Program Summary

CHECK BACK HERE FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE DISNEY ACADEMIC EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Academic Exchange Program is a truly unique experience, which sees students spend 6 or 12-months working and learning at the Walt Disney World® Resort as part of a university placement year. This program has been designed by Central Michigan University, U.S. to provide students with an international experiential learning opportunity, coupled with an academic training experience at Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando, Florida.

This Program will allow you to work in a variety of roles across the Walt Disney World Resort, experience unique classroom and learning experiences by Disney leaders, and spend 12-months living in the heart of Orlando, Florida!

Let Yummy Jobs take you on a rewarding adventure with the Disney International Programs... #MYYUMMYSTORY

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

As part of your academic training you will work in one of the following roles during your program, based anywhere across the Walt Disney World Property:

Attractions and Operations,
Quick Service/Full-Service Food and Beverage,
Lifeguarding
Character Performer
Character Attendant
Costuming
Merchandise

Participants in Merchandise, Attractions & Operations, Food and Beverage and Costuming will have the opportunity to rotate between two of these roles during their program.

Participants will be paid an hourly wage between $10.00 - $10.15 USD per hour and will be provided with a minimum of 32 hours of work per week. The program duration is 51 weeks, which meets the requirements for U.K university placements.

See what a "Day in the Life" on the Academic Exchange Program is like. Check out Mengying's video!

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As a participant on this program, you really will develop a set of transferable skills which will aid any career; guest service, effective communication, teamwork, leadership and responsibility to name a few! On top of this, you will have the opportunity to interact and share your culture with Guests from the United States and all over the world, learn important business philosophies and make lifelong friends.

On this experience, you will work at the Walt Disney World® Resort on a J-1 Student Exchange Visa. The Academic Exchange Program runs from July - July each year (6-month program for students from the Netherlands and Canada) with an additional 30-day travel period upon completion of the program. This is at maximum a 12-month experience, and candidates must exit the United States and return to their home country and university at the end of the program.

ACADEMIC STUDY

The best part of the Academic Exchange Program is the learning experience. On this program, you will be registered as a student at Central Michigan University for the academic year and will gain credit and certificates upon completion of the program in recognition for your academic efforts. Credits may be transferred to your home university (dependant upon the home university and individual course requirements).

The learning experience exposes participants to educational classes instructed Disney professionals, who will each pass over their expertise and knowledge on a range of subject areas. This invaluable and sought after experience will be beneficial for any future career after graduation.

See what previous program participants have to say about their learning experience!

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The program structure sees two-semester periods. As part of the program requirement, you will be required to enrol into unique learning opportunities during each of these semesters, through Central Michigan University and the Disney Education team. You will have the option to enrol into classes such as HR Management, Organisational Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, Disney Leadership, Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management, Disney Marketing and Disney Heritage. These courses are designed to complement your current studies at your home university.

The Disney and Central Michigan University learning opportunities will be taught through a variety of methods. These include:

Academic Classes or Seminar Series hosted at Walt Disney World® Resort
On-line classes
Directed studies
Supervised work integrated learning opportunities
Volunteer opportunities

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.

There are four Disney International Housing complexes you could be housed at, each featuring 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 in the housing complexes 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.

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Whether you're assigned to a one, two, three or four-bedroom apartment, you'll share a bedroom with one or two Disney International Programs participants. Often, your roommate(s) will be from another country, allowing you to learn about other cultures as you share your own and make lifelong friends.

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 $375.00 USD at the time of offer (Disney Program Assessment Fee - includes first week's rent).

CONNECT

Stay Connected! Explore the Disney International Programs social networks and enjoy videos that provide a behind the scene look into all the Disney wonder. Connect with Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and the Disney International Programs Blog.

Disney International Programs Facebook
Disney International Programs Twitter
Disney International Programs Youtube
Disney International Programs Blog

For more information about the Academic Exchange Program, please visit the following websites

Disney International Programs website
Central Michigan University website

ELIGIBILITY

STUDENTS MUST BE STUDYING AT ONE OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY'S PARTNERSHIP U.K UNIVERSITIES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM:

University of Brighton
Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Chester
University of Central Lancashire
University of Derby (Buxton Campus)
Leeds Beckett University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Northumbria University
University of Portsmouth
Robert Gordon University
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Sunderland
NHTV University of Applied Sciences Breda, The Netherlands
Fontys Academy, Tilburg, The Netherlands
St Clair College, Canada

STUDENTS MUST ALSO BE STUDYING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT AREAS AND SEEKING A 12-MONTH PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2021 - 2022:

Tourism and Hospitality
Events
Business and Marketing
Leisure Studies

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Aged at least 18 years of age at the time of application
Possess a valid passport
Able to speak fluent English
Currently enrolled and in good academic standing at a participating international college or university
Able to exit the United States and return to your home university upon completion of the program

IMPORTANT DATES

APPLICATION DATES

Check back here to find out when applications re-open for the Academic Exchange Program.
Applicants are required to be available for a full 12-month program in order to be considered.

PROGRAM COSTS

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

ACADEMIC TUITION FEE - PAYABLE TO CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ONE MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

6-month program = $2430.00 USD - $400.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance - deducted from the total amount
12-month program = $4410.00 USD - $400.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance - deducted from the total amount

PRE-ARRIVAL FEES

Criminal Background Check Fee = £90.00 GBP
Disney Program Assessment Fee = $375.00 USD (includes the first week of rent)
U.S. Embassy Appointment Fee = $160.00 USD
U.S. SEVIS Fee = $220.00 USD
Flights to the United States = Varies
Medical Insurance = $50.00 USD to $80.00 USD per month (approximately) - must be paid in total prior to arrival for the duration of your program dates. Select U.K Universities offer International Medical Insurance free to their students. If applicable, students will be exempt from this fee.

POST-ARRIVAL FEES

Weekly Accommodation Costs = $103.00 - $134.00 USD (automatic payroll deduction)
Additional supporting funds between $350.00 - $750.00 USD are recommended

Please note, all fees are subject to change and may change without notice. Prices stated above are correct for 2020 arrivals.