Disney Academic Exchange Program (Closed), Florida
Duration
12 Months
Work Type
Disney International Programs
Dates
2026
Wage
$18.00 per hour
Hours
32+ hours per weekFind Magic in Your Studies and Service
Here’s the kind of opportunity that transforms a university placement into something extraordinary: the Walt Disney World® Academic Exchange Program. Over six or twelve months, you’ll gain hands-on experience across the iconic Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, all while earning academic credit through Central Michigan University. This is where global service, real-world learning, and one-of-a-kind adventure come together.
This fully immersive program allows you to step behind the scenes at one of the world’s most recognised resorts. From themed attractions to quick service food and beverage, and even lifeguarding, you’ll rotate through roles that challenge and inspire. Beyond the job, you’ll be part of classroom learning experiences led by Walt Disney World® professionals. These courses don’t just supplement your degree—they give you skills and stories that will stick for life.
And let’s not forget the setting. Living in the heart of Florida means year-round sunshine, visits to world-famous parks on your days off, and a cultural exchange that goes way beyond your average placement year. You’ll live with cast members from around the globe, share your culture, and create connections that last well beyond your time in the U.S.
It’s more than just a placement—it’s a launchpad. You’ll gain skills in guest service, leadership, communication and teamwork, all while learning directly from the people who set the global standard in hospitality and entertainment. If you’re ready to make your degree stand out and your year unforgettable, this could be the perfect next step.
Program Highlights — Learning That Feels Like Magic
This program is packed with hands-on experience, academic insight, and an unbeatable backdrop. It’s specifically designed to support your university placement year, offering full-time employment at Walt Disney World® Resort alongside academic credit from Central Michigan University. Here’s how the adventure shapes up:
You will work in one of the following roles during your program, based anywhere across the Walt Disney World Property:
- Attractions and Operations,
- Quick Service/Full-Service Food and Beverage,
- Lifeguarding
- Character Performer
- Character Attendant
- Costuming
- Merchandise
Work Hours & Pay: You’ll work a minimum of 32 hours per week and earn $18 USD/hour, giving you real-life industry experience while supporting your time abroad.
Program Length: 51 weeks, aligning with UK university placement requirements. Participants from the Netherlands and Canada will join for six months, with an additional 30-day travel period at the end.
Academic Study: As a registered student of Central Michigan University during your program, you’ll gain university credit and certificates upon completion. Classes are taught by Walt Disney World® professionals and include subjects like Hospitality Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Disney Marketing, Creativity & Innovation, and more.
Learning Methods: You’ll engage in online courses, in-person seminars, supervised work-integrated learning and volunteer opportunities. All designed to boost your resume and complement your current university course.
Skill Development: This is a practical, future-focused program designed to build your confidence and capabilities in guest service, problem-solving, cultural exchange, and leadership.
The best part of the Disney Academic Exchange Program is the learning experience. On this program, you will be registered as a student at Central Michigan University for the academic year and will gain credit and certificates upon completion of the program in recognition for your academic efforts. Credits may be transferred to your home university (dependant upon the home university and individual course requirements).
The learning experience exposes participants to educational classes instructed Disney professionals, who will each pass over their expertise and knowledge on a range of subject areas. This invaluable and sought after experience will be beneficial for any future career after graduation.
The program structure sees two-semester periods. As part of the program requirement, you will be required to enrol into unique learning opportunities during each of these semesters, through Central Michigan University and the Disney Education team. You will have the option to enrol into classes such as HR Management, Organisational Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, Disney Leadership, Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management, Disney Marketing and Disney Heritage. These courses are designed to complement your current studies at your home university.
The Disney and Central Michigan University learning opportunities will be taught through a variety of methods. These include:
- Academic Classes or Seminar Series hosted at Walt Disney World® Resort
- On-line classes
- Directed studies
- Supervised work integrated learning opportunities
- Volunteer opportunities
Housing That Feels Like Home
You’ll live in the brand-new Flamingo Crossings Village, a modern apartment community designed just for Disney International Programs participants. Expect fully furnished apartments, fitness centres, computer labs, swimming pools, scheduled activities, and easy transport across Walt Disney World® Resort.
Each apartment includes two bedrooms, with participants sharing a room with one other person. Housing costs range from $227 – $285 USD per week, inclusive of utilities, and are deducted directly from your paycheck. A one-time $467 Disney Program Participation Fee also applies at time of offer.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be enrolled at one of Central Michigan University’s UK or international partner universities
- Be studying Tourism & Hospitality, Events, Business & Marketing, or Leisure Studies
- Be aged 18+ with a valid passport
- Be fluent in English and in good academic standing
- Be available for the full duration of the program and able to return to your home university upon completion
Eligible UK Partner Universities include: University of Brighton, University College Birmingham, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Chester, University of Central Lancashire, Leeds Beckett University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Northumbria University, Robert Gordon University, Sheffield Hallam University.
Also open to students from: Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), Fontys Academy (Netherlands), St. Clair College (Canada), Noorderpoort HotelSchool Groningen (Netherlands)
How to Apply
- Submit your application to Yummy Jobs
- Complete a virtual pre-screen interview with the Yummy Jobs team
- If successful, attend an in-person final interview with the Walt Disney World® Recruitment Team
Applications are open at specific times of the year.
Participants on the Academic Exchange Program will be required to submit the following fees:
ACADEMIC TUITION FEE – PAYABLE TO CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ONE MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
- 6-month program = $3,570.00 USD. $1,250.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance – deducted from the total amount
- 12-month program = $5,810.00 USD. $1,250.00 USD payment required at time of acceptance – deducted from the total amount
PRE-ARRIVAL FEES
- Disney Program Assessment Fee = $467.00 USD (includes the first week of rent)
- U.S. Embassy Appointment Fee = $180.00 USD
- U.S. SEVIS Fee = $220.00 USD
- Flights to the United States = Varies
- Medical Insurance = Between approx $85 – $160 USD per month (approximately) – must be paid in total prior to arrival for the duration of your program dates. Select U.K Universities offer International Medical Insurance free to their students. If applicable, students will be exempt from this fee.
POST-ARRIVAL FEES
- Weekly Accommodation Costs = $227.00 – $284.00 USD (automatic payroll deduction)
- Additional supporting funds between $350.00 – $750.00 USD are recommended
-
As a student on a J1 visa in the USA, it is important to be aware that you will be required to file a tax return at the end of the tax year.
-
The tax year in the United States typically runs from January 1st to December 31st. Filing a tax return means providing information about your income, expenses, and other relevant financial details to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. tax authority.
-
At the end of the tax year, when you file your tax return, you will calculate your tax liability based on your income and deductions.
-
If the taxes withheld from your paychecks throughout the Program are not sufficient to cover your total tax liability, you may be required to pay an additional amount to fulfill your tax obligations. On the other hand, if too much tax was withheld, you may be eligible for a tax refund.
