Disney summer experience awaits events student
A GCU student is set to spend her summer at the world’s biggest theme park thanks to the Disney Cultural Exchange Program.
Third year BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events Management student Samantha Hepburn will fly to the USA at the start of June before working for six weeks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Disney Cultural Exchange Program gives Undergraduate students in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to gain real-world experience through front-line roles at Disney’s theme parks and resort hotels.
Samantha said: “It was my lecturer Nick Davies who sent me the opportunity to get involved. I do like Disney, but I’m actually not a Disney fanatic. I haven’t been to Disneyland and I’ve never been to the USA before, so I feel like I’ll be one of the only ones there that hasn’t had that experience!”
“Obviously studying tourism and events is ideal because it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world, which was more my thinking around applying.”
Having previously studied Social Work at GCU, Samantha is keen to make the most of the experience and kick-start her career in events.
She explained: “I decided to find a normal job while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I ended up doing bar work at the Hydro, but working there allowed me to see lots of big events taking place and gain an insight into everything that goes into them. I then decided to apply for the BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events course during covid.
“Part of the reason I wanted to do this course was the option to study abroad in Trimester B of third year. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me because I live alone and couldn’t afford it. When the opportunity to go to Florida this year then presented itself, I knew I had to go for it.”
With the trip just three months away, Samantha recently found out more details around what she can expect upon arrival.
“When you apply for the program, you get the option to put down your top three role choices. There were a lot of different options like attractions, cleaning, food and beverage. I got assigned merchandise and sales so I think that means I’ll probably be based indoors, which is good news for me avoiding sunburn! I would have taken any role in all honesty, I’m just delighted to be going.
“It’s a minimum 30 hours per week contract, but you can work more than that. I’ve spoken to people that have completed the programme before and they’ve done a lot more, so it’s literally up to the individual.
“I also found out I’ll be staying at Flamingo Crossings Village, which is basically where all the Disney staff members have their accommodation. It will be really fun to meet so many new people and socialise after my shifts – I’m excited for that!”
Samantha’s six weeks at Disney won’t be the end of her stateside experience with plans already confirmed for a mini-tour in the weeks following her final shift.
She said: “I plan to go to Miami, New Orleans, Nashville and New York – four places in two weeks. I’m probably most excited for Nashville just because it’s somewhere a bit different. I currently work for Hilton and get staff discount so that is definitely going to come in handy!
“I’m just really looking forward to it all. I’ve travelled a lot but never worked in another country, so it’ll be great to have that as a new experience.
“The parks are massive, so it is a bit overwhelming but it’s also exciting to have unlimited access to the park. We also have friends and family passes - my mum is going to come visit and make the most of it as well.”
Find out more about GCU’s BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events Management programme
By Ross Clark
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