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Education FAQs

I am planning to go to college. Can I earn college credit and be enrolled as a full-time student at my college or university while participating in the Disney CareerStart Program at the Walt Disney World® Resort?

In some cases yes, but not always. Many schools have existing procedures in place for students to earn credit while participating in our program, but some do not.

Check with either your recruiter or the main faculty/staff contact at your local college to find out if there are established credit agreements in place.

If my school does not have a formal credit process in place, what should I do to research other credit options at my school?

Speak to your program advisor.

Students usually earn college credit in one of three ways:

Several of the Disney Courses we offer have been recommended for three credits each by the American Council on Education (ACE). This recommendation gives your local college the ability to accept these courses for course equivalents at your school-however, please note that not all schools accept our courses in this manner.
Many departments within a college or university have internship courses that allow you to earn credit for internship experiences. Although they often require you to be a junior or senior, our program may meet the requirements for your major's internship course.
Many schools offer online coursework, independent study or distance-learning options. You can utilize the computer labs in the student apartment complexes or the Disney Learning Centers located across Walt Disney World property to complete school-related work.

I have researched the options aforementioned and am unable to maintain full-time status as a student through my local college, but I need full-time status to stay covered by my parents' health insurance. What other options do I have?

There are schools that are willing to give any Disney College or CareerStart Program participants 12 credits while participating in our program, including the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Onondaga Community College – SUNY, Central Michigan University and Purdue University.

Check with your recruiter for contact information and to see if there are any other schools that are able to offer credit to students. In some cases, the credits you earn from the other school may transfer into your local college.

Check with your local college's registrar to learn about transfer equivalents.

If I am unable to earn credit through my own school and elect not to register through another school for credit, am I still able to be covered by my parents' health insurance?

Check with your insurance provider for exact requirements.

Disney does not offer insurance benefits to any seasonal Cast Members, including Disney CareerStart Program participants.

However, there are many companies that offer affordable health insurance options for students.

Will I lose my financial aid if I participate in the program?

It is up to each student's school to determine how financial aid is handled if a student chooses to participate in the program. Students should visit their faculty advisor and consult with the Career Services, Financial Aid and Admissions departments to gain information about the available options.

External learning and earning programs can be referred to as an internship, externship or co-op program, according to the practices of the individual schools. For more information, students can access the U.S. Department of Education Web site at http://studentaid.ed.gov.

Do I have to pay for the Disney CareerStart Program Education Courses I take while on the program?

There are no tuition fees for the Disney College Program Education Courses. However, participants will be responsible for purchasing textbooks and course materials. Please see the course syllabi for the required titles.

If your school is awarding credit for these courses, your school may charge you for the credits. For more information, please review the "Education" information.

Can I purchase textbooks once I arrive?

Textbooks are not available for purchase from Walt Disney World Co. as the bookseller. Please see the course syllabi for the required titles, including ISBN numbers to help you in your search. We recommend exploring your local college bookstore or search by ISBN number at any online vendor. Another option would be to check the book publisher's online Web site.

Do participants need to bring a computer?

We strongly recommend bringing a computer if you are taking any Disney CareerStart Program Education Courses or distance-learning courses. All apartments have high-speed Internet access. Computer labs also are available at the housing complexes and Disney Learning Center locations across Walt Disney World property. Many students find, however, that bringing a computer makes taking a course more convenient.

How do I register for Disney College Program Education Courses?

Participants will register for courses when they arrive in Orlando as part of the check-in.