Disney’s Cultural Exchange program allows international workers to spend a summer in Florida while working at Disney World. Disney’s CEP allows international students to live and work in the USA for 3-4 months. The program is popular and very competitive, but the application process is not as complicated as you may think. This post will give you all the information you need about the program, how to apply, what to expect, and much more.
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Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program Overview
Program Overview
Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) is a 3-4 month summer work program for current international college/university students. The program allows participants to work at the Disney World Resort parks/properties and live in Orlando, Florida, USA while experiencing American culture and sharing their own.
Eligibility
Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program is for student’s over the age of 18 who are currently enrolled in college or university and have completed at least one semester of classes. You must speak fluent English and qualify for a J-1 VISA. Participants must also be from one of the following countries; Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, France, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, or the United Kingdom.
Fees and Expenses
Program Fees
Program Fees total around $455 USD.
A $240 fee that you will pay upon acceptance into the program. This fee includes administrative costs, general program fees, and activities and events Disney puts on for participants. A $215 housing fee that needs to be paid before the first week of your program. This housing fee includes the first weeks rent.
One Time Expenses
While prices will vary, be sure to consider the following one time costs;
- Transportation and/or accommodation to/from the interview.
- Flights to and from the program.
- VISA, police checks, and other paperwork fees.
- Hotel on arrival to the USA before you move in.
- Start up costs for your apartment such as bedding, toiletries, and other comforts.
- Parking fee of $150 (if you bring your own vehicle).
Weekly Expenses
- Travel Insurance: You must use Disney’s provided insurance that will be deducted directly from your paycheck.
- Rent: Rent ranges from $215-$261 depending on your apartment. (This includes wifi, water, waste disposal, electricity, and use of facilities such as pool, gym, etc…). This is deducted straight from your paycheck.
- Groceries: You need to buy and cook your own food.
- Personal activities/travel while living in the USA.
How Much Money You Make
CEP cast members make $17-18/hr and receive a weekly paycheck.
You have to spend a lot of money to join the program and won’t take home a lot of what you make because you will want to spend it on experiences in and around the Disney parks. It would be beneficial to save up some money before arriving to the program. If you work a lot of hours and are very careful with your budget you can save some. However, the money spent is worth experience you get.
Other Opportunities
If the Cultural Exchange Program is not for you, Disney has two other programs for international workers. To learn more about these programs, visit the Disney website’s International Programs page.
How to Apply to Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program
Where to Apply
You can apply on the Disney Careers page when applications are open.
If you are from the UK you can apply with Yummy Jobs.
When Applications Open
Applications usually open between October and December. However they have previously opened in September and April and can open or close at any time. When they do open they tend to close very fast because of how many people submit applications, so have your documents ready to submit.
You can be notified when applications open on the Disney Programs Facebook Page or by consistently checking the Disney Careers Page.
If you are from the United Kingdom, and are applying through Yummy Jobs. You can follow their social media accounts or check their website to see when the program opens.
The Application Process
- Submit Your Application
- Click on the open application on the Disney Careers Page.
- *UK participant will do the same, but on Yummy Jobs.
- Create an account.
- Upload your CV/resume, cover letter, and other information.
- Attend a Prescreen Interview
- If selected you will be given a time/place to attend a first interview.
- You may need to attend this interview in person at your own expense.
- Attend a Final Interview
- If you pass the first interview you will receive an offer to attend the final interview.
- You will most likely need to attend in person at your own expense.
- Receive an Email Offer
- After the final interview you will receive an email of a job offer.
- You will receive your role with this offer but not your specific work location.
- Upload Information and Pay Fees
- The next steps will be to pay the first set of program fees (about $240).
- You will be prompted to upload more information/documents.
- Follow the Steps Provided
- From here, you will be told what steps you need to take to obtain the proper VISA, what other documents you need, how to obtain police clearance, etc…
- This process is different depending on your citizenship, but you will be assisted along the way.
*If you are from the UK and are applying via Yummy Jobs, the application process is the same, but you will apply via their website.
If You are Not Selected
The application process can be competitive and the program is very popular. If you don’t get an offer you can reapply the next time applications open. Don’t give up, try again next summer or check out another program!
Applying for a Second Summer
It is common for participants to return to the program for a second summer. To do so, you need to go through the same application process again. A second summer does not guarantee your first pick of jobs or that you will be able to return to the same location you worked the previous year. However, if you have already completed the CEP successfully then you do have a higher chance of being accepted for a second summer.
Working at Disney as a CEP Cast Member
Training
To insure cast members are prepared you will attend intensive and detailed training at Disney University. This will be a one to two-week long training where you will get to meet the other cast members in different programs that are signing on at the same time as you. You will attend Disney Traditions, which will provide you information about the parks, company, and more. You will learn the expectations of your role, how to interact with guests, make Disney magic, and get your name tag. Once training is completed you will start your new job!
Work Locations and Job Assignments
In the CEP program you are able to work anywhere on the Disney World Resort property. This means one of the four parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios), the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach), Disney Springs, or at any of the resorts on property. You will receive your role before you sign your contract, but you will not find out your work location until shortly before arrival.
