Summer ICP 2010

[Howellsy]

Any other British people hoping to apply for the International College Program Summer Work Experience next year?

 

[PrincessSarah19]

Hi there!

I'm not applying, but I did do the ICP in summer 2008. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them... or even just talk about the experience.

Hope you get to go

 

[Howellsy]

Ah wow, that's great
What did you work in and was it as great as everyone says??
I'll be studying French and Spanish at Cardiff/Bristol/Southampton in September and I feel like I should be spending my summers in France/Spain, but I've wanted to do the ICP for such a long time, I think I'll have to apply for it.
I was wondering about the application process too - when do you have to apply and what sort of preparation is required before auditions/interviews?
TIA

 

[PrincessSarah19]

Ah wow, that's great
What did you work in and was it as great as everyone says??
I'll be studying French and Spanish at Cardiff/Bristol/Southampton in September and I feel like I should be spending my summers in France/Spain, but I've wanted to do the ICP for such a long time, I think I'll have to apply for it.
I was wondering about the application process too - when do you have to apply and what sort of preparation is required before auditions/interviews?
TIA

I worked in the glamourous world of quick service food and beverage at Magic Kingdom!

The program is definitely tough. Although the work isn't rocket science, it's sometimes physically demanding (the heat, long hours, etc.), poorly paid and the guests can sometimes be... well

I found being away from home quite difficult too, but that's just my disposition.

Now the pros: the people you meet (I met my fiance on the ICP and gained a very close friend in my room mate), getting into the parks for free, the achievement of making it on your own for three months, an amazing talking point on your CV, cast member discounts, etc.

The program gives you a great sense of togetherness. My friends and I would complain a lot about our less than ideal jobs and hours but now we miss it and want to go back. You become so close to the people around you and you share so many experiences that you wouldn't get any where else.

I filed my initial application in the September before my program, so I'd send yours in September in order to get 2010. I guess you know to do this through yummyjobs.com?

I'm a business student at Cardiff

 

[Howellsy]

Wow, thanks for the reply, I definitely need to apply now I always hear people say how close you get to everyone, it seems like a great part of the program.
Do you need to go through your university or anything to apply for the Summer one, or is that just the year long program? I should actually be in Disney for the first two weeks of September, maybe I can write about that in my application Is it just a standard application form, or do you have to write quite a lot on it?
Sorry again for the questions!

 

[PrincessSarah19]

Yep, it has to go through your university, but all that gets explained. Basically you need someone at the uni to sign a letter to say you're a student there but it's easy to get.

First you send off a CV to yummy jobs. Then they'll call you to arrange a phone interview. If you're successful, you'll get a face to face interview with a Disney cast member.

I can't remember an actual application form but the process might be slightly different now.

DW, ask away!!!!!!!

 

[water_boy]

Hi Howellsy

I've been twice before to WDW florida and loved it soooo much I want to stay a whole 2/3 months...hopefully...also very nearly free.

So I'm also planning on going on the WDW work experience in summer 2010, I've been looking for all the brit agencies which are involved in the USA work expereince; CCUSA, BUNAC, yummyjobs, gapyear. CCUSA seems to be the best suited as it will contact WDW to act as the interviewer, service provider, do all the tax filing stuff and offers insurance as part of the deal.

They say I can't make it this summer because the J1 work visa needs me to be 18 and at uni, really can't wait! (for both! )

I'm hoping to get a role as a lifeguard, i've already got loads experience doing stuff like that. Sarah, what was the application process like for you? did you use yummyjobs? i guess you didn't end up where you'd like, which may mean i may not end up working in blizzard beach or TL?

Do you know if i would have to stay in their accomadation, or can i rent elsewhere? from what I've read, the apartments aren't the best. A pro of living in one of their apartments is I'd mix with a whole bunch of different people who are of similar age.

Many thanks
James

P.s. Sorry if my next reply will be late, I'm away for a couple of days. Want to hear back from another brit!

 

[PrincessSarah19]

Sarah, what was the application process like for you? did you use yummyjobs? i guess you didn't end up where you'd like, which may mean i may not end up working in blizzard beach or TL?

