Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm from out of town, what do I do about housing?
Participants are required to secure their own lodging. Foresight will assist with referrals to places that have hosted students in the past. These range from "host' families to a local housing and dining Co-op to a residential hotel. Chicago also has a robust rental housing market that often has (furnished) sublets available. Craig's List and the Chicago Reader are good resources. Costs can vary widely depending on the situation. Interns and participants in the past have been able to secure spaces for a modest sum. The co-op is very reasonable and their price includes food. They do, however, have an application and interview process they require all potential residents to complete.
Will the program require all of my time, or would it be possible to do another job/activity?
Immersion is an intensive, full-time undertaking what aims to provide the maximum benefit in the given time period. Thus, we discourage taking outside jobs, as participants will only truly benefit from a full-time effort.
Can I receive class credit for participating on the program?
Foresight does not currently offer class credit for participation on the program. However, if students are able to facilitate this through their institution, Foresight will work with them to file the necessary forms. Given the hybrid nature of Immersion, fulfilling an internship or experiential learning requirement is probably most likely/feasible.
What kind of people have participated in the past? What type of participants are you looking for?
A diversity of participants contribute to creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Projects benefit from teams with a multitude of skills and perspectives. Past attendees have come with a variety of skills, levels of experience and backgrounds, including anthropology, psychology, design, urban planning, environmental studies, architecture, and music. They all shared a serious interest in sustainability. What is crucial to each group is an ability to work together, to be resourceful, to learn by doing, to be creative and realistic (and visionary), to be self-directed, to not be afraid to explore and fail and learn and succeed. A sense of humor is also useful, if not mandatory.
Do I have to be a student?
No. The program is open to participants who are college-age or older, whether actively enrolled or not.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please send any questions to immersion@foresightdesign.org.