University of Florida/Walt Disney World Resort Internship

Learn about tourism, hospitality, destination and event management in a fun and exciting environment from top-notch professors and work at of the most successful tourism attractions in the world.

This unique program offers students a six-month study abroad experience in the traditional classroom and in a formal work setting. Students will take classes and earn 2.5 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.

Students are required to take 4 courses, which will transfer back to Brock as 2.5 credits. The first 2 courses will start in May and will be delivered virtually and asynchronously. Students will then travel to UF in July to begin orientation. Planned courses currently include:

  • Introduction to Food & Beverage Management
  • Theme Park & Attraction Management
  • Lodging Operations & Management
  • Disney Internship

Applicants are reminded that this opportunity will involve a variety of frontline settings that may or may not be related to your studies. Possible employment opportunities include:

While you are in Orlando, FL, you will live in Disney Program housing. There are 4 different apartment complexes with a variety of rooming options and amenities.

For housing options, please visit the below website:

Students will be responsible for paying various fees for the program, fees will include:

  • Program Fee: $431 (USD)
  • UF Tuition: $4200 (USD)
  • Accommodation: ~$191 to $232 per week (USD)
  • Transportation to Florida (USD)

Funding will be available through the Global Skills Opportunity Grant GSO.

November 27th at 1pm

Details: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/245359

November 28th at 4pm

Details: https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/249378

Please note that prospective participants must first submit an application to Brock International Services.

Program Requirements

  • 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 per cent overall average

Additional Application Requirements

  • Submit completed application by deadline (December 1st, 2023)
  • Statement of Purpose (1 page, double-spaced, statement of your personal, academic and professional reasons for wanting to participate in the Brock Internship program. Must include the following information: What are your future career goals and how will participating in this program help you achieve your goals? What makes you the best candidate for this program?
    • Letter should be provided on official letterhead.
    • Can be from anyone except relatives and friends.
  • Note: Reference letter can be sent to exchanges@brocku.ca from the referee; Drop off or mail to Brock International Center (2nd Floor) during business hours. If the reference letter is dropped off, it must be in a sealed envelope to the attention of the International Learning office. If referees have any questions, they can email exchanges@brocku.ca
  • Copy of your Brock University Program Plan (from your Academic Advisor)
  • $55 Program Fee

Please note: Students who are successful in their application to join the Brock University International Internship Program will be nominated to the University of Florida (UF) by Brock International. There is a second in-person interview that will be hosted by the UF/Disney representatives, which typically takes place around March. All applicants are required to attend.

FAQs

This unique program offers students a six-month study abroad experience, including online Tourism courses through the University of Florida and in a formal work setting. Students will take classes and earn 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. The credits you earn from the University of Florida count as transfer credits towards your Brock degree and are equivalent to 2.5 Brock credits.

Learn more about the program below: 

Students are required to take 4 courses, which will transfer back to Brock University as 2.5 credits.  How the transfer credits will fit into your program (e.g., as electives, major credit, minor credit) will depend on your major program requirements. Please consult an advisor in your major department for more specific information.

Students accepted to this program will be required to take the following four courses: 

  • Food & Beverage Introduction
  • Theme Park & Attraction Management
  • Lodging Operations & Management
  • Disney Internship

All courses will be taught by University of Florida professors online, the fourth course being the internship at Walt Disney World® Resort. 

2 Courses run from May to July/August, remaining 2 will run from August to December, including the Internship.

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 and health insurance.  You should consult OSAP guidelines for more information.  With regards to health insurance, you may be required to purchase out-of-country health insurance if you are not covered by another insurance plan.    

Find more information about OSAP here.

You are expected to arrive at the University of Florida for the start of the program in July. When you arrive at UF, you will complete a week of Immersion week, where you will attend orientation and lectures, participate in field trips and attend sports games and various activities.

Yes, but the housing costs during immersion week at the University of Florida are incorporated into the Disney Internship Program fees. 

While at Disney, you live at the Disney property, Flamingo Crossings Village. Opened in summer 2021, the Flamingo Crossings Village provides program participants with spacious apartments (2 or 4 bedroom apartments; no more than four people in one apartment) and numerous amenities that will offer a comfortable, safe and relaxing living environment right next door to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Housing costs while at Disney are not included, but the expenses related to housing are withdrawn directly from your salary by Disney. Housing will be around $191 to $232 USD per week, depending on the type of the unit and housing complex you choose. 

You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own expenses related to travel to and from Florida. Transportation between the University of Florida and Disney is included in your fees paid to the University of Florida.  While at Disney, transportation between the Flamingo Crossings Village and Disney Parks is included.

You will need to discuss this with your academic advisor and the Co-op 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 Co-op for assistance.

You must first submit an application through Brock International first, all qualified applicant will be invited to an interview. To apply, please click the “Apply Now” button below