Walt Disney World International Program - Previous Programs

Previous Programs

Originally, the International Program operated several different types of programs. Program length, work locations, job responsibilities, living arrangements, pay and required qualifications varied depending on the program which was applied for. Previous programs include:

• The World Showcase Fellowship Program was similar to the Cultural Representative Program but also involved a structured educational program and community involvement.
• The International Hospitality Program was for those who were fluent in either Japanese, Portuguese, French, or German and were pursuing a career in the Hospitality Industry. Participants were able to experience different work roles all over the Resort.
• The Waterpark/Sports and Recreation Trainee Program offered a training and development opportunity in Disney's Waterparks and recreation locations for those with a specialized interest in the recreation/leisure industry.
• The International Culinary Trainee Program was for participants who had 2–3 years experience in the kitchen area of the food-service industry and were looking to develop their skills in one of Disney's food-service locations.
• The African Cultural Representative Program was set up for African participants working at Disney's Animal Kingdom and/or Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and was similar to the Cultural Representative Program.
• The International Management Program was primarily for those who had completed one of the above programs and were looking for management experience at Walt Disney World.

Many of these programs were created to add authenticity to one of Disney's theme parks. As one travels around World Showcase at Epcot, the accents of the 'Cast Members' change to reflect the particular country's pavilion. For example, one will not hear a French accent in the United Kingdom's pavilion. This stems from a concept which Disney calls "Show" which is specifically related to ensuring that minor details are not ignored and guests are immersed in the illusion (or as Disney calls it 'the magic') when they visit a Disney theme park.