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The Florida State University (FSU) Special Program in Hospitality Management, was designed to provide qualified international students with the unique opportunity of becoming global-ready graduates while gaining hands-on experience in the field of hospitality and tourism.
The program provides participants with the enriching experience of taking an intensive course in Leadership in Hospitality Management in the FSU Dedman School of Hospitality for one week on the FSU campus followed by a six-month internship at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
The Dedman School is ranked as one of the top Hospitality schools in the United States. Fieldtrips to one of the premier resorts in Florida, and also to a prestigious residential country club, provide students with opportunities to learn more about the fields of hospitality and tourism in the state of Florida---where these are the number one industry.
During the nine days on the FSU campus, students also benefit from the experience of living and studying at a U.S. university and from interacting with FSU faculty, staff and students. They also begin a cross-cultural seminar, which will continue throughout their stay in the U.S. This seminar, combined with social and cultural activities, help students prepare for the experience of living, working and studying at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Disney International College Program provides them with the opportunity to gain real experience in the field of hospitality and tourism and to apply the principles they have studied as students. They receive training and work in entry level positions throughout the Disney theme parks or resorts. Students work between 30-37.5 hours per week, except when classes are not in session when they might work more than 37.5 hours per week. Students also participate in Disney's experiential series during their internship and meet with an FSU professor monthly.
During the internship, students live in gated communities with students from a variety of cultures all participating in the Disney International College Program. Students learn valuable intercultural communication skills through daily interaction with people from a variety of different cultures in social, academic and work situations. Total immersion in such an experiential learning situation helps students develop the invaluable cross-cultural skills and competencies needed to be successful global citizens in the 21st century. The combination of living in the United States, possessing cross-cultural competency skills, and having successfully completed an internship at the Walt Disney World Resort provides students with a competitive edge in their future careers in hospitality and international tourism.
Eligibility
Students need to be at least second year students in good academic standing at their home institution majoring in international tourism or hospitality management. They need to be outgoing and friendly, have very good English conversation skills, and pass an oral interview with a Walt Disney World recruiter. Students should possess a sincere desire to gain hands-on experience in the field of hospitality and tourism for their future career path and be willing to be actively engaged in all components of the program.
Program Dates
The 2010 program dates are to be announced.
Program Fee
The program fee for summer 2010 is $3,700.00. This fee includes airport pick-up in Tallahassee, room and board as well as scheduled activities at Florida State University, transportation to Orlando by charter bus, health insurance, bed linens and towels, textbook and materials for FSU course, FSU student ID card, FSU polo shirt, and 12 FSU credits for coursework and internship.
Students are responsible for at least the following, in addition to the program fee: roundtrip airfare, J-1 student visa application and SEVIS fee, book and course materials for the courses at the Walt Disney World Resort, and all expenses while participating on the Disney International College Program.
Links for further information