A DISNEY DREAM COME TRUE
Niagara College students accepted to University of Florida and Walt Disney World® Resort Academic Exchange

Two second-year students from Niagara College's (NC) Honours Bachelor of Business Administration - Hospitality (BBAH) degree program are set to embark on a unique educational journey at "the most magical place on earth." Faith Stewart from Port Rowan, Ontario, and Alexis Apps from Fort Erie, Ontario, have been accepted into a six-month academic exchange program offered by the University of Florida and Walt Disney World® Resort Academic Exchange, The University of Florida's Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and Walt Disney World® Resort.

Second-year Niagara College Honours Bachelor of Business Administration - Hospitality (BBAH) degree program students, Faith Stewart (left) and Alexis Apps (right) will begin a six-month academic exchange program offered by the University of Florida and Walt Disney World® Resort Academic Exchange, The University of Florida's Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and Walt Disney World® Resort on June 8.

On July 8, Stewart and Apps will immerse themselves in the exchange program aimed at further developing their business and hospitality skills and education. They will attend classes and earn credits from the University of Florida, renowned for its top-tier tourism and hospitality programs, while also gaining valuable work experience at Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The exchange will take place over the summer and fall semesters, and the pair will return to NC in January to resume their studies.

"There are so many tremendous opportunities for our Hospitality Degree students at NC, with the Disney and University of Florida exchange being one of particular significance," said Maija Saari, Associate Dean, Niagara College School of Hospitality and Tourism. "We're thrilled to see these students take on the challenge and know they will do NC proud. What a chance to create important industry connections, as well as some memories to last a lifetime."

This opportunity was made available to the students through a partnership between NC's School of Hospitality & Tourism and the International Division's Be World Ready (BWR) program. The BWR program prepares students for global success through education, exchange and international experience and offers the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help launch students' careers. The transformative experiences provided by this academic exchange are funded in part by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada's Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, and Be World Ready grants.

"Not everyone knows that Niagara College has a well-regarded, four-year hospitality degree program, and even fewer probably realize we have these great relationships with premiere tourism and hospitality organizations such as Disney," said Adam Weaver, Program Coordinator and Professor, Niagara College School of Hospitality & Tourism.

Weaver believes the hands-on learning experience at Walt Disney World®, paired with studying at the University of Florida, will not only enhance the students' education but also provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.

"Disney is a marquee brand in the hospitality and tourism sector, and having the brand on their resume, in the midst of their studies, is an impressive feat," said Weaver. "The study- and work-based experiences will help guide these students on their career paths, and the courses taken at the University of Florida will expose them to different perspectives and contacts."

Apps and Stewart are the first students from NC to participate in this exchange program post pandemic, joining a select group of thirty students from across Canada. For both students, being accepted into the program is a long-time dream come true.

"I chose to study in the NC BBAH program in part because it offered this specific academic exchange opportunity," said Apps. "I grew up in a Disney household with many viewings of the classic film franchises. Beyond being a Disney fan, working and living in Florida is a unique experience for a college student from Canada that I cannot wait to explore."

"Getting accepted into the program is truly a dream come true as I have always been a huge fan of Disney," said Stewart. "I have been travelling to both Disney World and Disneyland since I was a kid and love all the Disney movies. Not only will I get to embrace my childhood passions, but this exchange will teach me so many new things in the world of business and hospitality and expose me to more opportunities in the future."

Both students have specific career goals in mind and see this exchange as a stepping stone towards achieving them.

Shortly after starting the BBAH program, Apps was drawn to the hotel sector of the hospitality industry. With ample experience working the front desk at a local hotel and various customer service roles, she sees the exchange as a helpful step in her ongoing education within hotel hospitality. Her goal is not only to deepen her knowledge of the field but also to expand her global career opportunities within hotel chains, hoping to eventually establish her own hotel locally in Niagara.

Stewart is particularly interested in working in the restaurant sector, managing high-end establishments, or working within major sports stadiums.

"I believe this opportunity will help me get one step closer to pursuing my career goals by allowing me to build connections and gain customer service experience from one of the best hospitality employers in the world," she said.

The pair have also formed a special bond while studying at the College, having travelled together on previous NC BWR trips to Italy and Portugal, adding an extra layer of excitement to this experience.

"We both have a deep love for travel, and participating in past BWR trips taught us how well we adapt to unfamiliar environments, which will certainly benefit us on this exchange," said Apps.

"In addition to our shared love for learning about new cultures, we both enjoy learning from different businesses and how international business is conducted around the world," added Stewart.

During their time at Walt Disney World®, Apps and Stewart will assume various hospitality and tourism roles, contributing to the magical Disney experience for guests from around the world. Apps will take on the role of different Disney characters, enforcing safety and entertaining guests as they wait in line for rides. She will also work among various stands and stores across the parks, selling merchandise and interacting with guests. Stewart has been assigned merchandise and serving roles, which include working in the parks' various restaurants and Quick Service Restaurants.

As Apps and Stewart prepare to take their passion for hospitality to Florida, NC continues to support its students in achieving dreams that extend far beyond the classroom, ensuring they are well-equipped to make their mark in the world.