Learn in California, Disneyworld through Douglas

Douglas offers certificates, work experience in a transfer program

By Joel MacKenzie, Staff Writer

Want to learn in California and Florida next year? Douglas College is offering the chance to learn in the University of California Riverside (UCR), followed by paid academic training in the Disneyworld Resort in Florida in 2013. The event runs from June 29 to December 7, and studentsā€™ involvement would result in business, marketing or hospitality credits, and a certificate, as well as 500 hours of experience directly in their industries.

The credits acquired during the trip result in a certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management or Management from UCR, and the 500 hours of paid training allows for one to qualify for Douglasā€™ Hospitality diploma program. The program also offers optional learning opportunities, including different series on professional development, Disney business information, and 20 online courses offered by Harvard Business School. The Disneyworld work experience would provide five months of supervised training, in positions such as resort hospitality/front desk, lifeguard, character performer, and attraction positions, among others.

Optional tours and sightseeing are offered during the first two weeks of the trip while students are in California. These include a tour of Los Angeles, visits to Universal Studios and Disneyland, a beach trip, and shopping trips.

Eligible Douglas students are required to have completed first-year courses before the start of the program, are enrolled as a full-time undergraduate, can speak English fluently, have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, pass interviews with recruiters, and receive a recommendation from Douglas. The total program cost, including tuition, books, medical insurance, food, and housing in Florida, after deducting the amount earned working in the resort, are estimated at $1,025.00. Other costs, including a UCR application fee, a visa fee, and airfare come to an estimated $1,710, making the total about $2,735.00.

Application forms for the program are due to Karen Ng, Douglasā€™ International Mobility Coordinator, by January 14, 2013. She can be found in room 2800 at the New Westminster campus.

More information can be found online at www.douglas.bc.ca/ways-to-study/study-abroad/university-california-riverside-disney.html