WINTER/SPRING GROUP
UF Classes (Online)
Spring Semester (January - May): The first two courses - completed from Canada
Report to Disney while taking classes
Summer A Semester (May - June): Second two courses - completed while working at Disney
Immersion Week: After classes and work finish, students are transported to UF’s campus
Walt Disney World Internship
Mid- January - Mid-June (exact dates TBD)
UF Immersion Experience
Students will experience Gainesville and UF campus at the end of their Disney Experience for 7 to 10 days, and will come to the UF campus during a weekend in spring for a sports event.
Program Cost
2023 Program Cost: $4,200
What is included:
Education tuition and fees for 12 credit hours at the University of Florida
Housing accommodations, all meals, transportation, tours, cultural and sports excursions while at the University of Florida
Admission to one UF Sporting Event
Gator One student ID card
Orientation and Graduation Reception
Supervision and support by UF program faculty and staff for the duration of the Academic Exchange Experience
Limited access to University of Florida’s instructional, technological, and student resources
Payments will be submitted in two installments. Half is due at the start of the program (Spring or Summer) with the remainder due at the beginning of the final semester (Summer or Fall).
Additional Expenses
Students will be responsible for the following expenses:
TB test and immunization
DS-2019 ($50 Shipping fee)
SEVIS I-901 fee;
J1 visa application fee (for non Canadian or US citizens);
Any expense related to the application process for Walt Disney World® (e.g., background check);
Airfare/transportation to and from Florida;
All personal expenses once arriving to Walt Disney World® in Orlando, FL (e.g., housing, food and beverage, activities, entertainment, and other incidental expenses);
Linens and Towels (unless student brings them from home);
Summer and/orbusiness attire
Work shoes (if needed);
Textbook and Course Materials; simulation software fee for Knowledge Matters software for Lodging Operations and Management class. (Approx. $70)
Health Insurance Requirement
All participants in the program are required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. If they do not provide proof of insurance they will not be able to register for classes. All students are required to have approved health insurance.
For more information, visit University of Florida Trail Blazer Plan Summary.
Required Courses
The program will require students to take four courses for a total of twelve academic credits. All these classes will be taught by University of Florida professors online. The fourth course isthe internship at Walt Disney World®Resort.
The following is a list of required courses, each followed by their respective course descriptions:
*Courses are subject to change for 2023 experience
HFT3806 - Introduction to Food and Beverage Management (3 credits)
Thiscourseisdesignedtoprovidestudentswithamanagerialexaminationoffull-service food and beverage operations. It explores the broad range of subject areas thatencompass the food and beverage market and its main sectors – quick service, casual and finedining, beverage and bar, institutional and catering. The course also examines trends andinnovations affecting the food and beverage industry, the management process, marketing, laborand product cost control, revenue and pricing strategies, production and service, purchasing andinventory,sanitationandsafety, layoutanddesign, and financialanalysis.
HFT 4755 - Theme Park & Attraction Management (3 Credits)
An in-depth study of the theme park and attraction industry, focused on historical considerations, industry resources, and organizational and management functions related to the operation of core functions, both employee and patron based.
HFT 3253 - Lodging Operations and Management (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth managerial examination of a full-service lodging firm including each major operating and support departments. This course exposes students to the unique characteristics of managing and operating a service-based lodging product that is delivered by a diverse employee profile and received by an equally diverse consumer profile. The objective of the course is for the student to become familiar with the lodging industry and current principles and management practices of lodging properties.
The course will use a simulation based software where students will manage various departments in a hotel including front office, housekeeping, sales and marketing, food & beverage and will end with the student managing a limited service hotel.
LEI 4940 - Internship (3 credits)
This course provides students with practical field experience at the Walt Disney World Resort and exploration of tourism and hospitality career opportunities and real-world case studies. Students in the UF Disney International Academic Exchange Program will commence their internship in July and complete the internship in December. At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
Gain real-world work experience and explore career options.
Explore managerial issues and apply critical thinking to form possible solutions to these issues.
Develop valuable work competencies specifically for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Gain self-confidence, self-worth, and interpersonal skills.
Articulate and apply work-related principles learned both in and outside of the classroom.
Evaluate future job opportunities in the tourism field and learn about available careers.
