University of Florida Academic Exchange Experience with Walt Disney World Resort Disney The ONLY program that gives you the opportunity to earn academic credit from the University of Florida and complete a six-month internship with Walt Disney World Resort
Tell me more about the program! Program Overview The University of Florida s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI) and Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management (TRSM) in conjunction with Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) are offering a six-month academic exchange experience program for international students enrolled in tourism, hospitality, marketing, business and/or other related fields at UF s international partner universities in Canada. Students will take classes and earn 12 credits from the University of Florida while participating in academic training and gaining valuable experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Learn about tourism, hospitality, destination and event management in a fun and exciting environment from best-in-class professors and industry experts in one of the world s leading tourism destinations- Orlando, FL.
Welcome to the Gator Nation Students have the opportunity to become part of the Gator Nation and experience student life at the University of Florida before traveling to Walt Disney World Resort. Students fly into Gainesville, FL and are transported to Gainesville to spend 8 days participating in a variety of activities including: A campus orientation and tour, course instruction, meetings with UF students and faculty, entertaining and fun group outings, tours and excursions and obtaining their Gator 1 ID card. It s Great to Be a Florida Gator The tours and excursions include visits to Florida cultural and sports facilities and visits to central and north Florida resorts and destinations where students will gain insight and knowledge from hospitality, tourism and recreation professionals. Students will have the opportunity to stay in UF student dorms to get the full student experience. All meals will be provided for students until arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Summer Term course will be completed before traveling to Walt Disney World Resort.
Earning your Ears Living Earning Learning The Disney Education Program provides students with real-world hospitality and business experience and classroom education at one of the world s leading companies. Disney Program participants will live in company-sponsored, fully-furnished, two and four bedroom apartments near the Walt Disney World Resort with on site security. Bus transportation is provided to work, classes, shopping and social activities. An accommodation fee is deducted from each participant s weekly pay, depending on the housing unit and number of roommates. The charge covers the housing fee, utilities, high-speed internet, local phone service & transportation. Program participants will have the opportunity to work at any one of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, resorts or other recreational areas including water parks and Downtown Disney Area. Participants work 30-37.5* hours per week and receive a competitive hourly wage. *Scheduled hours may vary* Disney Students are required to participate in one of Disney s collegiate courses. The learning component offers participants a one-of-akind learning experience. Class size typically is 50-55 students where students sit in groups of 5. Disney classes are held on Disney properties and are once a week for four hours. Half of the class time is lecture from the accredited Disney faculty member the rest of the class consist of discussion and group activities with the class. For a list of classes offered please see the curriculum section of this brochure.
Admission Requirements Age 18 years or older; Second year level of university study (sophomore standing) at your home institution; Currently enrolled and in good academic standing at your home institution; Recommended by your home institution for interviews with UF and Disney; Financial support to cover the costs of the program and personal expenses; Desire to perform at a high-level in both the academic & work components of the program; Positive, professional, friendly attitude and service orientation; Engaged in appropriate course of study: tourism, hospitality, recreation, business, sport management or a related field. We would love to have you! Curriculum Twelve (12) credit hours of coursework in resort & destination management from the University of Florida: Amount of credits transferred depends on your home institution Summer Term LEI 3340: Resort and Destination Development (4 credits) Fall Term LEI 4905: Destination and Event Management Capstone (2 credits) LEI 4940: Internship in Leisure Services (3 credits) Six (6) months of resort and theme park work and academic experience at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, FL HFT 3253 Lodging Operations and Management (3 credits) OR LEI 4905: Disney Course (3 credits) (choose one of the following): Corporate Analysis Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management Organizational Leadership Corporate Communications All UF courses are administered online
Program Components The Program fee of $3,500 per student includes: Twelve (12) credit hours of course instruction at the University of Florida; Housing accommodations, all meals, transportation, tours, cultural and sports excursions while at the University of Florida; Admission to one UF Sporting Event; Orientation and Graduation Reception; Gator 1 student ID Card; SEVIS fee (to obtain a student VISA); Supervision and support by UF program faculty and staff for the duration of the Academic Exchange Experience; Access to all of the University of Florida s instructional, technological and student resources. Students will be responsible for the following expenses: Required Student Health Insurance; Any expense related to the application process for Walt Disney World Resort; All expenses once arriving to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL; Linens and Towels (unless student brings them from home); Textbook and Course Materials.
For more information about the Disney Program, contact your school s representative: University of Waterloo: Dr. Ron McCarville Email: mcarville@uwaterloo.ca Brock University: Dr. David Fennell Email: dfennell@brocku.ca Wilfrid Laurier University: Dr. Barbara Carmichael Email: bcarmichael@wlu.ca University of Florida: Ms. Arielle Gousse EFTI Program Manager - Training & Education Phone: 352-392-3992 Email: agousse@ufl.edu For more information about the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute go to uftourism.org