Lana Oconnell
International students interested in working for Disney have a variety of opportunities to choose from. Disney offers internships and programs that allow international students to gain work experience while interacting with guests and sharing their culture. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, have unrestricted work authorization in the US, and meet other specific criteria depending on the program. The Disney International Programs include the Cultural Exchange Program, the Cultural Representative Program, and the Academic Exchange Program, each offering unique benefits and experiences. These programs provide a great way to build transferable skills, enhance resumes, and explore exciting career paths with Disney.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work authorization | Unrestricted in the U.S. |
| Academic standing | Enrolled and in good standing at an accredited, degree-issuing college or university |
| Student status | Must return to school for at least one term following the program or participate immediately after graduation |
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Language | Fluent English |
| Availability | Fully available to work any day of the week, including nights, holidays, and overtime |
| Program duration | Two to three months |
| Program location | Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida, U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
Disney International Program
The Disney International Programs offer international students a wide variety of opportunities to work for Disney. The programs are based at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and recruit participants and students (aged 18 and above) from outside the United States for year-long cultural exchanges and summer internships.
The programs are designed to attract international students and workers, with similarities to the US-based Disney College Program, offering a philosophy of 'Living, Learning and Earning'. There are several different types of programs, with variations in program length, work locations, job responsibilities, living arrangements, pay, and qualifications required.
One of the programs is the Cultural Exchange Program, where participants are immersed in a multicultural environment, spending their summer break from university learning from leaders at the Walt Disney World Resort. Another program is the Cultural Representative Program, where participants perform their roles at Epcot's World Showcase, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is also an Academic Exchange Program, where students can experience life in the United States, immerse themselves in different cultures, and build relationships.
To be eligible for these programs, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, returning to school for at least one term following the program, or participating immediately after graduation. Applicants must be able to speak fluent English and be hospitality-oriented, friendly, and outgoing. They must also be able to proudly represent their cultures, traditions, and history, which have inspired Disney's resorts, pavilions, and theme parks.
The Disney International Programs offer a unique opportunity for international students to experience the magic of Disney, interact with guests, learn important business philosophies, and make friends from around the world.
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Academic Exchange Program
The Disney Academic Exchange Program is a five-to-twelve-month internship located at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The program offers a unique opportunity for international students to gain academic credits from a US host college or university while simultaneously engaging in experiential learning through front-line, guest-facing roles across Disney's Parks & Resorts. These roles may include attractions, quick-service food and beverage, merchandise, lifeguarding, and more.
The eligibility criteria for the Academic Exchange Program include speaking fluent English, being at least 18 years old, and being enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing at a participating international college or university. Applicants must have completed at least one semester and their institution must have an exchange partnership with a participating US college or university.
The program provides unparalleled benefits to students' academic and professional careers. It offers dedicated time off for classes and exams, with the possibility of obtaining college credit. Students can enhance their resumes, strengthen transferable skills, and explore various career paths within Disney.
The Academic Exchange Program is a fantastic opportunity for international students to gain real-world work experience with a world-renowned entertainment company, learn from Disney leaders, and connect with people from diverse cultures, all while enjoying the magic of Disney.
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Cultural Exchange Program
The Cultural Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students from the UK and Ireland to spend their summer break working at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The program offers a multicultural experience, allowing participants to interact with cast members and guests from all over the world.
As a participant, you will be required to work in various roles within the resort, such as attractions and operations, merchandise, food and beverage services, lifeguarding, and custodial roles. You will also have the chance to proudly represent your culture, traditions, and history, creating immersive experiences for guests. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited degree-issuing college or university and must return to their studies for at least one term following the program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, fluent English speakers, and hospitality-oriented with friendly and outgoing personalities.
Housing is provided in fully furnished two-bedroom apartments at the Flamingo Crossings Village, with utilities costing between $202 and $246 USD per week. Participants will also need to contribute a one-time fee of $455 USD for exclusive activities and events. Additionally, as a J1 visa holder, you will need to file a tax return at the end of the tax year and may be required to pay additional taxes if the amount withheld from your paychecks is insufficient.
The Cultural Exchange Program offers a seamless Disney experience, allowing participants to enjoy the perks of Disney as a guest while also gaining valuable employment and educational opportunities. It provides a great platform to enhance your customer service skills, communication skills, and cultural understanding.
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Work authorisation
International students interested in working for Disney in the United States have several options, including the Disney International Program, which offers a range of opportunities for students from around the world. However, unrestricted work authorisation in the US is required at the time of application.
International students seeking to work for Disney in the US must ensure they have the necessary work authorisation. This typically involves obtaining a visa that permits employment in the country. One option is the J-1 Visa, which is a cultural exchange visa sponsored by the US Department of State. As a designated sponsor of this visa, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. can provide employment opportunities for international students through the J-1 Summer Work Travel Program. This program allows students to gain work experience while immersing themselves in different cultures and building relationships.
To be eligible for the J-1 Visa, international students must meet certain criteria, including being enrolled in an accredited, degree-issuing college or university and planning to return to their studies after the program. Additionally, participants should be fluent in English, hospitality-oriented, friendly, and outgoing, as they will interact with guests and share their culture.
Another option for international students seeking work authorisation is to participate in an exchange program. Disney offers the Academic Exchange Program, which requires students to be enrolled in a participating international college or university with an exchange partnership with a US college or university. This program allows students to experience life in the US while gaining valuable work experience and cultural exchange.
It is important to note that work authorisation requirements may vary depending on the specific Disney program and the student's country of origin. Therefore, international students interested in working for Disney should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure they have the necessary work authorisation before applying.
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Eligibility requirements
International students are welcome to apply for internships at Disney, but they must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. at the time of application. For students studying at a college or university in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, a CPT or OPT from your school for the length of the internship would qualify as unrestricted work authorization. Students studying outside of the U.S. must have their own work authorization.
There are a few other eligibility requirements for international students interested in U.S.-based internships at Disney. Firstly, students must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-issuing college or university and plan to return to school for at least one term following the internship or participate immediately after graduation. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to speak fluent English. Additionally, students must have an exchange partnership with a participating U.S. college or university for certain programs.
Disney offers a few different programs for international students, including the Disney International Program, which provides a wide range of opportunities for students from all over the world to work for Disney. There is also the option to work aboard one of Disney's cruise ships.
One specific program that international students may be eligible for is the Cultural Exchange Program, a J-1 Summer Work Travel Program. This program is for students who want to spend their summer break from university immersed in a multicultural environment, learning from leaders at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA. Another option is the Academic Exchange Program, where students take specialist Disney-taught classes and earn academic credit while also working in a variety of roles at the Walt Disney World Resort. This program is a 12-month undergraduate placement that starts in July each year.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, students from all over the world can apply for internships at Disney. However, unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. is required at the time of application.
International students can apply for the Disney International Program, which includes the Cultural Exchange Program, the Cultural Representative Program, and the Academic Exchange Program.
Participants must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-issuing college or university and return to school for at least one term following the program. They must also be at least 18 years old, speak fluent English, and be fully available to work any day of the week.
The program offers the opportunity to gain real-world experience while working in front-line roles at Disney's theme parks and resort hotels. It also allows participants to immerse themselves in different cultures, connect with industry experts, and build lifelong relationships.
Yes, international students can also explore opportunities on Disney cruise ships or through the main Disney Careers website, which offers positions around the world.
