There are two programs that allow you to work at Walt Disney World as a Canadian. Even though during both programs you get to live, learn and work at Walt Disney World in Florida, they can seem like polar opposite programs. That’s why they have them though! The Cultural Representative program and the J1 Cultural Exchange Program give a broad blanket for Canadians to work in Walt Disney World. So which one is better for you as a Canadian? Here’s a helpful guide to find out!
The Difference Between Walt Disney Programs For Canadians!
There are three main differences between the programs:
- The Length of the Program
- Who Can Apply
- The Roles You Get To Play
So let’s explore both those things a little bit more in the hopes of deciding which Walt Disney World Disney Program is best for you!
Who Can Apply
The Disney Cultural Exchange program is open for those enrolled in a university program. You have to prove you are enrolled in a degree and that you are either in the middle or have just completed it.
Contrastingly, the Cultural Representative Program is open to all young Canadians who want to represent their culture and country in Walt Disney World. Though you don’t have to be enrolled in a University program to apply you just have to be ready to represent Canada.
The Length of the Program
The Cultural Representative program is an entire year. While the Cultural exchange program is only three months so it fits nicely into your summer holidays!
The Roles You Get To Play
An an Cultural Exchange Program student or ICP (former name), you have the ability to work throughout the parks and resorts. You can work as anything from a character performer to a lifeguard to a cashier on mainstreet.
Meanwhile, as a Cultural Representative, you work in the Canadian pavilion in Epcot. There you might have a role in food and beverage (you’ll actually make money doing this– one word: tips!), in merchandise selling amazing Canadian stuff (including Tim Hortons Coffee) or in attractions running the movie!
Find out which Disney Program is best for you as a Canadian!
Hey! I’ve been reading through your blog as I am having some PDD(Post Disney Depression). I am a CRP alumini and currently just applied for the ICP, or now known as the International Exchange Program. Great blog! Makes me smile. Just wanted to let you know tho, on your most recent post comparing the two programs, another position in the Epcot Canadian pavilion is Merchandice- you work in the main store in the pavilion as well as the merchandice cart in front of Le Cellier. 🙂 Another little error is you said ‘there are two main….”, but listed three. No worries tho! Just wanted to let you know. Thanks for creating these, can’t wait for more posts!
Hey! We both totally understand your Post Disney Depression! Thanks for the tips about this post, totally appreciate them. We are hoping you the best with your application for ICP! That was the program we’ve both done, and loved every minute of it. I would love to do the CRP program, and maybe some day will find a year haha.