On December 15, 2023, our International Disney College Program students celebrated the end of a busy yet successful semester with a farewell party. They were part of our largest cohort yet – 51 students from Japan and 5 from Colombia. This program is one Valencia’s unique J-1 Exchange Visitor programs, designed to provide international students with educational and cultural short-term experiences in the U.S., and the SAGE office maintains this prestigious J-1 designation with the Department of State. As part of the program, students complete academic coursework in Leadership and Business Management at Valencia College combined with real-world practical training at the Walt Disney World Resort. The students also participate in local field trips and excursions to learn more about American culture, as well as share their culture with our Valencia community.

Here are some of the exciting activities from their semester.

• Exchange Day (Colombian students prepared local food)
• Diversity Workshop
• Orlando Magic Game
• International Education Week (showcased Japanese/Colombian culture at the East Campus celebration)
• Universal Studios Leadership Seminar

The International Disney College Program is growing! Within the coming weeks our next cohort will arrive with 23 students from Japan and 22 from Colombia. Applications and interviews are in progress for the 24/25 academic year, and based on initial numbers we’re expecting larger numbers than ever before.