Something To Tell You!

So, if you’ve been reading my blog for a while you might have been seeing a common theme, of weird secrecy…the whole ‘I’ll tell you another time’, has become a line much overused in my posts, but now, finally, I have some news to share!

Throughout this past semester I’ve been commuting to different areas of London, attending interviews, filling out countless pieces of online admin, but here we are. I have a summer internship; more specifically, I’m going to be moving to the United States to complete Disney’s Cultural Exchange Programme, working in Walt Disney World for two months! I can’t believe I get to finally put that in writing; I’m completely astounded to have got through, and I’m more than a bit excited for what lies ahead.

(My Visitors Pass for Disney’s HQ in London.)

So, for a bit of background, I applied for this programme back in July; it’s a very long process. I’ve completed four stages before my final acceptance, these were preliminary questioning, an online application, a pre-screen/group interview, and finally, my final interview at Disney’s head offices in Hammersmith. Along the way, I’ve met, in person, and connected online with so many like-minded people, making new friends, that I’ll hopefully be seeing whilst I’m out in the US working. However, as the name suggests, the idea of the programme is to meet people from all around the world. One way of doing this is that all other cast members (Disney’s term for its employees) completing the programme will live in a housing complex, with the premise that your housemates will not be from your country of origin; this gives everyone the chance to not only socialise but to learn and be an active part of new cultural experiences.

(Disney HQ…it’s huge!)

The other part of the programme is of course the work. I’ve been put into the sector called ‘Attractions’. This essentially means that I’ll be working in one of the theme parks, water parks, or Disney Springs, either operating rides or dealing in ticket sales. I know how valuable this work experience will be, giving me unique opportunities of work, that should hopefully boost my post-graduate career prospects, however, the idea of working for a company that I have looked up to since a young age is also almost certainly a dream come true. Anyone who has even had the smallest interaction with me, knows how much I adore Disney, as a company, for the films they make, and the memories they’ve created for me. I can’t wait to get out there and start giving back to the company who have provided me with so many magical moments, hopefully I can give some to my own guests!

There’s so much more I could tell you, and I do intend to look back and write about my application experience, however, I think that’s my news done for now. This whole process has been utterly daunting and exciting, something I don’t expect to change as time goes on, but I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m taking you guys with me!

Let me know through the comments if you’d like any specific information about my journey thus far, or if you want to know about what’s happening next, such as obtaining my visa, booking my flights, meeting new people etc. I’d love to hear from you.

Take Care Everyone, I’ll Speak to You All Soon!