Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of Disney? How about the lights of Times Square?
Montclair State University can make this possible. Through the Disney Academic Exchange Program, step into a world where dreams come true, and education meets adventure!
What is the Disney Academic Exchange Program?
This program offers a unique opportunity similar to a co-op, allowing you to gain valuable experience while studying at Montclair State University. You’ll embark on an exciting journey with Walt Disney World, enriching your academic pursuits and creating unforgettable memories that will help set you apart in your career.
During the first 10 days of your exchange, you’ll be at Montclair State, engaging in an accelerated format of your academic courses. Once you arrive at Disney, you’ll take on assignments alongside your work responsibilities, enabling you to apply your learning in a real-world setting.
Travel Opportunities
As part of the program, you’ll have the chance to explore the iconic city of New York before heading to Orlando. Additionally, the J-1 visa allows you to travel for 30 days after completing the program, giving you extra time to experience all that the U.S. has to offer!
Estimated Earnings and Costs
Estimated Disney Internship Earnings:
$10,000 – $12,000
Estimated Costs for Students:
- Tuition at Montclair State: $6,800
- J-1 Visa Application Fee: $160
- DS-2019 Form Fee: $180
- SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350
- Average Airfare (Round Trip): $1,900
- Cost of Living at Disney:
– Disney Housing: $202 per week (deducted from your paycheck)
– Location: Flamingo Crossings Village
– Includes: WiFi, water, waste disposal, and electricity
Academic Credits
As part of the program, you’ll earn 12 credits through a mix of coursework and internships, including:
- 3 credits: MGMT 318 – Leadership
- 3 credits: MGMT 356 – Cross-Cultural Behavior and Management
- 6 credits: Hospitality, Sports, Events, and Tourism Internship\
Additional Costs:
- Required J-1 Visa Health Insurance
- Most Meals Included (some meals during trips may not be covered)
Exciting New York City Excursions
Enhance your learning experience with exciting trips to NYC! Examples of past excursions include:
- NYC Sightseeing Cruise
- Times Square
- Broadway Show
- United Nations Tour
- New York Mets Baseball Game
- Central Park
- Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Top of Rockefeller Center
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- American Dream Mall
- MetLife Stadium (Home of the 2026 World Cup Final)
- Jersey Shore
Note: Airfare and transportation from Newark Airport to Orlando are additional. All excursions are subject to availability.
Job and Academic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, you must demonstrate proficiency in English. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
- TOEFL: 70 or higher
- IELTS: 6.0 or higher
- Duolingo: 95 or higher
- Pearson’s P-TEA: 48 or higher
- ITEP: 3.7 or higher
- SAT (EBRW Section): 480 or higher
- ACT (English Section): 22 or higher
- TOEIC: 650 or higher
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience blending education and adventure, start your application today! For more details, contact us at wheelerje@orkexpo.net or thomasst@orkexpo.net.
Disney Academic Exchange Program
Fact Sheet 2025
The Academic Exchange Program is a truly unique experience, which sees students spend 6 months working and learning at the Walt Disney World® Resort as part of a university placement year. This program has been designed to provide students with an international experiential learning opportunity, coupled with an academic training experience at Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando, Florida.
This Program will allow students to work in a variety of roles across the Walt Disney World Resort, experience unique classroom and learning experiences by Disney leaders, and spend 6 months living in the heart of Orlando, Florida!
As part of the academic training students will work in one of the following roles during the program, based anywhere across the Walt Disney World Property:
- Attractions and Operations
- Quick Service/Full-Service Food and Beverage
- Lifeguarding
- Seater Host/Hostess
- Character Attendant
- Costuming
- Merchandise
Participants will be paid an hourly wage of $17 USD per hour and will be provided with a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
Academic Learning Experience (12 U.S. Credits)
Important Dates
Fall 2025:
- Nomination Deadline: First Week of February 2025
- Interview with Disney and MSU: First weeks of March 2025
- 10-day program at MSU: 10 days before the start of the internship: 07/26/2025 to 08/04/2025
- Internship at Disney in Orlando: 08/04/25 to 01/22/26