College Program

[heffalumpy]

Originally Posted by nicoleloveswalt

Does anyone know what it takes to qualify for the international program? I'm an American doing my undergraduate degree in England, so I will be living here for at least three years, when I want to apply could I apply for either program, or what?

Could I even work at the UK Pavilion?

Hmmm interesting. I am British and I was told that I would have to work for the UK paviliion because they go by where you were born. My problem with that was that I am not "quintessentially British". I mean look at what representations Disney has for Britain-Alice, Wendy and Mary Poppins (although I suppose they are uniting nations and welcoming ethnic diversity) My parents are AFRICAN and I wanted to work @ Animal Kingdom but they wouldn't let me...still, you should ask them. My reckoning is they might make an exception for you
I don't know where you study here but you must really love Britain if you would consider working in the UK pavillion . In my experience some of those Brits you meet at university are not the vast majority of Brits who go on holiday to Disney...

P.S. in the end I did the international programme for 6 months where I worked at MK as a seater and "studied" part time at UCF Rosen College. Classes were a rip off but the experience was (generally) good.

[joanna71985]

Originally Posted by meganloraine

I just set up my phone interview for Sunday! Woo! (: Excited.

Good luck

[DisneyPrincess4590]

Originally Posted by meganloraine

So I was reading back a few posts, and I have a question. If you're in love with Disney, it increases your chances of getting picked? I've wanted to work for Disney since I was 14, and I want to start a career with Disney after the program ends (if I'm chosen).

It is very rare for someone to NOT get chosen for the College Program. I'm not sure how the web based interview changes anything, but they pretty much select anyone who is 18 and semi enrolled in college. I love Disney and I had a blast on my CP. However, it is a gross mis-statement to call it an "internship." Yes it taught me transferrable skills and yes it helped me recruit for other internships, but Disney glorifies it way too much.

[heffalumpy]

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess4590

It is very rare for someone to NOT get chosen for the College Program. I'm not sure how the web based interview changes anything, but they pretty much select anyone who is 18 and semi enrolled in college. I love Disney and I had a blast on my CP. However, it is a gross mis-statement to call it an "internship." Yes it taught me transferrable skills and yes it helped me recruit for other internships, but Disney glorifies it way too much.

I agree, although I was international college programme.
The part about everyone being chosen is true. Also, I dont know if they give you face to face interviews for your CP but someone told me that basically, all that is is to see if you have the Disney Look(no excessive piercings, plain hair etc.), which I can believe because I got asked four questions, the first one being "what is your favourite thing to do in Birmingham?"

[Disneytwins]

It probably was to see your attitude. Although, I could be wrong.

[joanna71985]

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess4590

It is very rare for someone to NOT get chosen for the College Program. I'm not sure how the web based interview changes anything, but they pretty much select anyone who is 18 and semi enrolled in college. I love Disney and I had a blast on my CP. However, it is a gross mis-statement to call it an "internship." Yes it taught me transferrable skills and yes it helped me recruit for other internships, but Disney glorifies it way too much.

It's actually not as easy to get accepted for the CP, as it has been in the past. I know many people who have been rejected for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010.

[meganloraine]

I had my interview yesterday. I think it went well, although I was extremely nervous. I'm hoping that she could understand that. I was literally shaking right before she called. Whew. Now waiting to hear something is the worst part. How long does it take usually for them to notify you if you're going or not?

EDIT

Also, they email you the invitation, am I correct?

[heffalumpy]

Originally Posted by meganloraine

I had my interview yesterday. I think it went well, although I was extremely nervous. I'm hoping that she could understand that. I was literally shaking right before she called. Whew. Now waiting to hear something is the worst part. How long does it take usually for them to notify you if you're going or not?

EDIT

Also, they email you the invitation, am I correct?

Good luck!
I don't know how long it takes to email you guys in the US. I don't think you'll wait too long. They got back to me within a week and I had DAYS after that to decide to accept.

[Disneytwins]

I waited approximately four weeks afterwords. I got my email first saying that I was accepted and then the purple folder showed up.

Good luck!

[meganloraine]

Phew. Well I hope it's a week and not four. I CANT HANDLE WAITING FOUR WEEKS! That's soooo long. ):

[Hayley88]

Hi, I'm Hayley. I've applied for spring advantage 2010. I've been reading this thread the last few days and thought I might as well join in! The tips I have found on this thread were so helpful when I interviewed, thanks guys!

