Program Summary

THE DISNEY ACADEMIC EXCHANGE PROGRAM

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ARRIVAL DATES DUE TO OPEN JUNE 2025

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 of $17 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.

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.

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.

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

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

University of Brighton
University College Birmingham
Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Chester
University of Central Lancashire
Leeds Beckett University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Noorderpoort HotelSchool Gronigen
Northumbria University
Robert Gordon University
Sheffield Hallam University
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), 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:

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Eligible candidates will complete a virtual interview with Yummy Jobs
Successful candidates will be invited to In Person Final interviews with Disney International Recruitment

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 = $3,570.00 USD. $1,250.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance - deducted from the total amount
12-month program = $5,810.00 USD. $1,250.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance - deducted from the total amount

PRE-ARRIVAL FEES

Disney Program Assessment Fee = $455.00 USD (includes the first week of rent)
U.S. Embassy Appointment Fee = $185.00 USD
U.S. SEVIS Fee = $220.00 USD
Flights to the United States = Varies
Medical Insurance = Between approx $85 - $160 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 = $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.