[Liecey84]

Hi, I am gonig to participate in the Fall Advantage 2005. I couldn't help but noticing how non-diverse it was when I attended the information session for all of those who were accepted. I was the only minority there and I felt a little out of place. I know that Disney recruits students from all over the country (and internationally) but I was wondering if past CPs can fill me in on how diverse it really is?? This is not a major factor but I'm just wondering. Also I am so nervous (yet excited!) about going, I haven't been this far away from my family and friends for this long, any advice? Thanks!

[DisneyTeacher]

Congratulations on get in the College Program! You are going to have so much fun. Welcome to DC, we don't have many CPers here but I hope someone can answer your question.

[bali]

Congrats, Liecey! I can't answer your question either, but someone will be along shortly who can, I'm sure! Welcome to Disney Central, I can't wait to hear about your program!!

[RowdyRAider]

I can answer your question. First off, welcome. Second, rest assured, you will NOT be alone. Never in my life have I been surrounded by so many people from ALL walks of life. There is so much diversity in this company, and so many students from schools all across the world will be there. The college program was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. It gave me a job I love in Entertainment, brought me to a new school where I get to learn about what I want to do in life, and introduced me to my future wife. No nervousness. The program is wonderful. Disney will take care of you. Don't let the low pay or distance scare you off. Remember, this is just an internship. Most internships don't get paid at all. This is the #1 vacation spot in the whole world. It's a lifechanging experience. I wish you all the luck.

[DisneyTeacher]

Well said RowdyRaider. You guys are living out my dream! I would love to have done that when I was in college.

[Disneybound]

My son is only 9 currently. However, he already knows that he wants to be a vet.
He also knows that he wants to apply to WDW's college program and work with the animals at the parks. Looks like I am going to have a great reason to spend more time in Florida! So, when would he attend, if accepted? Would he take his regular
undergrad classes and then apply for WDW?

[PVHNat]

Originally Posted by Disneybound

My son is only 9 currently. However, he already knows that he wants to be a vet.
He also knows that he wants to apply to WDW's college program and work with the animals at the parks. Looks like I am going to have a great reason to spend more time in Florida! So, when would he attend, if accepted? Would he take his regular
undergrad classes and then apply for WDW?

He could go down either in the spring or fall. The lengths vary- Advantage programs are about 7 months and the other programs are just about 5 months. He could apply for it whenever. I did my first program the first semester of my sophomore year. Then came back to school, worked my butt off, and reapplied for Disney for after I graduate! It's all about when you want to go- it doesn't matter when, just so long as you are not a freshman and you have a 2.0 GPA!

[Disneybound]

Thanks for the info.

[KarenWDWCP]

I just wanted to second Rowdy's endorsement of the College Program. I found the program really diverse in all areas - class, race, religion, ethnicity. I am not sure what the "living" set up is there these days, when I did my program, most of the international students still lived in the Commons and the domestic students lived in Vista Way, but we still had some overlap in Vista Way of people from all over the world. You never knew who you were going to meet on a daily basis. There was one afternoon that my roommate and I were coming back from grocery shopping and we got off the bus lugging all our packages. Before we knew it, two of the international students from Kenya came over and offered to help us carry our packages back to our apartment. They were so sweet and that story is just one example of all the great people you get to meet on the program!

I definitely wouldn't worry about the diversity issue - there are so many different people on the Program and the great part is that we all had at least one thing in common - a love for Disney! You will have a great time, I am sure of it!

Karen

[Liecey84]

Wow thanks Karen! Any (few) minor doubts I've had about the program are tossed aside! Thanks so much, you don't know how comforting that is! I am so excited about going, but again I'm still nervous. I have a month left!

[drjake81]

Liecey, Congrats on getting into the CP. Allow me to second all of the good things that were mentioned above and add that you are about to have the time of your life. It's been 4 years since I was a CP and I am still in touch with many of the people I met. Good luck and make the best of your time in the program.

[Cosmicwaves]

I've never done the program, but a close friend did. Do not worry about diversity...I went to visit her for a week, and the week I was there I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. Congratulations, and have fun!

[RowdyRAider]

Congrats Liecey on making this possibly life-changing decision! Any questions, comments, problems? Come find me when you get down here. Good luck to ya.

[Liecey84]

Thanks so much everyone for the wonderful input! I'm very excited and am definitely looking forward to being apart of the WDW college program!!

[aries84]

Hi, I'm going to be at disney for this fall too. But I won't get there untill August.
I have similar concerns about the diversity of the program. I have been in the situation where i was one out of 8 kids that were non African American minorities in a large group of Caucasian kids. Its not a comfortable thing. I've been doing the same, asking people who have been there and gathering a lot of information. What I find is that many people do tell me that it is extreamly diverse, but when I look at thier pictures from the trips, you see one or two token minority faces. I went to my program advisor with this question, and he told me that in terms of people actually on the college program, and live with us in the housing areas, it is not as diverse. (excluding international program, but they live elsewhere)

What I feel needs to be kept in mind is that the term "diversity" means something completely differnt in the San Francisco Bay Area in California, where I am from, than it would mean to areas of the United States that are not known for a mix of colors.