Disney International Program

Why Choose North Island College?

• A rare opportunity. North Island College is one of six Canadian post-secondary institutions to take part in Disney International's Academic Exchange program. As such, NIC's business and tourism and hospitality management students have unique international learning opportunities to give them a competitive edge.
• Expand your resume. The Disney International College program gives students the opportunity to build their C.V. through experiential academic training. Training opportunities include a range of roles from hospitality, concierge, and culinary roles to vacation planning and other customer-service oriented positions.
• Life-changing opportunities you can't get anywhere else. Learn important business philosophies from Disney leaders and make friends around the world while earning your credentials at NIC.

Program Highlights

Earn a Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management or a Certificate in Management from the The University of California - Riverside (UCR). Combine academic coursework at the beautiful UCR campus with a paid, academic training at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

This program is designed for exceptional international students who seek careers in the field of international tourism, hospitality management and business. It enables participants to study on the UCR campus and participate in field experiences at popular attractions in Southern California prior to an experience on the Disney International Program.

When complete, move on to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where you have the opportunity for a paid, work experience in the hospitality field.

Accommodations

Living at the University of California, Riverside
During the California component of your program, students will stay in the International Residence Center on the University of California Riverside campus (triple-occupancy). The cost of the residence and meals is included in the program fee.

See UCR's Housing site for more information.

Living in Florida
While participating in the Disney International College program, students live in company-sponsored, fully-furnished one-to-four-bedroom apartments near the Walt Disney World Resort. A bus system provides students with transportation to work, classes, shopping and social activities. 24-hour security is provided.

The accommodation charge covers the housing fee, utilities, high-speed Internet, local phone service and transportation. This charge is deducted from participants’ weekly paychecks.

See Disney International's information on accommodations for more information.

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Eligibility Requirements

The Disney International program is part of Co-operative Education at NIC and is designed specifically for students in the Business or Tourism and Hospitality Management program. To qualify, students must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed a minimum of 15 credits at North Island College
• Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Be recommended by North Island College appropriate faculty
• Have the financial means to pay for the program costs (see below)
• Have a can-do attitude and an open personality
• Be willing to share a bedroom/dorm space
• Be accepted as to NIC's Co-operative Education program by the Oct. 29 deadline

Wages and Costs

Students in the Disney International program participate in paid work experience opportunities. While hourly wages vary according to the position, you can expect to work a maximum of 37.5 hours a week while studying, and up to 45 hours a week during non-class times.

Students graduate from the work term with a certificate from the University of California, Riverside in either Management or Hospitality and Tourism Management. The costs to participate in this part of the program is $3,800 USD. This includes:

• Group transportation to and from the LAX airport to the University of California, Riverside
• Residence accommodation and meals at the University of California, Riverside (triple occupancy) for the California portion of the program
• Tuition and fees for 15 credits from the University of California, Riverside including all texts and/or course materials for the UCR courses
• UCR Identification card
• Supervision during the academic training portion of the program
• Ongoing support by UCR staff for duration of the academic training
• EMP 100 & Co-operative Education Work Term Fees

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• $450 non-refundable application fee: payable to UCR when you have been accepted into the program
• $180 non-refundable J-1 Student Visa application (SEVIS) fee, payable to the US Consulate in your country
• $550 mandatory medical insurance for the duration of the program
• Flights from Canada to California, California to Florida and Florida to Canada
• Disney International Programs accommodations (see Living in Florida above)
• Some Disney courses include a material fees ($14-$55) and/or textbook fees (typically $15-$100
• $100 program assessment fee (submitted directly to the Walt Disney World Resort)
• $400-$500 for miscellaneous living expenses and student costs during their stay in Florida

Students may be eligible for a partial tuition scholarship from UCR. Check with your adviser for more information.

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