Anyone here done the Cultural Rep. Program (1 yr)???

[iluveeyore]

I just applied but am struggling with my decision - kind of thought I'd throw it out there and see what happens. It's for a whole year though, and being in my 40's I wasn't sure about leaving home for that long. My family is very supportive though, since they know it's my dream. I would much rather take the college program, but since I'm not enrolled and can't afford to take the courses that would interest me, the Cultural Program is all I am eligible for. Anyone do this before?? Was it fun, good experience, what position did you work.....?

 

[minnie56]

Can't be of much help..my DD25 did the ICP in 2006 as you can see in the pictures in my sig..she is 'thinking' perhaps of doing the C rep but is undecided. I say 'do it' if you can!! It might be something you always wish you had!!

 

[VMK_MagicalLadee]

My cousin's friend took this and loved loved it. She made quite a bit of money from tips. She worked her way up from the little booth outside, to the store, then to a hostess, then to a waitress.

When I'm 18, I hope to apply for this as well.

If you have any questions I could get my cousin to ask her friend a few questions for you.

 

[SandraC]

I'd like to do it when my kiddies are grown.

 

[Raecheal]

I just applied but am struggling with my decision - kind of thought I'd throw it out there and see what happens. It's for a whole year though, and being in my 40's I wasn't sure about leaving home for that long. My family is very supportive though, since they know it's my dream. I would much rather take the college program, but since I'm not enrolled and can't afford to take the courses that would interest me, the Cultural Program is all I am eligible for. Anyone do this before?? Was it fun, good experience, what position did you work.....?

I had an interview for it last year.. but I chickened out at the very last minute... we drove all the way to Montreal for interviews and I couldn't walk in the down.. it didn't pay much and i just had too much osap debt after school..


Not everyday, but almost every day i wish i had gone to that interview i think it would be an amazing experience. Good luck.

 

[iluveeyore]

I had an interview for it last year.. but I chickened out at the very last minute... we drove all the way to Montreal for interviews and I couldn't walk in the down.. it didn't pay much and i just had too much osap debt after school..


Not everyday, but almost every day i wish i had gone to that interview i think it would be an amazing experience. Good luck.

Thanks - that's too bad you went all that way and not see if you even got the job, but you need to do what's right for you!

It's not about money for me right now, although we do have a lot of debt to pay off (who doesn't??). For me it's the experience, the need to follow my dream. I was married at 20, had my first child at 21, and never did have my own place, go away on my own and travel, etc. After hitting 40 last year, I thought I should be selfish for once and really do something I've always dreamed of doing - working at Disney was at the top of my list, and living in Florida as well. Since I can't do the college program, going away for a year is my only option, and I'm really feeling the need to go for it. My mom died when she was only 47, and as I get closer to that age I feel very strongly about doing what I can now in case I have regrets later in life.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who actually did this program, as the college program is so much shorter (even though those experiences are fun to hear about as well).

Thanks for your support everyone!

 

[canucktyke]

My son did two seperate stints as a CM, both times he was a server in Le Cellier. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

 

[dsneygirl]

I did the program back in 1997 it's changed a bit but basically the same. Not to burst your bubble but the oldest people were probably 30 and they were few and far between. Most CMs' were 18-25 single and ready to mingle.

You would be living in an apartment with 20-somethings who like to party. Because it's not just the work experience but the "living" experience that you have to think about.

 

[iluveeyore]

I did the program back in 1997 it's changed a bit but basically the same. Not to burst your bubble but the oldest people were probably 30 and they were few and far between. Most CMs' were 18-25 single and ready to mingle.

You would be living in an apartment with 20-somethings who like to party. Because it's not just the work experience but the "living" experience that you have to think about.

Actually, on the college board I found quite a few over 40 people who had gone back to college and got hired for the college program. They were living with the younger ones as well and had a great experience. Some I'm waiting to hear their experiences as they don't start until August.

That part doesn't bother me - my oldest is 20 this November, so I'm used to all three of my teenagers and all their friends. Guess I'll be the onsite house mother

 

[iluveeyore]

My son did two seperate stints as a CM, both times he was a server in Le Cellier. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

I understand that the tipped positions pay way less per hour ($3.85 I think), but do you make that much more in tips? Do you get to keep all your tips or are they split up amongst all the workers that shift? I'm not really keen on being a waitress for a year, but would love to work in merchandising. If they move me around so I try everything, that would be fine too.

 

[Sue M]

My cousins son worked in the Cultural Exchange program. He's a univ. student here, and took a year off. He loved it. You work in the Canada Pav. He worked 6 mos in the Pavillion, and 6 mos at LeCellier. Made loads of money at the restaurant, in tips. LeCellier is the most popular restaurant at WDW, had to get a res. for, and the menu is pricy, so tips are high. I think you get to keep your tips, aside from probably giving a percentage to the bus boy.
He lived in the Townhouse complex near Premium Outlets mall. You sometimes share an apt. with others, and as mentioned, the vast majority are 20 somethings.

 

[dsneygirl]

Actually, on the college board I found quite a few over 40 people who had gone back to college and got hired for the college program. They were living with the younger ones as well and had a great experience. Some I'm waiting to hear their experiences as they don't start until August.

That part doesn't bother me - my oldest is 20 this November, so I'm used to all three of my teenagers and all their friends. Guess I'll be the onsite house mother

Maybe there are more College programs with mature students but that certainly wasn't my experience in the Cultural Program.

You can make a tonne of money serving in LeCellier. In Merchandise you'll make the standard $6-$7/hour.

 

[Lisa Anne Colling]

I was a rep about 18 years ago. It wa a fabulous time for the age I was (18). Would I like it now? Proably not. I loved working for Disney and would still love to work in the parks, but the rest I could leave. It is a much much younger crowd and really is a party, college dorm type atmosphere. You can expect, loud, messy, drinking etc.. There was older people working in the pavillion when I worked there, but they were Canadian Florida residents. The money isn't the greatest unless you can make great tips as a waitress. I worked merchandise and I made enough to live on very modestly, not enough to save. I loved my job and got to work in other areas as well.
Like I said though, I would love the job still today as I love the parks and love meeting people etc..., but the living experience, well Let's just say I did my time when I could handle it, but boy I couldn't keep up with it now!!!LOL!!!
Good Luck in your decsion.
Lisa
P.S. Have you thought about applying to the DCL?