Do you know if i would have to stay in their accomadation, or can i rent elsewhere? from what I've read, the apartments aren't the best. A pro of living in one of their apartments is I'd mix with a whole bunch of different people who are of similar age.

Hi there! The application process fairly basic. I submitted my CV at the end of Aug, had a phone interview in Sept, had a face to face (f2f) interview in November and was made an offer by xmas. I went through yj and found them to be really helpful, nice people.

When you are invited to f2f interview, you get sent a list of cast member roles. At the interview, you then submit a form with the roles in preference order. It depends on your experience and also the availability of roles as to what you get. You will be made one offer of a role and it's take it or leave it so have a few options. You will only know what sector you will be working in - you don't find out where you are stationed until you arrive in FL.

I loved working in Magic Kingdom, don't get me wrong, I just wouldn't say that food service is the best job in the world. I love love loved the guys I worked with and working in-park is fantastic. I would go early and hang out with friends before my shift or stay afterwards and look around.

Lifeguarding is a pretty low availability role offered to ICPs (maybe it's the training idk) but you could be at either water park or any resort pool. It's more likely to be the resorts tbh.

Accommodation: there are currently 3 complexes which house a mix of US CPs and ICPs: Vista Way, Chatham Square and Patterson Court. Vista Way (where I lived) is the oldest and naturally the least attractive complex. However, it seems to be the most social of the complexes. I know a lot of people who came over to Vista to hang out and/or party. Vista has a 24hr Walgreens across the rd, many a 1am stroll did we take lol.

Chatham & Patterson are newer, apartments are bigger, they are close to Publix, basically nicer amenities all around. BUT they just don't have the atmsophere of Vista.

You are assigned a room upon arrival, all rooms are shared between two people. There are between one and four rooms in an apartment. You may move into an empty apartment with other new arrivals or, as in my case, you may be assigned the empty bed in an already occupied apartment. This was slightly daunting at first but actually great as your room mates can really help you find your feet and introduce you to the people they know.

You can move apartments if you don't like yours but you will be charged an admin fee and you can't see the replacement until you move - bear in mind it could be worse!!!

As far as I'm aware, there's nothing stopping you renting an outside apartment but there are several issues with this:

1) Buses run from the complexes to workplaces, how else are you going to get to work?

2) You earn around $7 an hour and you pay social security on that (you can claim this back in the January after your program), so not exactly enough to pay rent and buy food, etc. I know people that weren't getting enough money to buy food from their pay.

3) Even if you live outside the complexes, part of the program is your accomodation and rent will be taken directly from your paycheck regardless of whether you actually live in one.

The apartments are basic but what else can you expect for such a low rent and places that are designed to be lived in by uni students? My mum saw pics of my apartment and almost fainted (I had some very messy roomies) but some of those girls were like sisters to me and I loved living with them and spending time with them and the people who lived in our building. I also met my now fiance through mutual friends on the ICP. I lived in bldg 29 and he lived in bldg 7. You just never know what friendships/ relationships may come from it...

Happy to help! Ask away if you have other questions!

Sarah

 

[water_boy]

Hi Sarah thanks for the reply!

You've answered perhaps all of the questions I could think of atm! Looking round at the rental prices of villas in Fl. and me needing to be 21 to rent a car will most definitely make me stay at one of the complexes! it would be way way way more fun in one of those.

It depends on your experience and also the availability of roles as to what you get. You will be made one offer of a role and it's take it or leave it so have a few options. You will only know what sector you will be working in - you don't find out where you are stationed until you arrive in FL.

When WDW offered you the quick service food and bev role, was that all they offered to you? Was this role top of your list? Will setting your heart and mind on one role, make the interviewer accept you or not; "due to determination or overall commitment (working) for WDW" if that makes sense?
Also, how long is the summer program?

Congrats on tying the knot!

I guess WDW will choose the candidates with previous work/training experiences in the role they have selected over those without the experience or the skills for that position. I currently hold a lifesavers award, a lot of Royal Yatching Awards in many watersports and have had previous employment. If anyone else can help me with regards on how WDW determine which lifeguard goes where; park or resort, that'll be great. I've read that they do the 3 day training program at the beginning of a program, so if I tread water for the 2 minutes and swim the 50 metres etc. will that put me in a park or resort?

