Over the Columbus Day weekend I went back to Los Angeles, where I spent this past summer as an intern. It has become increasing clear to me that LA evokes one of two emotions from people I meet: love or hate. I rarely encounter those who feel neutral about the city — including those who have not spent any time there at all.

As a student who survived the LA experience, I feel it is my job to separate perception from reality — particularly for those of you interested in studying “abroad” through the College of Communication Internship Program.

The perception: LA is a glamorous, star-studded metropolis where unpaid interns party at the trendiest nightclubs.

The reality: It’s like any other city: dirty, crowded and noisy. There is also traffic. Lots of it. Driving 8 miles in 45 minutes to work everyday is hardly glamorous.

The perception: Entertainment is king.

The reality: Indeed, many films and commercials are filmed in LA, but many of those productions are beginning to make their way elsewhere as tax breaks for shooting elsewhere are proving to be worth the industry’s while.

The perception: Cool internships are a ticket behind the velvet ropes.

The reality: Don’t count on it. We all would like to think the lifestyle of an intern such as Lauren Conrad from The Hills is possible, but let’s be honest, she’s just a glorified reality star.

That’s not to say that LA reality is as harsh as all that. For instance:

  1. California is quite possibly the most environmentally diverse state in the country, LA residents are only hours away from some of the best beaches, mountains and state parks in the United States. Check out Point Dume, a beach in Malibu that will make you feel lucky to be alive.
  2. There are many great job opportunities for those of us involved in the communication field. Many advertising agencies and PR firms are headquartered in Los Angeles, including TBWA\Chiat\Day, a full-service advertising agency where I interned, and I found it to be my most valuable work experience to date.
  3. The Getty Museum is possibly the coolest museum I have ever visited. I know cool and museum aren’t often synonymous, but when a museum stands on a cliff in Santa Monica with a full cactus garden and views of the entire city, it’s pretty incredible.

I could also go on about the spectacular weather, or the awesome hikes that take you to the Hollywood sign, but I think you get the idea.

So while you think you may know what to expect from Los Angeles, the truth is it is a pretty remarkable place… with much more to offer than a chance encounter with Paris Hilton.