Some questions about the International College Program

[Mark_E]

Im 15, turn 16 next week, and have been going to disney world since I was 2 (11 times now). When i leave secondary school Im going to go to 6th form (College for 16-18 for the Americans but when i leave there im thinking of taking a year out to work at a place at disney before going to university, and had afew questions to ask (I have had a look at all the different websites but im still not sure on afew things)

1. Because im from the Uk would I be tied to working at the UK pavillion at EPCOT or would I be able to work in attractions/entertainment at the theme parks.

2. Would I be able to stay for 1 year because im from UK. Im not sure about Visas and stuff.

3. Can someone direct me to sites of Blogs (like the one done by Disney Saint) because id love to red more of them.

I still have a long time to go before i can start thinking about it seriously, but i certainly can't see me going straight to university after i leave 6th form.

 

[daringstoic]

If you want to stay for a full year, I'm pretty sure that you have to work in the Epcot pavillion (which wouldn't really be bad, since Epcot usually has earlier park closings than, say, the MK...). A bonus is that you also get to live in the much nicer Commons apartments while you're there. You can also do summer programs that usually start in June and run through September. Those would allow you to work anywhere in any line of business. However, as an International, should you work at the MK, you risk having to live in the Treehouse Villas, which by all accounts are lousy. (Quote from Brazilian friend: "I'm from eff-ing Brazil, and I had to come to America to live in a tree!")

 

[Mark_E]

The main reasons I would not want to work in the UK pavillion is because there is only really the shops and restaraunts, which would be Ok but I could work in a pub like that back in England.

The June-September program seems pretty good. Is it usually pretty difficult to get into these programs?

 

[Lome]

Try visiting the forum at www.wdwip.com for more information (www.wdwcareers.com is the official site but wdwip.com is much more helpful).
My advice would be to try for the Cultural Representative Program, it's a great experience and, as redwingchik said, you get to live at The Commons, which is one of the best things of the program.

 

[mkt]

1. Because im from the Uk would I be tied to working at the UK pavillion at EPCOT or would I be able to work in attractions/entertainment at the theme parks.

More than likely, but there have been times where International CP's (including those from the UK) have been sent to work in other areas. The J1 Visa is an international student training visa, which restricts your time in the US to either studying or acting as a cultural representative for your home country. This is for the 1 year program. The summer programs, in which International CM's will work any of the front line roles in WDW are exempted from this.

2. Would I be able to stay for 1 year because im from UK. Im not sure about Visas and stuff.

It depends on your Visa and how long Disney sponsors you for. The J1 visa is good for a maximum of 2 years initially, but most Disney International CM's have visas valid for either 4-5 months (summer program) or 12-14 months (year). There are exceptions to this rule, as I know several international CM's who have been in WDW for 18 months+, but that is definitely the exception and not the rule.

3. Can someone direct me to sites of Blogs (like the one done by Disney Saint) because id love to red more of them.

http://www.wdwip. com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World_International_Program
http://www.andrewpoole.org.uk/disney/diary/
http://travel.webshots.com/album/554144031EntRaI

 

[typhoonguy]

More than likely, but there have been times where International CP's (including those from the UK) have been sent to work in other areas. The J1 Visa is an international student training visa, which restricts your time in the US to either studying or acting as a cultural representative for your home country. This is for the 1 year program. The summer programs, in which International CM's will work any of the front line roles in WDW are exempted from this.


It depends on your Visa and how long Disney sponsors you for. The J1 visa is good for a maximum of 2 years initially, but most Disney International CM's have visas valid for either 4-5 months (summer program) or 12-14 months (year). There are exceptions to this rule, as I know several international CM's who have been in WDW for 18 months+, but that is definitely the exception and not the rule.



http://www.wdwip. com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World_International_Program
http://www.andrewpoole.org.uk/disney/diary/
http://travel.webshots.com/album/554144031EntRaI

That's a lot of great information you put together MKT; helping others in true Walt Disney fashion. :sohappy: