Lori Meadows
The Disney College Program is a paid internship that offers students and recent graduates a unique, immersive experience at Disney's parks and resorts. The program provides an opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience, make connections, and explore different roles within the company. Disney welcomes applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including international students, and offers a range of resources to support their internship journey. This introduction will explore the opportunities available to international students through the Disney College Program, highlighting the application process, eligibility requirements, and the overall experience of being a Disney intern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Program type | Paid internship |
| Duration | 5-7 months, with an option to extend to 12 months |
| Location | Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California |
| Eligibility | Students from all over the world can apply, but they must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. at the time of application. Students on an F-1 visa can apply if they can obtain a CPT or OPT from their school for the length of the internship. |
| Requirements | Be at least 18 years old, meet college's academic requirements (e.g., a minimum GPA of 2.0), have full work availability, and adhere to Disney Appearance Standards |
| Housing | On-campus housing is available at a cost of $191 to $246 per week |
| Transportation | Bus service is provided from the Florida housing complex to work daily, and to a grocery store and shopping mall at least once a week |
| Perks | Above-average hourly pay ($16/hour), exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, discounts at Disney parks and resorts, complimentary park visits, educational sessions, and career development opportunities |
| Application process | Applications for the fall season open in January, and for the spring season in August. Applicants are required to do a web-based interview. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students are welcome to apply for internships at Disney, but they must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary slightly depending on whether the student is enrolled at a US or non-US college or university.
- Students must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at a US college or university.
- Students must have unrestricted work authorization in the US for the duration of the internship.
- Students on an F-1 visa must be able to obtain a CPT or OPT from their school for the length of the internship.
- Students must meet their college's academic requirements, which may include a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Students must have unrestricted work authorization in the US at the time of application.
- Students must be enrolled at a participating international college or university and engaged in an appropriate course of study.
In addition to the above requirements, all Disney College Program interns must be at least 18 years old, have full work availability, and accept the program's pay rate and appearance requirements. Housing is provided for interns who need to relocate, but there is a weekly fee for this accommodation. The Disney College Program is a paid internship that typically lasts 5-7 months, with some students extending their internships to a full 12 months. Interns work between 30 and 40 hours per week, with the opportunity to pick up additional hours during peak times.
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Paid internships
The Walt Disney Company offers paid internships for international students in the form of the Disney College Program (DCP). This program is a unique living, learning, and earning experience at either Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. Students of all majors and backgrounds are welcome to apply, and they will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and create long-lasting friendships.
The DCP is a full-time internship, and students generally work between 30 and 40 hours a week, with the possibility of picking up additional hours. During peak times, interns may be required to work 60 or more hours per week. Students will also have the opportunity to earn academic credit for their participation in the program, which is recommended by the American Council on Education. Housing is provided in brand-new, state-of-the-art living facilities, and housing costs vary depending on the type of apartment selected.
To be eligible for the DCP, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. at the time of application. Students at a U.S. school on an F-1 visa may qualify if they can obtain a CPT or OPT from their school for the length of the internship. For students studying outside the U.S., having their own work authorization is required. Additionally, applicants must meet their college's academic requirements, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the time they leave for Florida or California.
Disney also offers other internship opportunities for international students, such as the Latin American internship program and the Disney International Program, which offers a wide variety of opportunities for students from around the world to work for Disney. There are also opportunities available aboard Disney cruise ships.
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Housing and amenities
Housing is provided for international students participating in the Disney College Program, and they are not eligible to opt out of this housing arrangement. The complexes are gated and have on-site security. There are four complexes, all located near Little Lake Bryan in Lake Buena Vista. The apartments are shared by up to eight participants, with bedrooms shared by two to three people. Living areas and kitchens are also shared. All apartments are non-smoking.
The weekly housing cost ranges from $191 to $232 USD per week, depending on the type of unit and housing complex. Students over 21 are assigned to Non-Wellness apartments, where alcohol is permitted.
