Nov 14, 2024
Langara College’s partnership with Disney International Programs offers students a chance to study, work, and live at Disney – an unparalleled learning experience that has transformed the careers of many alumni.
When Kavita Dhillon arrived in California for her first days at the Disney Field School Program, she knew it would be an exciting experience. However, she could never have predicted the full impact the one-of-a-kind learning opportunity would have on her career.
“Everyone was away from home, we all lived away from home, so it was so much fun meeting people from all over the world,” explains Dhillon.
As part of the curriculum, students take nine credits of academic coursework at the University of California, Riverside, followed by six months of supervised paid training at the Disney University at Walt Disney World in Florida. For Dhillon, it wasn’t the academic studies, but rather the connections she made that ultimately shifted the direction of her career.
“I met students doing a Bachelor of Sports Management and a lightbulb went off. I saw ways to pursue a career in sports that didn’t involve playing,” she says.
Disney teaches that little things create magic. It’s about creating memories or “magical moments” and that’s what I do now.
– Kavita Dhillon
Dhillon is now the Executive Producer, Game Experience with the Golden State Warriors. She credits her time at Disney with expanding her network and providing her with life-changing opportunities she wouldn’t have had elsewhere.
"Disney made my resume stand out. I have to pinch myself all the time, as I never could have imagined I’d get to do these things,” explains Dhillon.
A comprehensive, hands-on experience.
The program, structured for ambitious domestic and international students interested in studying from and working with the world's largest hospitality and entertainment company, combines rigorous academics with hands-on training. According to Disney Field School Coordinator and Langara instructor Sean Padley, students gain direct experience in diverse roles – from food carts and merchandise to attractions monitoring, crowd control. “Students work alongside Disney employees, but their schedules are adjusted around their academic courses,” explains Padley.
Classes like consumer behaviour, organizational leadership, and human resources management help students earn a Certificate in Management or Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Students get to see how a top-tier company runs their business.
– Sean Padley
During their placement, students live in company-sponsored, fully-furnished, two-to-four bedroom apartments at Flamingo Crossings Village, near the Walt Disney World Resort. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, resort-style swimming pools and a recreation centre with billiards, ping pong, and arcade games. A bus system allows students to commute easily between work, classes, shopping, and social activities.
Opening doors for aspiring Disney Imagineers.
“The Disney program is open to all Langara students, some are in the co-op program, some are not,” says Padley, “There is no limit on the number of students who can participate, as long as they are successful in the application and interview process.”
Langara is one of only six Canadian post-secondary institutions offering this unique field school.
Paco Rodrigo took part in the program in 2023, before completing his Certificate in Arts and Science (Engineering) at Langara. During his time at Disney, he gained invaluable experience, serving food and beverage to guests, and later operated rides, including the popular Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
“You work with so many people from around the world, meet so many guests from around the world, and have so many funny interactions that I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life,” says Rodrigo.</p
Disney helped me to get out of my shell and taught me important lessons in public speaking, while I was hosting the pre-shows for the rides.
– Paco Rodrigo
Now studying engineering at SFU, Rodrigo’s goal is to one day become an Imagineer at Disney.
“An Imagineer is someone who designs rides, parks, and cruise ships,” explains Rodrigo, “It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time because growing up, I used to go to Disney a lot and I want to be able to bring that kind of magic to other people.”
For Langara students ready for a career-transforming experience, Disney Field School is now accepting applications for 2025. Join the next information session on December 3 or email coop@langara.ca for more information.