Each summer, the quest for finding a summer internship could land Penn students in a whole range of cities. Whether you stay in Philadelphia, find yourself taking part in the Penn exodus to New York City, chase after the San Fran tech gold mine or end up in a different city altogether, you may end up far from home and feeling a bit unfamiliar. An easy way to acclimate yourself to a new place is to do research—not by reading, but by watching. Checking out movies set in your internship cities can serve as one way to explore a new city, learn a bit about its culture and enjoy yourself in the process. Check out Street’s favorite movies set in the cities where you’re spending your summers.
1. Seattle – Sleepless in Seattle
For those headed to Seattle (Amazon, anyone?), Sleepless in Seattle is a must. The movie was released in 1993 and stars a young Tom Hanks and a young Meg Ryan, two of Street’s favorites. The movie tells the story of a lonely single father (Hanks) and the girl that his son hopes will help him turn his sadness around (Ryan). It’s is warm and sweet and may help cure any feelings of loneliness you may feel likely being so far away from the rest of your friends and family. Though the culminating scene doesn’t actually take place in Seattle, the movie is still worth watching, especially if you’re to call yourself a Seattleite for a few months. It’s simply a classic.
2. Chicago – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Perhaps the most famous Chicago–based movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tells the story of a high school kid who plays hooky, takes the day off from school, and spends his hours on an all day Chicago adventure. The movie features many Chicago landmarks, including the former Sears Tower, the Art Institute, and Wrigley Field, so it’s a helpful way to hit some of Chicago’s important touristy spots in the span of only two hours. Famed director John Hughes constructed the movie to help celebrate the city, saying “I really wanted to capture as much of Chicago as I could. Not just in the architecture and landscape, but the spirit.” Released in 1986, the movie is a true gem that honors a true gem of a city.
3. Philadelphia – Rocky
If you’re a Penn student who has been living in Philly for at least a year and still haven’t seen Rocky, summer is the perfect time to catch yourself up. With the free time summer always provides, spend an afternoon watching at least one movie from the boxing series, then head outside to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up those steps. Yes, it’s touristy and yes, it’s cheesy but it’s such a Philadelphia staple that it’s simply a must.
4. San Francisco – Mrs. Doubtfire
This movie will capture your heart as much as it will give you great views of a city you may not have visited before. Mrs. Doubtfire is classic Robin Williams, and there’s no better way to get to know a city than through the eyes of a comedian so celebrated in American culture. Watch the story of Robin Williams posing as a woman to try to win back his wife and you’ll get a brief education of the city at the same time. Plus, it may inspire you to throw a few episodes of Full House up on your TV screen.
