Former Cultural Exchange Program Participant Making Magic with Disney+
Each year, hundreds of participants join Disney International Programs at the Walt Disney World ® Resort in Orlando, Florida. The International Program consists of three specific programs: the Academic Exchange Program, the Cultural Representative Program and the Cultural Exchange Program. One of the highlights of these programs is the opportunity for students across the globe to immerse themselves in different cultures and then return to their home countries with “Disney” on their resume. Sometimes, we even run into alumni of the programs who have advanced within the Walt Disney Company itself.
In fact, that’s what happened for Alisha, a former participant of the Cultural Exchange Program who is now a Marketing Asset Coordinator for Disney+! Being an alumna of the Cultural Exchange Program has provided her with many exciting opportunities for career development.
Alisha’s Disney journey started back in 2019, when she traveled from her home in Australia to the United States to be a part of the J-1 Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange Program. Alisha learned about the program while on a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in 2015, when she saw a cast member’s name tag that said ‘Melbourne’. “I was so excited to see that there was a program for Australia and New Zealand,” she said. This prompted her to apply for the program and take the first steps toward her career.
Alisha fondly remembers her time on the program and how it impacted her personal and professional growth in a variety of ways. She says, “To this day, I still see it as the best year of my life, and a lot of that comes down to how much I learned and experienced. The program encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone by living in a whole new place, and it also helped me build a lot of confidence.” She took these learnings back to Australia with her and used them to drive her career passion through the years, which ultimately lead her back to Disney!
For Alisha, making the cross-world move from Australia to the United States on her program was an experience she was ready to embrace. “It was my first time living out of home, so to do it in the U.S. and at Disney was great,” Alisha said. “I had opportunity to meet new people, attend events and try out new restaurants with work friends.” She also spoke on the convenience of staying at Disney Provided Housing saying, “it made me feel very safe and reassured. It was also great that transportation was provided to all the major areas participants needed to get to.”
As an alumna of the Cultural Exchange Program, there are many opportunities that Alisha gets to take advantage of. She says her favorite part about being a former participant is, “the connections I still have with other cast members around the world. There is also the Disney Alumni Association that I’ve joined to keep up with news and networking opportunities.” To Alisha, the community of people she’s met as an alumna has been so special to be a part of!
Alisha realizes just how important her time in Orlando was in shaping her life. And she encourages those who are researching an international program at Walt Disney World to take the next step and apply! “If you’re thinking of doing it, take the leap! This is a program where you are so supported and never alone. There’s always someone there to support you or guide you, which is so important for an international experience. Have courage and follow your dreams! You never know who you might meet, or what you might learn,” she said.
Interested in seeing what your career could look like with the Walt Disney Company? Check out the variety of Disney International Programs and discover your own Disney journey!
Head over to DisneyPrograms.com to learn more and stay connected to the magic!
