Live, Learn, and Earn at Disney.
Walt Disney Resort, Florida & University of California Riverside
Langara College, in partnership with Disney International Programs and the University of California, Riverside, offers a unique international field school where students have the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World.
The program blends nine credits of academic coursework at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) - a top ranked US university - and at the Disney University with six months of supervised paid training at Walt Disney World. The program is open to all students.
We asked Michael, a past Disney program participant, a couple of questions regarding the program and this is what he said.
Why did you choose the Disney International Program?
I chose the program because it allowed me to travel and explore, to network with countless individuals from around the world, to work for a Fortune 500 company with a legendary reputation in customer service, and most importantly, to enjoy the Disney parks whenever I wanted to.
Was there a super fun moment that happened during the program?
Every day was fun and exciting, there was always a new experience to be had. One of my favorite memories from this experience is going with my friends to visit the park after Halloween. Disney had switched all the Halloween decorations with Christmas decorations overnight. Seeing the castle light up with holiday lights for the first time was magical.
What are three things you will carry forward in your life and career from your experience?
Three things I’ll carry forth from this experience would be the guest service skills that I learned from working at Disney, a passion for travel and trying new things, and the countless friendships I have made with people from all over the world.
Would you do it again?
I’d love to experience the program again but I’m sure it’d be a completely different experience. A lot of my friends that I have met through the program have returned home and there would be a completely different group of people working there now. The perks are great and everything, but it really is the people that make your experience special and unique.
Academic Notes:
Upon successful completion of this program you will receive
- University credits from UCR
- Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism OR Management from UCR
- Optional: You may earn a certificate from Harvard University during the program
- Access to the Disny University online resources for the duration of stay in WDW
- Optional learning opportunities
- Professional Development Series - Study a specific line of business at WDW
- Disney Exploration Series - Explores how WDW operates in key areas such as cast engagement, sustainability, guest services, leadership, etc. Conversations and presentations facilttated by Disney leaders
- Disney University Courses - Opportunities to network with Disney Executives froma variety fo lines of busienss; valuable career management pointers and advice
- My Disney Career Series - Targeted career development classes
- Online Learning - variety of two-hour classes that students can build towards a certificate (9 required)
- Applied learning component with a Fortune 100 company - looks fantastic on a resume!
Click here for more information on this program and its benefits or attend one of the information sessions below.
- Monday, September 23, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm | Room A253 | Register
- Tuesday, October 22, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm | Room TBD | Register
- Wednesday, November 13, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm | Room TBD | Register
- Tuesday, December 3, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm | Online via Zoom | Register
Application Deadline: Check soon for the updated deadline!
Email Sean Padly at coop@langara.ca for more information.
Check out the International Field School Travel Award on this page then talk to Financial Aid for help and inforamtion on how to apply! In the past, up to 10 awards have been given for amounts from $1000 to $3000 each! Even if you're not sure about this year - go to an info session, send an email, learn a bit about the programs, costs, etc. These are once in a lifetime opportunities that will give you stories, friends, and a lifetime of memories.