Disney International College Program Costs - CEP #11

Whilst it's easy to get swept away by the magic of an opportunity like the Disney College/International Program, there are some costs that come with it - yes, everything comes with a price!

Note: These are the costs required for the UK Disney Cultural Exchange Program 2016/17 and may vary by year and country.

COMPULSORY FEES

Insurance = £285

There are 2 options Disney offer you through Lloyd's of London, and this is the more expensive of the two. However with healthcare being so pricey in the US, it seemed smarter to just opt for the more comprehensive one.

Criminal Background Check = £75

This must be done about a month after you accept your place on the program.

2 weeks rent for Disney Housing and Program Fees = £290

This is required pretty soon after you receive your official offer and is worth keeping in mind when applying as it is not a small sum!

Visa = £130

SEVIS Fee = £28

These both come together when applying for your Visa around February/March time.

ADDITIONAL FEES

Night 1 Accommodation = £47

You are required to arrive in Florida the day before your program begins, and you cannot move into housing until the following day. Therefore you will need to find somewhere to stay. I've teamed up with 5 other girls to share a room at Disney's Art of Animation - one of their cheaper resort hotels. However this varies depending on where you choose.

Flights = ??

I've managed to use air miles collected over several years to pay for my flight there and back. Most people are flying with Virgin Atlantic and prices vary depending on if you choose a flexi-ticket, single or return.

I've personally got a single flight to Orlando and another single home from New York, with the first flight costing around £450 if I was paying upfront. However this was back in December and so fairly far in advance.

There's also the cost of new bedding, toiletries, towels and food etc once you're out there, as well as weekly housing fees (though this gets automatically deducted from your pay). Many people also choose to go travelling afterwards, though obviously this is optional, and you will be required to have 3-4 days of smart clothes for your training with Disney in the first week.

As you can see, it's not cheap and if you'e looking to make loads of money over your university summer break, this may not be for you! However, if you're looking for a CV-enhancing experience whilst indulging your inner-child, go ahead and start filling out that application form whilst bearing in mind the financial commitments involved.