Program Eligibility

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

First 5 eligible students to apply and make deposits will be participants in the Course.  Preference will be given to Communication majors and graduate and/or upper division students for the remaining places.

About Program

Travel Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least July 15, 2019

Visa required for The Bahamas if not a US citizen.  It is your responsibility to check the  Embassy of The Bahamas website for visa application details.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

You must have health insurance while you are on the Course.  For the dates in Florida, you must have either WIU Student Health insurance or personal medical coverage. 

For the dates of the cruise, you must have international health insurance.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk 10-12 miles per day in Florida.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  Walking will sometimes be over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average temperatures are in the 70s during the day to mid-40s at night 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*	$3,200-$3,400
Included in the program	Airport/cruise transfers in Orlando, lodging (triple/quad occupancy), entry fee to Disney World, cruise, some meals
Application Deadline	April 29, 2018
Payments
Application Fee	$75 due May 17, 2018
Non-refundable deposit	$800 due May 18, 2018
Second payment	$1,000 due August 31, 2018
Final payment*	$1,400-$1,600 due October 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

Passport copy deadline: July 15, 2018  Failure to meet this deadline will result in increased costs.

Pre-departure meeting: TBA during Fall 2018

Academics

Credit offered

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

COMM 679 - Counts as an elective for a MA in Communication  

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

 

Objectives/activities

• Learn how to perform a basic observational analysis of an organizational culture
• Discover how 75,000+ Disney employees create and maintain successful organizational communication
• Compare and contrast organizational communication between Disney World and on-board ship
• Apply elements of both the Disney World and Disney Cruise Line cultures to your major

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students 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.