International Programs Center

 

INFORMATION FOR UNCG DISNEY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PROGRAM STUDENTS

Academic Year 2009-2010

The UNCG Disney International College Program is a unique study abroad program that enables you to work (i.e., undertake an Academic Training Program) while in the U.S.  As it is first and foremost an academic program, UNCG serves as your visa sponsor, and you are required to complete course work while you are at Disney in order to maintain your visa status.  The staff in the International Programs Center (IPC), serve as coordinators for the UNCG Disney International College Program and are your first points of contact in the admissions process.  In order to be considered for this program, you will need an offer letter from Disney and approval from your home institution to participate.  The following information is intended for those students who have been accepted both by Disney and UNCG.

The following information is accurate as of the time of its writing; however, it is subject to change without notice.
IPC will make every effort to communicate any program changes. For more general information about UNCG and Greensboro, NC, please visit our Web Page at: http://www.uncg.edu

1.
Contact Information:                 Jonathan Santos     

                                          UNCG Disney College Program                 

                                          Email: ipg_dcp@uncg.edu                                

 

Office address:

The International Programs Center (IPC)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
127 McIver St,
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
USA

Office telephone:
Fax:

336.334.5404
336.256.8509

Web: www.uncg.edu/ipg/disneycollegeprogram

 

Office hours:

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Mon - Fri)

Other Staff:

Dr. Bud Miles & Dr. Steve Lucas,                               Mrs. Kristin M. B. Walker

Faculty Director & Academic Advisor for                   Program Associate

UNCG Disney International College Program           disney@uncg.edu
Office: 363 Bryan Bldg.                                               Phone:  336.334.4527
E-mail: bemiles@uncg.edu                                           FAX: 336.334.4141 

2. Accepting/ Responding to your Disney Offer: Disney will send you instructions for next steps (see below under #4).

 

3. When should you arrive? Disney provides exact information about arrival date.  Be sure to read all information received from Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. and provide any information that is requested.  Instructions to notify Disney about arrival will be sent in a packet once you “accept” Disney’s offer and pay your accommodation deposit.

4. Getting to Orlando, Florida: You can fly into the Orlando Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, Florida. 

All UNCG Disney International College Program students should notify Disney of your flight information and follow their directions to take the Mears Shuttle Service to the apartment complex.  Each will receive a $5 off coupon towards the Mears shuttle service in your acceptance packet from Disney. Students can take the shuttle to Vista Way Apartment complex where you will be met by the Disney Arrivals Team. If you arrive on your own earlier than your scheduled arrival date, you will have to make arrangements to get from the airport to the hotel where you will be staying.

5. Orientation Program: The Orientation for UNCG Disney International College Students takes place beginning the day after arrival.  Please try to arrive no later than the arrival day in Orlando.  Should you have any difficulties notify Disney staff per instructions in your Disney packet. 

You will participate in Orientation Activities which will include Disney traditions (training), trip to Social Security office, housing information session and meetings with UNCG staff regarding visa compliance and the academic component of the program.

6. Housing during the Direct to Disney Program: UNCG Disney International College Students will have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country, as well as the world within Disney’s housing complexes. One- to four-bedroom apartments with 2 people to a room are available, and housing costs are determined when participants check in on their arrival day. All apartment assignments are based on availability. In assigning apartments, participants will be separated by gender and age (over or under the age of 21).

For a complete list of amenities provided and to see sample rooms please click on the following link.
http://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com/j1/living_floorplans.html

Are cooking facilities provided? Yes, all apartments include a kitchen
Are bed linens and blankets provided? No
Are towels provided? No
Are laundry facilities available? Yes

Is transportation provided to work and supermarkets? Yes
NB
: single rooms are not available.

8.  Estimated Housing Costs (2009-10)

Housing costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and which complex a participant is assigned to live in during his/her program.
Housing Cost Estimate (this includes all amenities.): $80 to $105 per week.
These rates are based on the number of bedrooms and varying amenities among the complexes. They do not include any applicable taxes. Participants will also be responsible for a one-time approximately $100.00 (PAID to Disney) Program Assessment and Activities Fee. The non-refundable fee helps support the events and activities scheduled in the housing complexes throughout the program. Be sure to follow the instructions given by Disney.
NB: Housing costs are automatically deducted weekly from Cast Members' paychecks.

9. Meals: The apartments are furnished with a full-size kitchen with a stove, microwave and a fridge.  Some utensils are provided for the students to be able to cook.  There are "cast member cafeterias" at each theme park and water park where students can purchase meals at lower prices than what guests pay in the parks.  Most students bring a bag lunch with them or (depending on shift) wait until they get home to eat. 

Cast members do get discounts at restaurants on property, but they cannot take their lunch break and eat at one of the restaurants while they are in costume.

10. Estimated personal expenses: You should budget a minimum of $150-$300 per month for miscellaneous costs such as local travel, entertainment, supplies, etc. You will also be expected to purchase UNCG’s mandatory insurance policy and you will be expected to pay in full two weeks prior to arrival. (See below under # 11.)

11. Insurance: U.S. Government regulations require you to have sufficient medical insurance coverage to participate on an exchange to the United States. Accordingly, insurance coverage through a UNCG-approved plan is mandatory. For more information on the policy itself, see the following web site: http://www.uncg.edu/ipg/hthinsurancebrochure.pdf
The insurance cost is determined by the length of the program and is between$450- $550 (Subject to Change). The full insurance cost must be paid in full to UNCG 2 weeks prior to arrival at Disney.

NB: The only exception to this mandatory UNCG Insurance is if you have a documented preexisting illness. Any documented, pre-existing condition should be reported prior to arrival. 

12. Medical Requirement/Health Services: As a UNCG Disney International College Student, you are not required to fill out any “Student Medical Forms”.  The state of Florida does not require specific immunizations.  However, it is always a good idea to bring copies of vaccination records and have a check up before leaving your country.  Information about health services and clinics will be provided by Disney.  Lake Buena Vista Centra Care Clinic, is recognized as a student health center and therefore UNCG students do not have to pay the insurance plan deductible when using this facility.

13. Transportation: Transportation service is available to Cast Members who live at one of Disney’s apartment complexes (i.e., Vista Way, The Commons, Patterson Court and Chatham Square).  The primary purpose of the transportation system is to provide Cast Members who live in Disney apartment complexes with a shuttle to their work location on a scheduled route. Shuttles to local merchants for groceries and sundries also are provided.

14. Employment: As academic training is an essential component of this program, students are granted Academic Training authorization which allows them to work at Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts while studying.  UNCG Staff will provide letters and documents necessary for authorization to work at orientation. 

15. Visa Documents: UNCG serves as the Visa Sponsor for this program, and is responsible for providing information for maintaining status.  You will receive your DS-2019 in your UNCG acceptance packet.