Cessna Citation Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
We were on a flight to MDW.  Due to delays; we were asked to hold on southwest of the Peoria VOR on the 200 degree radial with 10 NM legs. Initially; I had set right turns in the FMS; because the Controller did not specify they wanted us to make non-standard turns. The Captain then instructed me to change it to left turns; because we were instructed to hold 'southwest' of the VOR. To avoid an argument; I asked the Controller to verify they wanted us to hold southwest of the VOR. Controller confirmed that fact. So; there we were in a hold over the Peoria VOR making non-standard turns without the Controller asking us to do it. We held for 45 minutes; and Controller did not say anything to us about it; so I'm guessing we were not creating a conflict. In the future; I will ask specifically if left or right turns are wanted; if there is any doubt by a fellow crew member.
Citation First Officer reported conflicting holding clearance interpretations during descent to MDW airport.