For many Disney fanatics, working at one of the many Walt Disney Parks around the world seems like a dream job. You get paid to pretend to be part of Disney World, you get free admission to Disneyland, you get deep discounts on resorts and cruises, and you get to stay in the theme parks all day long. In addition, educational resources, wellness programs and life management services are provided to employees. It seems like a pretty good gig, which is why it could be a very competitive one as well. This is true for parks in the United States as well as parks around the world. If you're from the United States, it may seem easier to find a job in the United States, but if you want to travel and work for Disney at the same time, it can be overwhelming. So, how do you get a job at International Disney Parks? Fortunately, there are programs that can help you.
There are six Disney resorts around the world with a total of 12 parks. There is Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort. Basically, you decide if you want to work in Florida, California, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai and work from there.
A quick look at the Disney website will reveal that there are several programs created specifically for people interested in working at international parks. One is the Academic Exchange Program, which is an exchange partnership with American colleges and universities. The program is open to college students and allows them to receive academic training at the Walt Disney World Resort. The program gives students the opportunity to gain an inside look at the world of entertainment and guest services, network, expand their education, and connect with other students and professionals around the world.
If you are a college student interested in taking advantage of this program, you can first check to see if your university participates in the partnership. In order to apply, you must be over 18 years old and fluent in English.
There are also cultural exchange programs that give students the opportunity to work at Disney resorts during school holidays. Those accepted can work at the resort and receive Disney condos. Applications are only invited from students, and according to the website, they are currently recruiting students from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, France, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Students are not the only ones who can choose courses. The other is called the Cultural Representative Program, which allows people who represent a specific company to work at Epcot. According to the website, Disney recruits "friendly, outgoing, and welcoming individuals who represent their culture, traditions, and history as a whole." In order to apply, you must be 18 years or older.
To apply for any of these, visit the Disney website for more details. As for what they're looking for, a vice president of recruiting, diversity and inclusion and talent management told Cosmopolitan they want candidates who share their vision of creating magical memories for guests. They want "someone with a passion for customer service." This is something to remember!
