place that inspires millions of international students every year. With more than 300,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history from ancient times to modern times, this is where you can admire masterpieces of painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, and even decorative arts. The Art Institute of Chicago exhibits many classics such as: A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Nighthawks, American Gothic and works by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall...

Garfield Park Conservatory

Known as one of the largest and most beautiful greenhouses in North America, the Garfield Park Conservatory is the ideal destination for you to relax and change the wind on weekends. The Garfield Park Conservatory consists of 10 different botanical exhibits, such as the Fern Room (ancient fern forest), Palm House (tropical palm forest), Desert House (desert cactus) and Aroid House (tropical large-leaved trees). In addition to the plant displays, the greenhouse also regularly organizes plant planting workshops, yoga in the garden, and plant art exhibitions – helping you both relax and connect with the local community.

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3. Benefits of studying abroad in Chicago, USA

Studying abroad in the city of Chicago not only gives you academic benefits, but also career opportunities, personal growth, and cultural experience. Here are the outstanding benefits:

3.1. System of prestigious universities

The city of Chicago is home to many prestigious universities such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Chicago schools are known for their academic culture that promotes critical thinking, discussion, and exploration, helping you develop problem-solving and independent thinking skills. You'll easily find programs that suit you in a wide range of fields, from Science, Engineering, Health, Business to Arts and Communications.

3.2. Career opportunities and professional development

As a major center for Finance, Technology, Healthcare, and Logistics, the city of Chicago in the United States offers many internship and employment opportunities for international students during their studies and after graduation. Universities in Chicago often have partnerships in many fields, offering many internship opportunities, hands-on experience, and clinical experience (especially in the health professions) that help you gain valuable experience before you graduate.

3.3. Diverse living environments and cultural experiences

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural city that is home to more than ten different cultural and racial groups. It's easy to find a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and helps you feel "at home." You can explore unique neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Argyle Street with its rich Vietnamese cuisine, or Devon, which is famous for its authentic Indian flavors

4. Famous Universities in Chicago

DePaul University

Founded in 1898, DePaul is one of the largest private universities in the city of Chicago, with more than 20,000 students from all over the U.S. states and more than 100 countries around the world. DePaul University is among the top best national universities in the U.S. for 2024-2025 (according to U.S. News & World Report 2025). DePaul is often recognized as one of the best value for money, thanks to the quality of education and job opportunities after graduation.

When you study at DePaul University, you will have a choice between more than 130 majors for the Bachelor's program, and more than 170 majors for the Graduate program. The university is well-known for its many quality training programs in the fields of Business, Communication, Law, Science and Health, Music and Education..

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is a well-known private research university in the city of Chicago, known for its majors that focus on engineering, science, and technology. The school is ranked #29 on the list of Best Value Schools (according to U.S. News & World Report 2025). Illinois Tech is well-known for its high-quality training programs in the fields of Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology – IT, Law..

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private Roman Catholic research university, run by the Jesuits, located in Chicago, Illinois. The university is ranked #132 among the best National Universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report 2025). The university is also ranked #37 on the list of the best engineering schools in the U.S. in 2025. Loyola University Chicago is renowned for its wide range of academic programs spanning the fields of Health and Wellness, Business, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities..

The University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is the largest public university in the city of Chicago and the city's only public research institution to be classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification. This demonstrates the university's strong commitment to research and innovation activities. UIC offers more than 94 bachelor's programs, 102 master's programs, and 64 doctoral programs centered around areas such as Health and Wellness, Business, Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Rehabilitation Sciences..

Scholarships of up to $12,000 for post-secondary education

You may want to know: Study in the USA at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

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5. Cost of studying abroad in Chicago

The cost of studying in Chicago can fluctuate significantly depending on a variety of factors such as the type of school, level of study, major, personal lifestyle, and type of housing that suits your needs. However, in general, Chicago is considered to have a more affordable cost of living than other major US cities such as New York or San Francisco. To be financially prepared, you can proactively estimate the cost of studying abroad through IDP's Study Abroad Cost Calculator.

6. Career opportunities in the city of Chicago

Chicago is a large and dynamic economic hub that offers you a wide variety of career opportunities in a variety of fields immediately after graduation. With the headquarters of more than 30 US Fortune 500 companies and 12 Fortune Global 500 companies, Chicago has a competitive but also a potential labor market for those who want to develop a career in the US.

In addition, international students can take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs to gain work experience related to their major. For graduates from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines, you may be eligible to extend your OPT by 24 months, bringing the total number of years up to 3 years, significantly increasing your chances of gaining experience and finding long-term employment.

See more: What is OPT? Post-graduation work program in the U.S.

Plan to study abroad in the US city of Chicago with IDP

Chicago is not only a bustling economic center and a city full of impressive architecture,e but also an ideal study abroad destination that offers the perfect combination of top-notch academics, open career opportunities, and a colorful urban life. From prestigious universities to a dynamic living environment and a reasonable cost of living, Chicago will be the ideal choice for your study abroad journey.

As the world's leading educational institution, IDP is proud of its strong network of links with prestigious universities and educational institutions in the United States, giving you a wide choice of quality schools and courses in major states and cities. including the city of Chicago. You will be supported by experienced consultants to prepare your study abroad application, choose a school, and choose a major that suits your aspirations and personal abilities. IDP's consultants always proactively recommend suitable scholarships to study in the US, from 30% to 100% of tuition fees, and support you to the maximum during the scholarship hunting process.

Don't forget to download the IDP Live app and experience the Fastlane feature to receive admission offers quickly, helping you shorten your waiting time and start your dream journey soon.

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