Thanks again,
James

 

[PrincessSarah19]

When WDW offered you the quick service food and bev role, was that all they offered to you? Was this role top of your list? Will setting your heart and mind on one role, make the interviewer accept you or not; "due to determination or overall commitment (working) for WDW" if that makes sense?
Also, how long is the summer program?

I guess WDW will choose the candidates with previous work/training experiences in the role they have selected over those without the experience or the skills for that position. I currently hold a lifesavers award, a lot of Royal Yatching Awards in many watersports and have had previous employment. If anyone else can help me with regards on how WDW determine which lifeguard goes where; park or resort, that'll be great. I've read that they do the 3 day training program at the beginning of a program, so if I tread water for the 2 minutes and swim the 50 metres etc. will that put me in a park or resort?

Thanks again,
James

Hi James!

Originally I put down six roles which I wanted to do but at my f2f interview we got 'advised' to check off quick service f&b as they had the most roles and thus our greatest chance of success was in this field. I put it down as 7 out of 7 choices and lo and behold = quick service was my offer

One of my roomies (a US CP) was told at her interview that f&b get paid more (they don't!) and made her check it off in the same way as me.

Basically, it's not the greatest job (better than custodial though) so they have a lot of vacancies and depending on your previous experience (I'm in bartending/ hospitality), you get given QS if you put it down.

Although Disney don't require any formal lifeguard qualifications before your hire, I'm sure that your experience in that field and drive would give you an edge over other candidates applying for that role. I would advise you to really push the lifeguarding thing at your f2f but have other options that you would be prepared to do in the event of not getting your first choice. Don't check off anything you don't want to do because if you reject their offer, they won't make you another - we got told that at our f2f.

All lifeguards do the 3 day training program and I *believe* that Disney just assign you to park or resort based on a staff deficit. The people who will interview you aren't really involved with your program past the point of orientation during your first couple of days. I know someone who was a lifegaurd, I'll ask her for you...

The summer program lasts around 2-3 months. In 2008, there were 3 arrival dates to choose from: May 24th, June 3rd, June 22nd. The May one finished on August 7th, June 3rd one on August 14th and the June 22nd one on August 29th. I think there's a difference of a week between each one more or less.

Thanks for your congratulations Just goes to show what a little bit of pixie dust can do...

Happy to help!
Sarah

 

[water_boy]

Thanks again!!!

I think I've missed a blatant, stupid point , all the US guys are talking about getting college credits for the program so that they are egligible for the program. Does this mean that a course is also included in the program? is this why WDW call it the "International College Program". Also will I just need to be at Uni and 18+ to work at WDW? or is there other stuff like creidts<?>

I reckon you'd get what you would have wanted, or any other role you chose if you didn't out down QS F&B (to be your seventh and last option and a "recommended" job role is a bit suspicious me thinks), but idk I just think WDW has taken advantage sometimes. But then again experience in similar jobs does help.

I know my time is waaay off but who is the lady or guy at the other end of the phone line on the first interview? will it be YJ or WDW? and also, will it be a WDW recruiter or a YJ recruiter at the f2f?

James

 

[Howellsy]

Thanks again!!!

I think I've missed a blatant, stupid point , all the US guys are talking about getting college credits for the program so that they are egligible for the program. Does this mean that a course is also included in the program? is this why WDW call it the "International College Program". Also will I just need to be at Uni and 18+ to work at WDW? or is there other stuff like creidts<?>

I reckon you'd get what you would have wanted, or any other role you chose if you didn't out down QS F&B (to be your seventh and last option and a "recommended" job role is a bit suspicious me thinks), but idk I just think WDW has taken advantage sometimes. But then again experience in similar jobs does help.

I know my time is waaay off but who is the lady or guy at the other end of the phone line on the first interview? will it be YJ or WDW? and also, will it be a WDW recruiter or a YJ recruiter at the f2f?

James

If you do the year long program then you take some classes and get university credits over there, but only certain British universities provide this opportunity as far as I'm aware. And yeah, it's 18+ and at university I think.

On that note, what sort of proof is required from the university? If I go to Bristol or Cardiff this September/October then I wouldn't be able to get written proof or anything until I was actually there

 

[PrincessSarah19]

Thanks again!!!

