Disney college program orientation

Register Don't have an account? Disney University. History Talk 0. Do you like this video? Play Sound. The Walt Disney World College Program is a national paid-internship program owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company, and it could be your ticket into a career at the Magic Kingdom. College-age students can apply to take part in a program that is highly competitive and quite rigorous. But it could also give you a distinct advantage in becoming a part of Disney's unique culture and diverse community.

And for a sense of what the Disney College Program is really like, we spoke with program graduate, Jennifer Tatum. Jennifer is a professional substitute teacher, a mother of three, a wife of one, and a storyteller living near the shores of Lake Michigan. We believe they are quite illuminating. Also, be aware that spots in this program are extremely limited, the application process is challenging, and the program is demanding.

Check out our profile of the Disney College Program here below and continue on for answers to your biggest questions about getting a Disney education.

The paid, semester-long internship program allows students to live just outside Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, or the Disneyland Resort in California, while earning college credit at Disney parks and resorts through a combination of on-the-job experience, shadowing, and seminars.

While enrolled in the Disney College program, students will work in front-line roles at the resort. This work covers the cost of tuition and residence, and comes with a modest paycheck. Additionally, while participating in the Disney College Program, students can continue to take online courses through their university of enrollment, and remain on track with their degree program.

For admission, applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited college program or have graduated within the past 12 months, and must have approval from their university. Read on for answers to your biggest questions about the Disney College Program and other Disney-sponsored educaitonal opportunities:.

The Disney College Program refers to an array of programs providing education, professional development, and paid internships through the Disney company. The program typically works alongside a traditional college degree program.

Many traditional and online colleges have partnered with the Disney Company to give their students access to the Disney College Program.

Though each of these experiences is distinguished by terms of eligibility and areas of focus, the Disney Company succeeds through a highly sophisticated measure of brand control, especially through its development of a well-defined employee culture.

This begins with a thoughtfully constructed curriculum, immersive educational experiences, hands-on training, and focused professional development. One feature that truly distinguishes a Disney education from a traditional campus experience is the compatibility between work and education.

Disney University graduate Jennifer Tatum recalls:. The Disney College Program offers students a combination of on-the-job experience, college coursework, and immersion.

Disney divides this program into three key thematic priorities:. It bears noting that Disney University, not to be confused with the Disney College Program, is reserved for those who will ultimately go on to become Disney employees, or cast members.

She explains:. Jennifer reveals that she grappled with a very serious health matter during her time at Disney, but she learned how to show up each day with a smile. The program is typically between five and seven months in length, or roughly the minimum length of a college semester. However, there are options for extending your program to a second semester. Moreover, you are eligible to apply for participation in the Disney program multiple times.

The Walt Disney World International Exchange Program creates several access points to Disney education and Disney careers for students living outside of the United states.

You will also learn about exciting events planned for you during the program. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. Disney Traditions Within the first week of beginning your program, you will be expected to attend Disney's "Traditions" course. Emily Enchanted's Traditions Vlog.

Disney Welcome Event.