Semester Exchange

Disney & University of Florida

Experience the Magic of Disney and Spend your summer at the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ gaining valuable hospitality & customer service work experience! Learn about tourism, hospitality, destination & event management in a fun & exciting environment from best-in-class professors and industry experts in one of the world’s leading tourism destinations – DisneyWorld Florida. In partnership with the University of Florida, students will work in a paid front line or behind the scenes position at DisneyWorld and earn up to 12 credits studying Hospitality, Business and Tourism courses at UF.

The University of Florida’s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI) and Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM) in conjunction with Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) are offering a six-month academic exchange experience program for second year BBAH students and students enrolled in tourism, hospitality, marketing, business or other related fields at other University of Florida international partner schools.

UF Disney International Exchange Students also participate in the Disney Total Rewards Program. Here is a small peek into Total Rewards:

  • Complimentary admission to Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks

  • Discounts on select merchandise, dining, recreation, and resort accommodations at participating locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort

  • The chance to take part in special cast member events and activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours, sports leagues, volunteer activities, and sneak previews of attractions

  • The opportunity to attend exclusive events and activities including pool parties, trips to the beach, movie nights, and more

Academics:

Six-weeks prior to arriving in the United States, students will take two UF courses conducted online. Upon arrival in Gainesville, Florida, students will experience the UF college life. During the first days, they will be given an on-campus orientation, on-campus tour, icebreaker activities, meet-and-greets with tourism faculty and other international students in the program. They will be assisted in finalizing international visitor paperwork, obtaining student ID cards, and receiving an overview of both the academic courses and the upcoming work experience.

Students will finish the two courses during the Summer, and will take other two courses during the Fall semester, while working at Disney.

Additional information for courses taken during the exchange can be found here.

Disney Internship:

Program participants will have the opportunity to work in front of the house or back of the house operations at Disney’s theme parks and resorts and obtain real-world experience working for a world-renowned entertainment company. This will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience where students will meet and work with people from all over the world and gain valuable experience for their career. Students will learn invaluable business practices from Disney leaders and develop and refine their skills in leadership, guest service, teamwork, and communications. Students will work 30 – 37.5 hours per week and be paid (approximately) $11 USD per hour.

Participants will have the opportunity to work at any one of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, resorts, or other recreational areas including the water parks, studios, and Disney Springs® locations.

Accommodations:

Students will live in Disney Program Housing.

In assigning apartments and roommates, all accommodations will be assigned by gender and whether participants are over or under the age of 21. There is no co-ed housing. Apartments may include up to 8 participants per apartment. Company-sponsored housing is for exclusive use of Disney Internships & Programs participants .Guests are welcome to visit a participant’s apartment complex, however, overnight guests are prohibited. Transportation service is available to cast members who live at one of Disney’s apartment complexes only. The primary purpose of the transportation system is to provide cast members with a shuttle to their work location on a scheduled route. Shuttles to local merchants for groceries and sundries also are provided.

*All bedrooms are shared by two- three people. Living areas and kitchens are shared between everyone in the apartment. All apartments are non-smoking.

Upon successful completion of the exchange and internship, students will receive all transfer credits for their terms 5 & 6 of the BBAH program.

2020 Program Cost: $3,998.04 USD

*NC students will pay their NC tuition fees, plus the difference for the UF program and international insurance costs.

**A $1,500 Be World Ready Scholarship is provided to all successful candidates to offset additional expenses.

What is included:

  • Education tuition and fees for 12 credit hours at the University of Florida

  • Housing accommodations, all meals, transportation, tours, cultural and sports excursions while at the University of Florida prior to arrival to Walt Disney World®

  • Admission to one UF Sporting Event

  • Gator One student ID card

  • Orientation and Graduation Reception

  • Supervision and support by UF program faculty and staff for the duration of the Academic Exchange Experience

  • Limited access to the University of Florida’s instructional, technological, and student resources

PAYMENT TERMS

PAYMENT AMOUNT

PAYMENT AMOUNT

*Price may increase or decrease depending on exchange rates, final vendor quotes and number of participants.

TRIP DESTINATION
Gainesville, Florida

PROGRAM

This opportunity is available to all second year BBAH students. Students will go abroad during Term 6 (Fall 2020) which is the first term of their third year.

2020 Program Dates:

May 14
Course 1 commences online

June 27
Arrival in Gainesville, Florida; dormitory check-in

June 29 – July 13
Gainesville Immersion Experience

July 9-12
Orientation at Walt Disney World Resort

July 13
Arrival and check-in at Walt Disney World® Resort

December 10
Project Presentations and Luncheon

December 17
Last Day of Disney Program and check-out day

APPLICATION DEADLINE
01/17/2019

Payment Options

Other Important Information

*Note: if we will be flying through the United States of America, you must have permission to enter and leave the United States. If you require a U.S travel visa it is your responsibility to obtain this document and email [email protected] a copy/photo.

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