Study tourism, hospitality, destination and event management at one of the world’s top tourism attractions. In this unique six-month study abroad experience, students take courses at the University of Florida and earn credits toward their Brock degree while gaining valuable experience in a paid internship at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Program Details
Dates: July to December
Subject Areas
Geography & Tourism
While preference is given to Geography & Tourism students, all interested students are encouraged to apply.
Academic Credit
2.5 credits earned through four planned courses including:
- Introduction to Food & Beverage Management
- Theme Park & Attraction Management
- Lodging Operations & Management
- Disney Internship*
*The internship opportunity will involve a variety of frontline settings that may or may not be related to your studies. Possible employment opportunities include quick service food and beverage, merchandise, attractions, custodial, lifeguard, character attendant, character performance, seater, recreation.
Cost
Students should plan for the following expenses:
- Program fee: $431 USD
- University of Florida tuition: $4,200 USD
- Accommodation: ~$191 to $232 USD weekly
- Transportation to Florida
Scholarships & Funding Eligibility
- Brock International Mobility Awards through Student Accounts & Financial Aid
- Questions about OSAP? See the Disney Internship FAQs
Accommodation
While in Florida, students live in Disney Program housing located on the Disney property at Flamingo Crossings Village. These are four different apartment complexes with a variety of rooming options and amenities.
Process & Timeline
1.
Apply.
Complete Brock University’s Disney Internship Application and pay the application fee. Deadline is January/February. Check the Applications & Deadlines page for up-to-date information.
2.
Interview with Brock International.
If your application meets requirements, Brock International will schedule an interview with you. The interview is typically held in person on campus in March.
3.
Interview with University of Florida.
If your application is approved after your interview with Brock International, you will have an interview with University of Florida.
4.
Acceptance and planning.
If your application is accepted, you can begin planning your travel and working with University of Florida for accommodation.
5.
Classes begin.
Classes will begin virtually in May. You will be scheduled to arrive in Florida for your internship and remaining classes in July.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Disney Internship Application is typically in December/January. Please visit the Applications & Deadlines page for up-to-date information.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a Brock undergraduate student currently enrolled in classes
- Must have completed a minimum of 10.0 Brock credits prior to the anticipated start date of the program
- Must have a minimum 72% overall average
Application Requirements
Your application package is submitted through our online Disney Internship Application form and must include:
- Statement of Purpose – a 1-page, double-spaced statement of your personal, academic and professional reasons for wanting to participate in this internship program. Your Statement of Purpose must answer the following:
- What are your future career goals?
- What makes you the best candidate for this program
- Academic Reference Letter
- Letter must be written by an instructor who has taught you at Brock.
- Letter should be provided on official Brock University letterhead
- General Reference Letter
- Letter can be from anyone except for relatives and friends
- Note: Reference letters can be sent to exchanges@brocku.ca from the referrer or be dropped off by the referrer at Brock International on the 2nd floor of the International Centre during business hours. If the reference letters are dropped off, they must be in a sealed envelope to the attention of International Learning. If referrers have any questions, they can email exchanges@brocku.ca.
- Copy of your Brock University Program Plan from your Academic Advisor
- Payment of $55 Program Fee (link to payment provided on application form)
Frequently Asked Questions
Two of the courses run from May to July/August. The remaining two, one of which is the Disney internship, run from August to December. All courses are taught online by University of Florida professors with the exception of the internship at Walt Disney World Resort.
You are expected to arrive at the University of Florida in July. When you arrive at UF, you will participate in Immersion Week where you will attend orientation and lectures, participate in field trips, and attend sports games and various activities.
You are responsible for arranging and paying for travel expenses to and from Florida and UF.
Transportation between UF and Disney is included in your fees paid to UF. While at Disney, transportation between the Flamingo Crossings Village and Disney Parks is included.
While in Florida, students live in Disney Program housing located on the Disney property at Flamingo Crossings Village. These are four different apartment complexes with a variety of rooming options and amenities. Housing costs are not included in your program fee, however, expenses related to housing are withdrawn directly from your salary by Disney. Housing is estimated to be $191 to $232 USD weekly depending on the type of unit and housing complex you choose.
While in Florida for the Disney Internship Program, you will be enrolled as a student at the University of Florida. You are not enrolled at Brock University during your time away. This can affect your eligibility for OSAP. Visit Student Accounts and Financial Aid and consult OSAP guidelines for more information.
While in Florida for the Disney Internship Program, you will be enrolled as a student at the University of Florida. You are not enrolled at Brock University during your time away. This can affect your eligibility for health insurance.
You may be required to purchase out-of-country health insurance if you are not covered by another insurance plan.
You will need to discuss this with your academic advisor and the Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) office since the requirements are different between programs. This is permitted for Brock Tourism majors in consultation with their academic advisors. For other majors, please consult with Brock International and CCEE for assistance.