I think I've missed a blatant, stupid point , all the US guys are talking about getting college credits for the program so that they are egligible for the program. Does this mean that a course is also included in the program? is this why WDW call it the "International College Program". Also will I just need to be at Uni and 18+ to work at WDW? or is there other stuff like creidts<?>

I reckon you'd get what you would have wanted, or any other role you chose if you didn't out down QS F&B (to be your seventh and last option and a "recommended" job role is a bit suspicious me thinks), but idk I just think WDW has taken advantage sometimes. But then again experience in similar jobs does help.

I know my time is waaay off but who is the lady or guy at the other end of the phone line on the first interview? will it be YJ or WDW? and also, will it be a WDW recruiter or a YJ recruiter at the f2f?

James

That's right - only US CP'ers need to accumulate credits, ICPs don't take classes. Yes, you will need to be 18+ and a student at an accredited higher education institution/ university.

I felt really taken advantage of as did others who were told the same. We live and learn, I guess. If I go back again, I am pretty much guaranteed a placement wherever I want though

The phone interview will be a YJ recruiter and YJ will organise the f2f interviews but the interviews themselves are conducted by WDW cast members. I had the extremely perky Jeff as my interviewer. Interesting tidbit: interviews are not usually one on one but two candidates at a time.

If you do the year long program then you take some classes and get university credits over there, but only certain British universities provide this opportunity as far as I'm aware. And yeah, it's 18+ and at university I think.

On that note, what sort of proof is required from the university? If I go to Bristol or Cardiff this September/October then I wouldn't be able to get written proof or anything until I was actually there

All you need from your uni is a couple of forms signed and a letter on uni headed paper that you are enrolled and it is a proper school. Really easy to get from your personal tutor and they won't required until the f2f which will be late Nov-ish - plenty of time.

HTH!

 

[water_boy]

I will just be doing the working hol, the 2/3 monther is probably best. I can't remember where I found it, but some website had a list of all the unis which participated in the year long program, at least I think it said year long. I'll try and find it if it helps anyone.

I've just been looking at flight prices, and lastminute.com have some ridiculously stupid prices; £335 for a 2stop flight from NCL to MCO am I reading the prices right? half the price of the next best price.

Thanks again
James

 

[PrincessSarah19]

I will just be doing the working hol, the 2/3 monther is probably best. I can't remember where I found it, but some website had a list of all the unis which participated in the year long program, at least I think it said year long. I'll try and find it if it helps anyone.

I've just been looking at flight prices, and lastminute.com have some ridiculously stupid prices; £335 for a 2stop flight from NCL to MCO am I reading the prices right? half the price of the next best price.

Thanks again
James

The 12 month is the J1 academic program:

This Disney-designed, work-integrated learning opportunity allows students who are sponsored by U.S. colleges or universities on a J-1 Academic Exchange visa to participate in an internship at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Students may spend five to seven months or a full year working at the Walt Disney World Resort while taking coursework through the Disney Education Program and/or distance-learning classes from their sponsoring university.

During their internship, participants will work in front-line roles such as hospitality, full-service food and beverage, merchandise, and operations. This allows them to build transferable skills that include relationship building, problem solving, and written and verbal communication. Participants explore networking opportunities with Disney leaders; and earn real-world experience with one of the most admired companies in the world.

Our program is more than a work opportunity. We offer participants unique learning opportunities through:

* Collegiate Courses - recommended for credit by the American Council on Education
* Professional Development Studies
* Disney Exploration Series
* Additional Learning

Each of the Disney College Program Collegiate courses is focused around an area of Walt Disney World Resort expertise and is designed to give participants a comprehensive experiential-learning opportunity that will provide them an unparalleled enhancement to their academic and professional career. All of these collegiate offerings are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).

In addition to the ACE-accredited courses, participants may have the option to participate in Professional Development Studies, Disney Exploration Series, and/or a number of additional learning activities. Participants also may utilize resources in one of the Disney Learning Centers at the Walt Disney World Resort, which contain books, videos and computer-led learning activities that could enhance their educational experience.

