I disagree with the article’s premise. My S went to college in NYC and did two valuable summer internships but none during the school year. Due to a heavy courseload and a desire to put all his effort into classes (which we, as parents agreed with) he chose not to do an internship during the school year despite his college’s urban location. He found that internship opportunities in his particular field were more plentiful during the summer as many companies had clearly defined summer intern programs. He had to seek out the internship opportunities on his own, the college placement office was incredibly helpful.
In contrast, my D’s college did a great job at helping students find summer and January internship and job shadowing opportunities despite its non-urban location. I do think that having a proactive/solid career placement office is a factor that should be considered in discussing internship opportunities as well. And she also did just fine focusing on summer work experiences rather than school year internships (and when during her senior year she chose to work during the school year she did research with a professor which proved to be quite valuable experience).
Of course people may have different experiences but I would not choose an urban school just for internships. Location should be but one factor in a college choice. IMO it is important to find a school that fits one’s academic/career/social/financial as well as geographic desires and needs.