Older CM's in International Program???

[iluveeyore]

Hi all - don't know if I'm even on the right board, but couldn't find an international program thread.
I am a Canadian Mom who is 40 and seriously looking into either the international cultural program or the international college program. I've been told by Yummy Jobs that there is no age limit, just that I would likely be rooming with college age young women (so I'd be kind of like a house mother then I guess??)
Anyhow, just wondered if there were any other 'older' cm's doing either of these programs - was hoping I wasn't the only crazy Disney lady out here . It would just be nice to know if I took the plunge that there would be someone my age doing the same thing.
Tracey

 

[can84]

Hi all - don't know if I'm even on the right board, but couldn't find an international program thread.
I am a Canadian Mom who is 40 and seriously looking into either the international cultural program or the international college program. I've been told by Yummy Jobs that there is no age limit, just that I would likely be rooming with college age young women (so I'd be kind of like a house mother then I guess??)
Anyhow, just wondered if there were any other 'older' cm's doing either of these programs - was hoping I wasn't the only crazy Disney lady out here . It would just be nice to know if I took the plunge that there would be someone my age doing the same thing.
Tracey

Well, I'm not in the international program but I'm almost the same age as you and will be starting the CP in August--so I don't think you're the "only crazy Disney lady out here" I say if you can do it, go for it! I just keep looking at it as someone has to be the oldest--might as well be me! Good luck--I hope you decide to try it

 

[iluveeyore]

Well, I'm not in the international program but I'm almost the same age as you and will be starting the CP in August--so I don't think you're the "only crazy Disney lady out here" I say if you can do it, go for it! I just keep looking at it as someone has to be the oldest--might as well be me! Good luck--I hope you decide to try it

Great - thanks Christi! Where will you be working? If I do the cultural program, I have to work in the Canadian Pavilion in Epcot - if I do the College Program, I'm not sure. The College program would be preferable because it's shorter, but not sure which college program I will be enrolling in yet, and the cultural program doesn't require me to be in school right now. My online courses don't count as they're not through an accredited university.
But nice to know I'm not alone! Are you leaving family behind to do this? Mine are a little confused as to how they would live without me for any amount of time at all, but they're all teenagers and have busy lives. Gasp-they would have to do their own laundry and help their dad get groceries

These boards are definitely a great support system. Even if I apply, there's no guarantee I'll get accepted anyhow, but it sure would be fun to jump in!

 

[can84]

Great - thanks Christi! Where will you be working? If I do the cultural program, I have to work in the Canadian Pavilion in Epcot - if I do the College Program, I'm not sure. The College program would be preferable because it's shorter, but not sure which college program I will be enrolling in yet, and the cultural program doesn't require me to be in school right now. My online courses don't count as they're not through an accredited university.
But nice to know I'm not alone! Are you leaving family behind to do this? Mine are a little confused as to how they would live without me for any amount of time at all, but they're all teenagers and have busy lives. Gasp-they would have to do their own laundry and help their dad get groceries

These boards are definitely a great support system. Even if I apply, there's no guarantee I'll get accepted anyhow, but it sure would be fun to jump in!

Just think how much more they'll appreciate you if you do go down! I was accepted into merchandise but won't know what park/hotel I'll be in until I get there. Just have to say the Canada Pavilion is one of my favorites!
Good luck with your classes--it's fun being back in, isn't it? Well, at least sometimes

 

[graygables]

I did my first (and only) CP from Jan-May '09. I'll be 45 this year. Granted, I'm domestic and had a situation arranged where I could live offsite, but I knew several "older" CMs who did live in the housing, so you won't be alone. Heck, if you know how to cook and do laundry, you'll probably be a hot commodity! I did bring my kidlets with me, but the younger ones are 13 & 10 and not at all interested in staying behind with hubby. He's surviving (but barely).

I started my management internship a few weeks ago here at All Star Resorts, so just be careful that you might want to stay after your CP...

 

[disneychickforever]

I'm 20, so I don't really fit into this topic that much, but I did want to say that on my first CP I ran into a few people who were non-traditional students (one was actually my next-door neighbor) and they seemed to be having just as much fun as the rest of us! So don't skip out on the opportunity just because you are a few years wiser then us, I'm sure you'll find some people in the same boat as you.

After all, Disney is for the young at heart! And age is just a number.

 

[iluveeyore]

Thanks for all the responses - makes me feel better!
Will let you know what I decide after I hear back from Yummy Jobs about a few questions I had.
Keep the responses coming though if anyone else out there is an older CM in the international or college program!!!

 

[CindyKansas]

DD just finished the CP May 15th and I start the CP August 12th. I'm also in merchandising. DD told me not to worry about being the oldest there because according to her there were people in the CP that were way older than I am. I don't know whether to believe her or not. I will celebrate my 50th birthday while in the program. I have started to pack and am counting the days. Not sure DH and DD are ready for Mom to be gone for a semester but I am.