There are three options for current students and recent college graduates within the J-1 Academic Exchange Experience:

Students may enroll full time in an American college or university on a J-1 academic exchange visa and spend five months taking courses at the U.S. school and seven months working and taking classes at the Walt Disney World Resort. U.S. schools partner with international universities and offer full-time credit options to exchange students to allow participants to choose this option.

We also partner with colleges and universities to offer post-graduate certificate programs. One example is The Certificate in Hospitality Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, offered through the University of Central Florida.

To qualify for the Walt Disney World International College Program, participants must:

* Be at least 18 years old
* Be a student enrolled in an accredited degree-issuing college or university or recent graduate
* Have good conversational English
* Have an outgoing personality
* Be willing to share a bedroom

[From www.disneyinternationalprograms.com]

UK universities include:

* Aberdeen
o Robert Gordon University
* Birmingham
o Birmingham College of Food, Nutrition, and Creative Studies
* Cardiff
o University of Wales, Cardiff
* Coleraine
o University of Ulster
* Eastbourne
o Brighton University
* Edinburgh
o Napier University
o Queen Margaret University
* Glasgow
o James Watt University
* Huddersfield
o University of Huddersfield
* London
o London South Bank University
* Manchester
o Manchester Metropolitan University
* Newry
o Newry-Killeel Institute
* Sheffield
o Sheffield Hallam University
* Tyne
o Tyne Metropolitan University
* Preston
o Central Lancashire University
o James Watt University
* Portsmouth
o University of Portsmouth
* Warwick
o University of Warwick
* Walsall
o Wolverhampton University

If and when you are successful in your application, you will be able to negotiate special fares through STA travel oxford.

HTH!

 

[water_boy]

That was the one! Neither of my top 2 uni choices are on that list, but that was the year long program list so it doesn't matter too much. Once I finsih my uni course, will WDW allow ppl to return? on the ICP or something similar?

Yeah I have seen STA travel's website but prices were £660, that was with the student fare option. Waaaaay tooooo high. not like the lastminute prices lol.

Wahey its pancake day!

 

[Howellsy]

Well I'm flying with Virgin to Disney in September and it was £340 return. www.opodo.co.uk/flights and www.ebookers.com are better than lasminute too

 

[PrincessSarah19]

That was the one! Neither of my top 2 uni choices are on that list, but that was the year long program list so it doesn't matter too much. Once I finsih my uni course, will WDW allow ppl to return? on the ICP or something similar?

Wahey its pancake day!

I know you can only do the 6 month grad, the J1 academic and the CRP once each because of the visas requirements. You can do the ICP more than once but you have to be between university years as you are required to return to school for at least one term following your program.

As long as you have a good record, WDW will take you again after your graduation either on the grad program or the CRP.

My grandma just made me pancakes - yum!

 

[water_boy]

Yup the flights are insanely cheap! I will probably fly with KLM. Just hope there isn't a catch somewhere where I have to pay a anual fee or something else with these flights!

I think I can only afford one ICP! want to keep debt low lol. Could I work 6 months for the grad program with breaks in between?

How many ppl were being interviewed on ur interview date down in london? was there only one date available? and how many places are there available to UK students?

I managed to eat 6 plate sized pancakes! these were BIG plates!

 

[PrincessSarah19]

I think I can only afford one ICP! want to keep debt low lol. Could I work 6 months for the grad program with breaks in between?

How many ppl were being interviewed on ur interview date down in london? was there only one date available? and how many places are there available to UK students?

I managed to eat 6 plate sized pancakes! these were BIG plates!

The six month gradute program is done without breaks as you have to take a semester of classes at University of Central Florida. You can ask for time off during your program. I know one person who took a week off during his graduate program to go to the Bahamas but time off is negotiated with your manager during your work at Disney and approval is at their discretion.

I got interviewed in Liverpool (not exactly the most convenient for me!!!) but at a guess (thinking back 15 months...) I'd say around 70 - 90 on my day.

According to one source, the typical ratio is ten candidates for every position . I'm not sure if this is underestimating as most of the people I talked to around the time of interviews actually got in, but since last summer, Disney has been reducing the number of CPers it takes and even laying off regular cast members. Pesky recession!

I managed 3 pancakes... such a lightweight!