Flamingo Crossings Village in Orlando, Florida, offers spacious two and four-bedroom apartments. These apartments feature hardwood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer, a flat-panel TV, and a free furniture package. However, private apartments are not available at Flamingo Crossings Village. Residents can, however, request a private bedroom and/or bathroom, and floor plans can be preferred during registration.
Transportation is provided for cast members living in one of the apartment complexes, with a shuttle to their work location. Participants are encouraged to bring their own vehicles for convenience, and parking spots are available for purchase.
Free events like dance parties, movie nights, pool parties, day getaways, and classes are offered at each complex, providing opportunities for networking and socialising.
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Work authorisation
International students interested in participating in the Disney College Program must have unrestricted work authorization in the US at the time of application. Students at a US school on an F-1 visa may qualify if they can obtain a CPT or OPT from their school for the length of the internship. It is recommended that students check with their designated school official to find out more about this process and any other criteria their school may have.
Students studying at a college or university outside of the US need to have their own work authorization at the time of application. The Disney College Program is a paid internship, and interns are expected to work full-time, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Students typically work between 30 and 40 hours a week, but this may increase to 60 or more hours per week during peak times.
The Disney College Program is a unique opportunity for college students and recent graduates to gain valuable job experience and make lifelong connections. The program typically lasts 5-7 months and includes roles in entertainment, hospitality, and retail. Disney offers a starting pay rate of $16 per hour, which is above the average for college workers. In addition to the financial benefits, interns also gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Disney operations and enjoy discounts and complimentary park visits.
Disney provides on-campus housing for interns, known as Flamingo Crossings Village, with costs ranging from $191 to $246 per week. The program offers a mix of classroom learning and working experience, with educational sessions and career development opportunities. Interns can also take advantage of dedicated time off for school classes and exam proctoring. Overall, the Disney College Program is a competitive and exciting opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and create memorable experiences.
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Application process
The Disney College Program is a paid internship that offers a unique living, learning, and earning experience at Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. The program is open to students of all majors and backgrounds, providing an opportunity to work in entertainment, hospitality, retail, and other areas.
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria. You must be at least 18 years old and have unrestricted work authorization in the US. If you are an international student, you need to have your own work authorization at the time of application. Additionally, you should be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, with at least one semester completed.
- Prepare Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including proof of age, work authorization, academic transcripts, and any other relevant certifications or qualifications that may be required for specific roles.
- Application Timing: The Disney College Program has both fall and spring sessions. Applications for the fall season typically open in January, while spring applications open in August. It is important to plan ahead, as applications are usually available much earlier than the program start dates.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form on the Disney Careers website. Provide all the required information, including personal details, educational background, and work experience. You may also be asked to submit a resume or CV and a cover letter.
- Interview Process: If your application is selected, you will be invited for a web-based or phone interview. Prepare for the interview by researching common interview questions, practicing your answers, and learning about Disney's culture and values. During the interview, highlight your skills, experiences, and interest in the program.
- Acceptance and Enrollment: After the interviews, Disney will notify applicants whether they have been accepted into the program. If accepted, you will need to pay an enrollment fee and make arrangements for housing and transportation. Disney offers on-campus housing, known as Flamingo Crossings Village, with various amenities and social opportunities.
The application process for international students may vary slightly depending on specific country regulations and visa requirements. It is important to consult the official Disney Careers website and international program pages for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. at the time of application. If you are a student at a U.S. school on an F-1 visa, you must be able to obtain a CPT or OPT from your school for the length of the internship. Students studying outside of the U.S. need their own work authorization at the time of application.
The Disney College Program is a paid internship for college students and recent graduates. It provides the opportunity to work at Disney's parks and resorts while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. The program typically lasts 5-7 months and includes roles in entertainment, hospitality, and retail.
Aside from being paid an above-average hourly rate, students get exclusive behind-the-scenes looks into Disney operations and discounts throughout the Disney parks and resorts. The program also offers educational sessions and career development opportunities.
Applications for the fall season typically open in January, while applications for the spring season usually open in August. After submitting an application, selected candidates are contacted for a web-based or phone interview.
