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Living, Learning and Earning is a main catch phrase used to describe the philosophy behind the Walt Disney World College Program . It outlines the basic three parts of the WDWCP, broken down into student experiences. This makes up the core of the WDWCP presentation, and explains to students how the program will benefit them. LIVING While on the Walt Disney World College Program , students live in company-sponsored apartment complexes. As of 2005, there are four, Vista Way , Chatham Square , The Commons and The NorthBridge Apartment Complex. Each apartment complex offers 24-hour gated security, bus transportation to work locations (exception is NorthRidge), recreational amenities and multicultural community environments. More then just providing a place to live, the housing experience is a major part of the program. The locations are exclusively for WDWCP cast members, all residents are college students from all across the US. This creates a very charged living situation, as most students’ room with complete strangers; they must learn how to co-exist with people from different backrounds. LEARNING The WDWCP offers students from any academic major the opportunity to take Disney engineered courses that the American Council On Education (ACE) recommends for credit. This is a strong point for most students because many institutions accept the ACE credit recommendations or offer students credit for their Walt Disney World College Program experience through cooperative education programs, internship programs and/or independent study courses. Each course focuses on a topic for which the Walt Disney World Resort has a reputation for excellence. Each course has learning outcomes and a level of academic rigor on par with courses taught at colleges and universities across the nation. Students have required textbook readings, term papers and special projects. The instructors are Walt Disney World Resort leaders that are industry and content-area experts and hold one or more advanced degrees. The current courses offered during the program are;
The format for these courses are typically once every week and are between 44 and 66 total hours, and last about 11 weeks. Some courses split classroom hours with directed activity hours. Interns attend the courses on one of their days off, and during the peak times, they may only get one day off a week so taking a class is a strong commitment. EARNING The WDWCP is a paid internship, the current pay rate for CP's is $6.25 per hour. This salary pays for the students weekly housing rent, and other living expenses. There are often opportunities for OT (Over Time) work available. Other then monetary compensation, WDWCP students gain valuable experience working in one of a wide variety of roles available with Disney , a hospitality, entertainment and service-industry leader. Students interact with guests from all over the world in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Students will develop transferable skills, including problem solving, effective communication, teamwork and cultural sensitivity. Every student will benefit from exposure to the unique culture and traditions of this Fortune 100 Company. There are many Walt Disney World Roles available to Walt Disney World College Program students. Each role allows students the opportunity to observe and provide unparalleled guest service. Students can network with leaders in their location, and students will have the chance to make professional connections with leaders from a variety of disciplines through various networking events. The Walt Disney World College Program and the associated training and experience gained working for Walt Disney World Co. becomes a salient point on any student's resume. |
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