International Cast Members At World Showcase

[WEDWDW]

I don't see this discussed much,but one of my favorite things to do at WDW is to spend an afternoon going around WS and talking to the International Cast Members.Where else can you talk to young people from 11 different countries in a few hours?Does anyone else enjoy doing this?I am from America so I always welcome them to America and tell them how glad we are to have them here.I like listening to their accents and watching them concentrate to understand my English.I especially like talking to new Cast Members who have only been in America a few weeks.They tend to have a "deer in the headlights" look.Most of them have never been to a foreign country or been away from their families before and then you throw in the enormity that is WDW,along with being looked at by thousands of people everyday,and I am sure it is quite an adjustment for them.So, next time you are at WDW,spend some time with the International Cast Members,welcome them to America,tell them they are doing a good job,ask them about their home country,get your picture made with them,etc.You will really enjoy it.If any of the International Cast Members happen to read this post,let me just say thank you for adding so much fun and flavor to all of my trips to WDW.All of you are GREAT!

 

[GlennandAnn]

That is a great idea. I enjoy talking to the WS cast members too, I just have never been as deliberate about it as you have. I think I'll give it a try next time!

Ann

 

[pumpkinboy]

Last I checked, Canada and Mexico were both in the Americas; so maybe I'll just welcome them to the USA

Seriously tho, this is a nice plum for them coming over here and working at Epcot (a lot of them are studying in the tourism industry, much as some of our US college students do), and the requirements are pretty stringent, so Disney is always getting very good people. Also note that the staff naturalists at AKL and in the AK are also from abroad, and they are even higher powered (educationally) than the folks at Epcot.

A nice thought, WEDWDW! Also, if you give their language a try, they are often pleased (most of the rest of the world expects Amercans to speak only English).

 

[wannabee princess]

Yes! I love talking to the various international CMs at Epcot and also those working at AKL! It is a wonderful way to learn about their home country.

Last trip we found out what the national sport of Canada was....anyone (not a Canadian! ) know?!

Oh, and when we watched the Christmas parade on TV, we saw our waitress from Rose & Crown! We felt like we knew someone famous!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by wannabee princess
...Last trip we found out what the national sport of Canada was....anyone (not a Canadian! ) know?!...

You Betcha, you would think it's Ice Hockey, but in reality it is:
Lacrosse

 

[cudworth]

You are correct

 

[CanadaPT]

... that Basketball was also invented here in Canada??

Seriously, I think what the OP does is great. Unfortunately, some overseas countries have animosity towards the USA, particulary in the last couple of years, but most of the country and the people are pretty terrific and I bet the international occupants of EPCOT really enjoy seeing what beautiful and wonderful people USA citizens really are.

Thanks for this post!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Is it true that they can only stay here for one year. Or at least that WDW will only keep them for one year so they don't become Americanized?

 

[Earstou]

I've always enjoyed talking to the international CMs!
Last year David was our waiter in Italy and we had a blast talking to him. He taught my dh how to pronounce the Italian dessert he was ordering, complete with hand gestures and arm waving, which was repeated until he got it right! The rest of us were almost rolling on the floor.

 

[dcentity2000]

I'd love to apply for this - can anyone help me out with some information? Terms of comittment would be very useful as would work hours and so on



Rich::

 

[WEDWDW]

I think there is a web site for International Cast Members;hopefully someone will provide that link.I think the commitment is for 12 months.I think they work 40 hour weeks with some over-time during peak times.

 

[SkylarKD]

I definitely want to spend some time with International Cast Members in Epcot. I think they must be what makes the World Showcase so unique.

 

[MamaQuack]

DS & I enjoy visiting with WS folks also!!! DS speaks some Spanish and French. He loves to flirt with the ladies in San Angel. He also used his Spanish with our mousekeeper who was from Puerto Rico. We both spoke French with the folks in France and were thanked repeatedly!! Just wish I knew some other languages. We met a young man last month who had just arrived in Canada - he was very surprised to hear us talk to him about several remote areas in Canada we have visited. He later told us that we had made him feel welcome.

MamaQuack

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

My older daughter just finished a year of French. My younger daughter just finished a year of Spanish. I've already told them they must use as much of their respective languages as possible (greetings and such) while in the WS.

I picked up a few words and a pretty good accent in Paris a few years back and used it on our last trip. The CM's loved it. I learned in Paris that if you try to speak their language a Frenchman will feel honored but not allow you to butcher their language and will speak English. But if you just start speaking English they aren't as nice. I guess it's a cultural thing because it seemed to work in WS too. I even corrected a CM when she said bonjour when it should have been bonsoir. She got a kick out of it.