UCR

Experience a Magical Opportunity with NBCC in partnership with the University of California, Riverside

Earn academic credits and a Professional Certificate in Applied Management for Hospitality and Tourism with hands-on training at Walt Disney World Resorts!

The University of California, Riverside (UCR), University Extension, in partnership with Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, offers a 15-credit program that delivers academic coursework, as well as supervised paid academic training, at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Students must be at least 18 years old to apply.)

Disney International Programs

Students Experience

  • Two weeks in Southern California, studying hospitality and tourism at UCR University Extension
  • Paid training through the Disney International College Program
  • Professional development activities and training programs through the Disney International College Program
  • Professional, high-quality program that supports international students as they apply for visas, travel to the US, study, participate in field experience and live and work at the Walt Disney World Resort
  • Real-world experience while working in front-line roles at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts
  • A life-changing opportunity that can’t be experienced anywhere else

Program Information

Academic Experience

Certificate in Applied Management for Hospitality and Tourism (15 credits)

  • 3 Credits - Introduction to Global Hospitality Class (at UCR University Extension)
  • 3 Credits - UCR University Extension Online Class
  • 6 Credits - Academic Training Experience
  • 3 Credits - One Class offered in person at Disney World

Students successfully completing all components will receive:

  • Official UCR University Extension Certificate
  • Official UCR University Extension Grade Transcripts

 

Program Requirements

To qualify, students must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a grade average above 70% from New Brunswick Community College.
  • Be eligible to undertake the work-integrated learning portion of their academic program.
  • Be recommended by New Brunswick Community College for an interview for the UCR University Extension certificate program.
  • Have the financial means to pay for the program costs.
Timeline
Date 
March 22, 2027Arrive at UCR University Extension
March 22 – April 4, 2027Two-week program at UCR University Extension
April 4, 2027Depart UCR University Extension
April 5, 2027Arrive at Walt Disney World  (housing check-in process may start as early as 8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
September 9, 2027Depart Walt Disney World
Estimated Program Costs

FIXED PROGRAM COSTS

Cost at UCR: $7,470 (USD)

Includes:

  • $4,430 (USD) - Tuition
  • $200 (USD) - Application Fees
  • $120 (USD) - Student Services Fee
  • $1,820 (USD) - Medical Insurance ($65 x 28 weeks - may vary by intake)
  • $900 (USD) - UCR Housing comprised of the following:
    • $50 Housing Coordination Fee
    • $100 Housing Deposit/Cleaning Fee
    • $750 UCR Housing (15 days accommodation)

Cost at Disney in Orlando, FL: $431 (USD)

Includes first week of housing cost, events and activities.

Total Estimated Program Cost: $7,901 USD

Payment Due Dates

  • Payment 1: $200 Application Fee payable upon admission to the program
  • Payment 2: $3,930 due 30 days prior to program start date
  • Payment 3: The remaining balance (approximately $3340) will be paid 15 days prior to the start of the second quarter of the program (midpoint of the program).

Personal Expenses and Additional Costs to keep in mind

  • $350 (USD) - Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee*
  • $185 (USD) - Visa Processing Fee*
  • Personal expenses at UCR 2 weeks (food/travel) varies
  • $4,880 (USD) - Confirmation of Financial Resources (CFR) Requirement

*Fees are subject to change

Additional costs in Orlando (26 weeks)

  • $100 (USD) - Books and Materials for Courses (variable)
  • $5,174 - $6,110 (USD) - Housing in Orlando, FL (based on $199 - 235 USD/week, subject to change)
  • Personal expenses (food/travel/gifts) varies
  • We recommend that you bring additional funding for personal travel & gifts.

Estimated Earnings at Disney World

$15,000 (USD) - Based on $16 (USD)/hour, averaging 37.5 hours/week.

Living in Florida

While participating in the Disney Academic Exchange Program, students live in company-sponsored, fully-furnished one-to-four-bedroom apartments near the Walt Disney World Resort. A bus system provides students with transportation to work, classes, shopping and social activities. 24-hour security is provided.

The accommodation charge covers the housing fee, utilities, high-speed Internet, local phone service and transportation. This charge is deducted from participants’ weekly paychecks.

Links

Apply/More Information

Jason Blondé, BHRM, MBA, MEd
New Brunswick Community College
Coordinating Instructor | Hospitality and Tourism

jason.blonde@nbcc.ca