Disney World & Universal Studios Communication Culture

Snapshot

Program Details

Location(s)	Orlando, Florida
Term	Spring 2018
Credit	COMM 379/679, 3 sh
Class Sessions	In person on the Macomb campus January-March.  Exact dates/times TBA.
Travel Dates	March 7-17, 2018
Housing	Hotel
Passport	Not required

 

Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes, COMM Grads Only
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	COMM 130 or instructor permission
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Grad

First 5 eligible participants to apply, pay application fee & deposit will be admitted to the program.  Preference will be given to Communication majors and upper division students for the remaining spaces in the course.

 

About Program

What you will learn

Participating in this Study Abroad Course provides you multiple opportunities for first-hand study of the organizational communication used at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Discover how nearly 75,000 Disney employees and nearly 20,000 at Universal create and maintain successful organizational cultures.  Communication is planned to the smallest detail yet blended seamlessly so the casual visitor never notices the flurry going on around them.

 

Health Insurance

You must have health insurance while you are on the Course.  If you are not covered by WIU Student Health insurance for the dates of travel, you must provide proof of alternate medical coverage in your application.

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk 10 -12 miles/day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day. 

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s for this time period.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost.  Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Accommodation can be arranged with advance notice.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

  

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$2,900
Included in the program	Airport transfers in Orlando, lodging (triple/quad occupancy), entry fees to parks, some meals
Application Deadline	November 19, 2017
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 7, 2017
Non-refundable Deposit	$1,000 due December 8, 2017
Final payment*	$1,900 due February 1, 2018

    * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

 

Important Dates

Pre-departure meeting: TBA during Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

COMM 379 - Counts as an upper-division elective for COMM majors/minors. 

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to David Zanolla .