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Drexel in LA

Overview

Established within Drexel’s rich tradition of experiential learning, Drexel in Los Angeles (DiLA) was created in 2011 to strengthen our student's accessibility to the entertainment industry within Los Angeles. DiLA is an intensive summer study away program that supports students traveling to L.A. where they pursue a professional internship and take classes in the evenings. Students also participate in additional educational and cultural programming that highlights the wide variety of experiences that L.A. offers.

While this is a summer program, the preparations begin in fall term prior, and students will be required through Fall, Winter, and Spring term to attend group sessions, one on one meetings, meet preparation deadlines and spend substantial time researching internship opportunities, and following up on leads provided.

DiLA is administered within Drexel's Department of Cinema & Television, is open to full-time students in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, with majors in the Department of Cinema & Television or related majors in Digital Media and Entertainment & Arts Management and Music Industry. Find full details on eligibility, program requirements, and expenses on the Requirements & Eligibility page.

Application Process

The DiLA application process stretches over three Phases:

Phase One: Application

Submission of the DiLA Application, which includes the submission of a resume, application essay, copies of your Government ID, DragonCard, Health Insurance Card, as well as a hard copy signed and notarized Drexel Release and Liability Waiver and the $1,000 Program Fee. All items must be submitted correctly and on time. The application deadline is MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 at 9:00 PM EDT. APPLICATION HERE and PROGRAM FEE PAID HERE.

Phase Two: Interviews

If your application is approved you will proceed to the interview round, where you will meet one on one with the Program Administrator, Elizabeth Kitchens and attend a group workshop. The interviews will take place between Tuesday, October 29th - Sunday, November 3rd.  The workshop will be held Saturday November 2nd 9:30A - 12:30P and Sunday November 3rd from 9:30A - 12:30P.  The workshop, and all interviews will take place on campus in the Department of Cinema and Television.

Phase Three: Search Begins

Students who are accepted past the interview round will begin their internship search. Students who fail to display the needed level of commitment may be cut up until Friday, January 17, 2024, at which point the participants will be finalized.

Classes

Credits & Classes

Students in a major within the Cinema & Television Department will carry a 15-credit load during their summer in L.A.: six (6) credits in internships and nine (9) in classes. Classes will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. PST, three evenings a week, and will be taught off-site in a nearby classroom space.

DiLA Class Examples

  • 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
  • Note: Classes taught in LA do not replace required courses. Students still need to make up any classes required for your major taught on campus during the summer. Please see your Program Director with any specific questions or concerns

    Internships

    Expectations

    Students enrolled in Drexel in L.A. are expected to work weekday internships. Some students work two internships simultaneously. Historically, most internships are unpaid. However, some unpaid positions lead to paid work.

    Finding And Securing An Internship

    Students will work very closely and collaboratively with the DiLA Program Administrator Elizabeth Kitchens to find an internship. They must keep consistent contact with the Program Administrator until placed in an internship and stay connected afterwards should problems develop. All students complete a professional résumé and cover letter by a specific deadline. 
Job listings and leads will be regularly made available to students throughout January to May months. Students are expected to also conduct their own research to find additional job leads and follow through on any provided leads or opportunities.

    It is important to note that we cannot guarantee an internship. Because students interview on their own for internships, we cannot control an employer’s interest or desire to “hire” a particular student. Along the way we can guarantee assistance with honing résumés and cover letters, providing interview practice, and access to internship lists and arranging interviews. Impressing the employer and closing the deal is up to the student.

    Note: Internship grades are submitted by internship supervisors. At the end of the term, supervisors complete a form that assesses interns in several categories. The average of these ratings is converted to a letter grade.

    Extracurricular Activities

    DiLA endeavors to provide students with exposure to a range of activities representing many aspects of Los Angeles. In past years, these have included:

  • Disneyland
  • Hollywood Walking Tour
  • The Magic Castle
  • Baseball Game at Dodger Stadium
  • Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tours
  • Rose Bowl Flea Market
  • The Getty Museum
  • The Hollywood Bowl
  • BBQs & Pool Parties
  • some events are free, while others are ticketed events that students must pay for
  •