If you are an international teacher deciding where to apply to teach in the USA, you might be asking yourself: What is Illinois known for and why should I choose to live in Illinois?
When considering the State of Illinois, most people immediately think of Chicago, and that is definitely an important part of the state. But living in Illinois offers much more than just one city. It is a place where you can experience both big-city life and smaller communities within the same state.
Chicago: A Major Highlight of Living in Illinois
When people talk about what Illinois is known for, Chicago is usually the first thing they mention.
Chicago is one of those cities that feels big and exciting, but also easy to explore. There is always something happening, especially if you enjoy events, food, and culture.
For example, you could spend a weekend visiting Millennium Park to see “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), then walk over to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the most famous museums in the country. In the summer, you might attend large events like Lollapalooza, a huge music festival, or the Taste of Chicago, where you can try food from all over the city in one place.
If you enjoy views, you can go up the Willis Tower Skydeck or 360 Chicago for a look over the entire city. If you like being near the water, you can walk or bike along the Lakefront Trail, which runs right along Lake Michigan and feels almost like being next to the ocean.
Chicago is also known for sports and entertainment. You could go to a Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field, explore Navy Pier, or take an architecture boat tour to see the city from the river, which is something many visitors say is one of the best ways to understand Chicago.
Living in Illinois, especially near Chicago, means you have access to all of this. Whether it’s a festival, a museum, or just exploring a new neighborhood, there is always something new to experience.
At the same time, Chicago is very international. Many people come from different countries, so as an international teacher, you are not alone in being new.
Illinois is Not Just About the Big City
Illinois is also known for its variety of communities, nature and lifestyles.
If you are living in Illinois outside of Chicago, your experience may feel completely different and often more personal. Smaller cities and suburban towns like Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, or Naperville have strong communities where people know each other and schools are closely connected to local life.
In these areas, life tends to move at a slower pace. That often makes it easier to build relationships with coworkers, students, and neighbors. Many international teachers say this is where they feel most comfortable and supported.
Travel Within Illinois Is Easy and Accessible
One of the best parts of living in Illinois is how easy it is to explore.
Chicago is a major travel hub, so getting to other parts of Illinois and the US is relatively simple. But you don’t even need to leave the state to find new experiences. You can visit historic places like Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield, explore parks and nature areas, or take short weekend trips to nearby towns.
If you are in Chicago, public transportation makes getting around easy. In smaller areas, things are usually simple to navigate, even if you rely more on driving an automobile.
You Get All Four Seasons in the Midwest
If you are wondering what Illinois is known for beyond cities, the seasons are a big part of it.
Living in Illinois means experiencing all four seasons in a very clear way. Fall brings colorful leaves, winter brings snow and cold temperatures, spring feels fresh and new, and summer is full of festivals and outdoor activities.
For many international teachers, this is something completely different from home, and it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Classrooms Are Welcoming
Another reason people enjoy living in Illinois is the welcoming nature and cross-cultural experiences of the classrooms, especially in and around Chicago.
Many schools include students from varying cross-cultural and linguistic backgrounds. As an international teacher, this means learning about the richness of American culture, which may include a wide variety of cross-cultural backgrounds of your students and host community. Each experience and school culture is unique.
So, what is Illinois known for?
Living in Illinois gives you the opportunity to explore a world-class city, connect with smaller communities, travel easily, and experience real seasonal change. For international teachers, that combination can turn a teaching program into something much bigger: a full cultural experience.
Often the places you are the least familiar with at first end up being the ones you are most glad you chose to visit.