I interviewed last night, and I think I did really well. I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life! The recruiter that interviewed me was so nice though! My top 3 choices were Attractions, Vacation Planner and Merchandise. He said I would be a perfect vacation planner I was really hoping for attractions, but I have 5 summers of experience selling tickets/season passes at a large waterpark. So we'll see... I'm crossing my fingers!

Originally Posted by meganloraine

Phew. Well I hope it's a week and not four. I CANT HANDLE WAITING FOUR WEEKS! That's soooo long. ):

I can't either!! The guy that interviewed me said that it would be 2-4 weeks until I hear from them, but the confirmation email said 4-6... I'm hoping for 2!!

Meganloraine, what roles are you hoping for?

[DVkid07]

Originally Posted by Hayley88

The guy that interviewed me said that it would be 2-4 weeks until I hear from them, but the confirmation email said 4-6... I'm hoping for 2!!

Hi Hayley!

The official answer is that you should allow 4-6 weeks for your answer to arrive. However, since notifications are coming via email now (as opposed to a letter in the mail) it should sooner than that.

Keep in mind that the number of people applying at the same time as you will have an effect on your wait time. The later in the Spring recruiting season, the more applications the office has to get through before they get to yours.

That said, it shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 weeks for you to find out if you'll be coming on board as a Cast Member in January or February.

Steven Sokulski

[DVkid07]

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess4590

It is very rare for someone to NOT get chosen for the College Program. I'm not sure how the web based interview changes anything, but they pretty much select anyone who is 18 and semi enrolled in college. I love Disney and I had a blast on my CP. However, it is a gross mis-statement to call it an "internship." Yes it taught me transferrable skills and yes it helped me recruit for other internships, but Disney glorifies it way too much.

Disney Princess,

The "accept all" attitude of the program has shifted extensively, even since I started with the company under two years ago. Positions are harder to come by within the parks, for College Program applicants and standard Cast Members alike. However, we do have a rather broad reach and acceptance policy.

As others have said, it really had to do with your attitude. If you fit the mindset (and meet the very small list of requirements) then you're most likely in, so long as we have positions available in the roles which you have selected.

I can't disagree that calling the Disney College Program an internship is somewhat overstepping the boundaries of the term for many students. Though educational opportunities are offered on both coasts (boasting college credit and a really great learning experience) the true value of the program is in the work experience and on-the-job customer service training.

As a Campus Representative at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas we spend a majority of our time promoting the program to students in the recreation and hospitality fields of study. It is these students for whom the program is most valuable, though it is a huge resume boost for just about anyone.

The potential misuse of the term internship likely comes from the fact that it is a description that is easily understood by students on campuses across the country and around the world. Advertising the Disney College Program as a "paid internship" makes it instantly recognizable and understandable without the need for even another word.

I think, so long as college campuses continue to support and openly promote the Disney College Program, Disney will continue to operate this work experience program exactly as they have since its inception in the early 80s.

[warmonthesand]

I applied for Spring 2010 for Attractions, Character Attendant, and Costuming. They're harder to come by from what I've read, but I feel those are the ones I would enjoy the most and didn't want to just work retail again. I had my phone interview yesterday morning, and received the confirmation email this morning.

Good luck to the rest of you!

[meganloraine]

Originally Posted by Hayley88

Hi, I'm Hayley. I've applied for spring advantage 2010. I've been reading this thread the last few days and thought I might as well join in! The tips I have found on this thread were so helpful when I interviewed, thanks guys!

I interviewed last night, and I think I did really well. I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life! The recruiter that interviewed me was so nice though! My top 3 choices were Attractions, Vacation Planner and Merchandise. He said I would be a perfect vacation planner I was really hoping for attractions, but I have 5 summers of experience selling tickets/season passes at a large waterpark. So we'll see... I'm crossing my fingers!



I can't either!! The guy that interviewed me said that it would be 2-4 weeks until I hear from them, but the confirmation email said 4-6... I'm hoping for 2!!

Meganloraine, what roles are you hoping for?

Haha. Yeah, one of my friends did it and she said she waited four weeks. I really don't want to have to wait that long, but I guess I have no choice. (:

I'm hoping for Character Attendant, Attractions, or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess. I know those are the harder ones to get accepted for, but I've worked in retail all of my life and I really did not want to get stuck in it again.

Good luck!