When applying, you will rank the role(s) you want, but nothing is guaranteed. You have the opportunity to work in merchandise, food and beverage quick service, food and beverage table service, attractions, housekeeping, lifeguarding, custodial, as a character attendant, or as a character performer (costumed only not face characters). While you can’t change your role/department, there is a possibility to pick up shifts so you can work at other locations.
Payment and Working Hours
Your paycheck and working hours completely depend on your job and schedule. Currently CEP cast members make $17-18/hr and receive a weekly paycheck.
The average CEP staff member works between 4-6 days a week. However, you can work more or less by picking up shifts and giving shifts away. You are guaranteed at least 32hrs/week to fulfill your VISA requirements but can work up to 60hrs/week depending on if you are needed or want more working hours. There is also opportunity to work overtime.
Perks of the Job
As a Cast Member, you get free entrance to all of the parks in Walt Disney World Resort. This means you can go anytime! You can also get free guest passes after working a set number of hours, and you get discounts on park merchandise and some restaurants and resorts. Outside of the Disney bubble, it’s also a good opportunity to spend the summer in the USA.
An Average Work Day
Your work day will depend on your role, location, and shift. Most shifts are 6-8 hours but some can range up to 12 hours. Shifts can start in the AM, mid-day, or PM. Early shifts are said to be given to the longterm employees, and many CEPs work the closing shifts. While this allows you to explore the parks before work it can mean late nights depending on your work location.
An average day may look like you taking the bus at flamingo crossing to your work location. Once you arrive you will get into your costume and clock in. You will have a break during your shift and when you clock back in your tasks/assignments may rotate. After work you will close down, clock out, and head home.
Living at Disney with the Cultural Exchange Program
Housing and Accommodation
Cast Members on the CEP program must live at Flamingo Crossing East or Flamingo Crossing West. These are large apartment complexes across the street from each other and are only for Disney Program Participants (in various programs).
You will need to register for housing. Before arrival you will receive an email showing you how to do so. You can rank the type of apartment you want, request a mixed or same gender room, or request a certain roommate. However, nothing is guaranteed.
Rent ranges from $215-$261 depending on your apartment. The apartment layouts vary (ex: 2 bed – 2 bath, 4 bed – 4 bath, 4 bed – 2 bath) and include a living room with basic furniture and a kitchen with cooking appliances. You will have access to a washer and dryer, basketball court, volleyball court, pool, fitness room, study rooms, and more. Rent also includes wifi, water, waste disposal, electricity, and use of facilities. This fee is deducted straight from your paycheck.
Get a current tour of Flamingo Crossing on The Disney Prince‘s Youtube Channel, here.
Food
You will need to buy your own groceries and cook your own meals. There is a free bus outside the apartment complex that will take you to a grocery store. Each apartment has a kitchen area that is equipped with a fridge and appliances that will help you cook. Odds are you will have cooking utensils/pots and pans in your apartment because there are cast members already living there. However you may need to purchase some items depending on what household items are considered shared among roommates.
There are tons of restaurants and quick service stops around the Disney property and your apartment complex. Just know that Disney park food can be expensive and adds up quickly.
Getting Around
There is a bus stop right outside the Flamingo Crossing apartment complex that will take you all around Disney property (i.e. to and from work and to visit all the Disney parks). It will also bring you to other select locations such as Walmart or Target.
If you have your own car then you can park in the Flamingo Crossing lot for a fee of $150.
Your Community
You will be working and living with people who are apart of the different international programs and other work/study programs. This means meeting people from around the world and getting to learn about and partake in other customs/cultures. It also means you live among a like-minded community. Disney puts on events for program participants that allows you to meet people who work in different departments. While the minimum age for all programs is 18, the median age is usually 18-25 and there are people ages 30 and 40 as well.
Reviews from Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program Participants
The following pros, cons, and overall reviews are from past participants of the CEP who have shared their experiences on Youtube and various podcasts and online posts.
Program Pros
- Free entry to the Orlando Disney World parks.
- You’re surrounded by a community with the same mindset.
- It looks great on a CV, especially for the hospitality industry.
- You’re surrounded by different cultures.
- It’s the perfect job for Disney fans.
- It’s a good way to spend a summer experiencing the USA.
Program Cons
- You can not change your role/job or working location.
- The Heat. Florida is VERY hot in the summer.
- You work and live with the same people 24/7.
- You won’t make or save a lot of money.
- You have to spend a lot of money to get there.
Participant Experience
For more detailed experiences and behind the scenes looks, check out the following creators;
- Ashleigh Smashleigh on Youtube; for application information, tips on applying, packing help, and overall experience about the program.
- Leah Jane on Youtube; for in depth details about the CEP program and vlogs about the experience.
- The Confession’s of a Disney Cast Member podcast on Spotify and Apple; to listen to interviews with past CEP members and other Disney Cast Members.
Conclusion
The Disney Cultural Exchange Program is a great way for Disney lovers to work in the USA for a summer. While the interview process is competitive, CEP participants agree that is completely worth it. The perks and experience you get on the program create a magical summer you wont forget. If you have participated in the Cultural Exchange Program, please share your experience and views on the program in the comments below!