Program Summary

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 ARE NOW OPEN!

APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE JULY 18 2025.

The Cultural Exchange Program provides undergraduate students from the UK and Ireland the opportunity to spend their summer break from university working at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, whilst experiencing Disney Magic first-hand. Participants will have the opportunity to interact and share their culture with Guests from the United States and all over the world, learn important business philosophies and make lifelong friends.

Not only that, living in the heart of Orlando for the summer provides endless opportunities for Cultural Exchange; program participants get to enjoy all the perks of Disney as a guest, and truly experience the magic first-hand!

Let Yummy Jobs take you on an amazing adventure with the Disney International Programs... #MYYUMMYSTORY

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Participants will work in roles such as Attractions and Operations, Merchandise, Quick Service/Full Service Food and Beverage, Lifeguarding and Custodial. In addition to the valuable skills gained through day-to-day responsibilities of the job, you could have the opportunity to network with Disney leaders and participate in special Cast Member activities while gaining real-world experience with one of the most admired entertainment companies in the world. What more could you want from a summer experience?

Check out what Reanne got up to on her Cultural Exchange Program!

Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.

On this unique experience, you will work at the Walt Disney World® Resort on a J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa. Candidates must exit the United States and return to their home country upon completion of the program.

HOUSING

One of the most unique aspects of the Disney International Programs is just how international they really are! Every day, you'll have the experience of living and working with cast members from all over the world.

Participants on the Disney International Programs live in the brand new state of the art, Flamingo Crossings Village. Fully furnished apartments set among an array of amenities including fitness centres, transportation systems, swimming pools and computer labs – providing an exciting setting for you to build relationships and create lifelong memories. You can also participate in cast member events and scheduled activities throughout your program. During your personal time, you'll even have the opportunity to visit Disney parks and explore everything that Orlando, Florida has to offer. What more could you want?

Each apartment has 2 bedrooms, you'll have the option to share a bedroom with one other Disney International Programs participant and the cost which includes all utilities is between $202 - $246 USD per week.

In order to make the living experience more convenient for you, housing costs are automatically deducted from participants' weekly paycheck. Participants will also help support the exclusive activities and events they'll get to attend throughout the program by contributing a one-time fee of $455 USD at the time of offer (Disney Program Participation Fee).

ELIGIBILITY

To participate in Disney's Cultural Exchange Program, you must be:

Currently enrolled full time and pursuing a Bachelor's degree at an accredited post-secondary, classroom based academic institution physically located outside the United States.
Have successfully completed at least one semester, or equivalent, of an undergraduate degree program at the time of application. (This means that only students entering second year and above in Autumn 2025 are eligible. Students entering Final year of an undergraduate degree are eligible if studying through to the Summer Term of 2026.)
Able to attend an in-person presentation and interview in London, Scotland or the Netherlands.
You are required to upload your Resume/CV and Cover Letter for this job application.
Available for the entire Program Length: Early June to Mid August 2026
Able to speak English fluently
Receptive to Disney Look guidelines
Fully available to work Sunday through Saturday, including days and nights, holidays and overtime

PROGRAM DATES

Early June to mid August 2026

PROGRAM COSTS

Participants on the Cultural Exchange Program will be required to submit the following fees:

PRE-ARRIVAL FEES

Disney Program Participation Fee = $455.00 USD
U.S. Embassy Appointment Fee = $185.00 USD
U.S. SEVIS Fee = $35.00 USD
Flights to the United States = Varies
Medical Insurance = Approx $200 - dependant on individual, must be paid in one lump sum prior to arrival for the duration of your program dates.

POST-ARRIVAL FEES

Weekly Accommodation Costs = $202.00 - $246.00 USD (automatic payroll deduction)
Additional supporting funds between $350.00 - $750.00 USD are recommended

US TAXES

As a student on a J1 visa in the USA, it is important to be aware that you will be required to file a tax return at the end of the tax year.
The tax year in the United States typically runs from January 1st to December 31st. Filing a tax return means providing information about your income, expenses, and other relevant financial details to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. tax authority.
At the end of the tax year, when you file your tax return, you will calculate your tax liability based on your income and deductions. If the taxes withheld from your paychecks throughout the Program are not sufficient to cover your total tax liability, you may be required to pay an additional amount to fulfill your tax obligations. On the other hand, if too much tax was withheld, you may be eligible for a tax refund.

Please note, all fees are subject to change and may change without notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application Process

June 1 - Applications open
July 18 - Applications close
Early August - Selected eligible candidates will be contacted for virtual pre-screen interview
November - In person interviews with the Walt Disney World recruiters

PLEASE NOTE – This is a very popular Program! We expect a very high level of interest in this exciting opportunity so we strongly recommend you submit your application promptly.

In order to be considered, applicants must provide following information clearly on their CV: