For aspiring entertainment professionals at Drexel University, the path to Hollywood doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. Since 2011, the Drexel in Los Angeles (DiLA) program has been connecting students directly to the heart of the entertainment industry through an immersive summer experience…
For aspiring entertainment professionals at Drexel University, the path to Hollywood doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. Since 2011, the Drexel in Los Angeles (DiLA) program has been connecting students directly to the heart of the entertainment industry through an immersive summer experience that combines professional internships, specialized coursework, and cultural exploration.
A Comprehensive Industry Immersion
Established within Drexel’s tradition of experiential learning, DiLA was designed to strengthen students’ access to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. This intensive summer study away program supports students as they navigate professional internships during the day while taking specialized industry-focused classes in the evenings.
What sets DiLA apart from typical study abroad experiences is its deliberate focus on professional development within a specific industry. Students don’t just visit Los Angeles—they become part of its professional ecosystem through meaningful internships at production companies, studios, talent agencies, and other entertainment organizations.
Beyond the Classroom and Office
While internships and coursework form the core of the program, DiLA also emphasizes cultural immersion. Students participate in additional educational and cultural programming that highlights the diverse experiences Los Angeles has to offer.
Past participants have enjoyed organized excursions to iconic destinations including:
- Disneyland
- Hollywood Walking Tours
- The Magic Castle
- Baseball games at Dodger Stadium
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier
- Warner Bros. Studio Tours
Some events are included in the program, while others are ticketed events that students can opt into, allowing for a customizable experience of the city’s cultural landscape.
Specialized Coursework
Evening classes in DiLA are designed to complement students’ daytime internship experiences with industry-specific knowledge. The curriculum features courses such as:
- An Evening With…: Face-to-face conversations and lectures with industry professionals and Drexel alumni working in Hollywood
- TV Industry: An overview of the organizational structures and business models utilized by current television content and distribution companies
- Industry Communication & Creative: A crash-course in professional conduct, communication, and navigating the L.A. entertainment industry
It’s important to note that classes taught in Los Angeles do not replace required courses for students’ majors. Participants should plan accordingly and consult with their Program Directors about making up any required courses typically offered during summer terms.
Internship Expectations
Weekday internships form the backbone of the DiLA experience. Students are expected to work professional internships during standard business hours, with some ambitious participants balancing two positions simultaneously. While most internships in the entertainment industry are historically unpaid, these positions provide invaluable experience, connections, and portfolio materials. In some cases, unpaid positions have led to paid work opportunities.
A Year-Long Journey
While DiLA takes place during the summer, it’s actually a year-long commitment that begins in the fall term prior. Throughout fall, winter, and spring terms, participants attend group sessions and one-on-one meetings, meet preparation deadlines, research internship opportunities, and follow up on leads provided by the program.
This extended preparation period ensures that students arrive in Los Angeles with connections already forming and a strategic plan for making the most of their summer experience.
Who Can Participate
DiLA is administered within Drexel’s Department of Cinema & Television and is open to full-time students in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Eligible majors include those in the Department of Cinema & Television or related fields in Digital Media, Entertainment & Arts Management, and Music Industry.
Building Your Hollywood Network
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of DiLA is the opportunity to build a professional network in Los Angeles before graduation. Through internship supervisors, guest speakers, alumni connections, and industry events, students begin developing the professional relationships that often prove crucial in entertainment careers.
Many Drexel alumni currently working in Hollywood credit DiLA with giving them the connections, experience, and confidence needed to successfully relocate to Los Angeles after graduation and hit the ground running in their careers.
Taking the First Step
For eligible Drexel students interested in entertainment careers, DiLA represents an unparalleled opportunity to test the waters in Los Angeles, build a professional network, and gain industry-specific experience before graduation. The program exemplifies Drexel’s commitment to experiential learning, creating a bridge between academic study and professional practice in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
Students interested in participating should reach out to the Department of Cinema & Television for information about upcoming information sessions and application deadlines.