[llama]

Well, here I am reporting from WDW with the perspective of a parent who's kid is in the International Program. And here's the way I see it.

The Pros.

I'm really impressed mostly with the security at the residences. It makes me feel better as a mother to know that it's harder to get in there than in Fort Knox.

The kids have access to a lot of perks such as free park passes, private gym, pool, etc.

There are rules, rules ad more rules - and as a mother, that's just fine with me.

The experience is wonderful - (dd has met and has made friends with people from Mexico, France, Norway and Wales) however I think that kids applying for the Programs need to realize that it won't be "paradise" and it definitely won't be "a Small World". Countries tend to stick together, and although your roommates will be from other countries you won't have much to do with them (talking to the kids I've found this is the norm). My dd likes her roommate from Germany and another girl from Mexico - three other girls - 2 from Japan and one from South Africa have nothing to do with the others - so be prepared to live in an "odd" atmosphere. It might not happen to you - but it seems the norm. I don't know anything about the College Program - it seems that the International Program is not encouraged to meet people from the College Program at all - the two are strictly separated and that's too bad.

UNFORTUNATELY, you do see another side of Disney. The Residences are in poor condition. I'm positive that they haven't painted in there since the place was built - 20 years ago. No one expects it to be like a resort - but you can't have thousands of people living in apts and have no kind of maintenance whatsoever. Should the kids be responsible for cleaning their own carpets? Maybe- but how do they get a carpet cleaner with no access to transportation except the bus to Walmart? They certainly can't afford to hire a carpet cleaner. Disney could do better - and they know it. They don't even supply a broom! They supply the basics. Period.

It is not fair that the only CM's that can receive tips are the servers (in Le Cellier you can't apply for a server's position until you've been there 3 months - and it's more like 6 months before you get one.) However, as a server you can make up to $500.00 a night in tips and keep it all. Meanwhile all the other CMs are living on $7.17 an hour (32 hours minimum) and aren't allowed to accept tips. There should be a fair percentage payout of the tips to the hostesses, seaters, etc. $7.17 doesn't go far when Disney asks for 2 months rent up front, cost of uniforms, etc. We've spoken to a lot of kids who are living on cereal.

I can't tell you how my daughter's experience will turn out. Right now, she's very happy and enjoying herself. But it is a huge adjustment.