Reasons to do the Disney College Program

So this is it - I officially fly home tonight after completing my 2nd International College Program. Both have been incredible experiences, filled with soaring highs and a smattering of lows, but stepping back I'm so happy I applied and was accepted both times.

However this did get me thinking about why I ever wanted this experience in the first place; one that I know some people would love to do but others couldn't comprehend enjoying. I have friends back home who would never consider applying for something like this (perhaps because it's beneath them, or wouldn't further their career, or maybe they just don't like Disney?) whilst I know others who applied and were unsuccessful.

The DCP gets glamourised more than a stroll down Venice Beach, camping beneath a starry night sky, or eating macarons in Paris, with social media setting up unrealistic expectations of what the whole experience is. So for me, here is a list of reasons to do the program that are completely unrelated to how awesome it'll make your Instagram feed look.

1) The Walt Disney Company

There's no denying how incredible working for this company will look on your CV/resume in the future. Whilst it may boil down to "working in a theme park", the name itself carries esteem and will stand out on any application pile filled with people who've done the same 3 or 4 experiences and led the same few university societies.

Aside from that, if you envision yourself having a future with the company, I've heard from many leaders that they really value people starting small and working their way up. There's no position lower than that of the CP, so what better way to begin?

2) The people you meet

Whether it's on your exact program, in your apartment, work location or other park guests, you'll be meeting thousands of new people across your program and will hear some incredible stories. You'll make global connections that could benefit you in a productive way or simply be a place to stay when you travel to that side of the world.

You'll meet like-minded people who are enthused by life, enjoy the whimsy of a fairytale, and are completely dedicated to their job whilst also refusing to ever truly grow up. In my opinion, there are no people better people to hang out with than fellow Disney cast members.

3) The life experience

No matter where you live, doing a DCP involves moving - across the state, country, or even world. You'll be away from home, and face potential feelings of loneliness and homesickness whilst having to acclimatise to some incredibly humid, temperamental weather and the insane cost of living in Orlando.

In terms of personal growth, it forces you out of your comfort zone even if the parks are super familiar to you, and you'll learn a lot about yourself in the process as well as what you're capable of (hint: it's more than you think).

4) Not many people get to do it

Finally, whilst thousands of people apply, very few actually get selected to do a DCP. It's a blessing (even if sometimes it seems like a curse when you're emptying trash, dealing with angry guests, or running for the bus to work) and one nobody will ever be able to take away from you.

Slipped into casual conversation, it's guaranteed to take over. Everyone has some connection to Disney in some way and want to hear what it's "really" like; good or bad. Therefore whilst it will benefit you in so many ways, the bragging rights alone are a pretty awesome reason to apply, and the incredible experiences you have will make you even more thankful that you decided to fill out that form and begin your journey.