Spending a Semester at Disney World

Ten St. Joseph’s University, New York students are taking advantage of the Disney College Program, spending the semester interning at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” while gaining credit for the experience.

“I would definitely recommend the Disney College Program to other people,” said Molly McLean ’25, an English major with a concentration in adolescence education who is interning in the Pinocchio Village House restaurant at Magic Kingdom. “This has been the best experience of my life, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.”

Open to any major, the Disney College Program offers St. Joseph’s students a chance to build confidence and independence, as well as gain skills in leadership, customer service, teamwork, problem-solving and communication.

Gaining Skills — and Friends

“My favorite part of the experience is definitely meeting people from all over the world,” said Cameron Martocci ’25, an English major with a concentration in adolescence education who is interning with the Magic Kingdom’s main street operations team.

“I’ve met people from as far as Australia,” continued Martocci, who helps manage guest flow and safety during parades and fireworks. “It’s amazing. I’ve made best friends that I’m going to carry until my dying days.”

Students stay in the paid internship for five to seven months, with many being offered jobs at the end. St. Joseph’s awards students six credits for the internship: three in a business elective, and three for either BUS 362 or HTM 462.

“It’s a great experience to be away from home for a little bit and gain some independence,” said Marissa Chiarello ’24, a history major with a concentration in adolescence education who is interning as a lifeguard at the resort.

McLean shared that the program is helping her be more outgoing.

“I struggled with coming out of my shell back at home,” she said. “I feel like I’ve definitely become more social, so that’s going to help me in my career as a teacher.”