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Disney World Communication Culture 2013, March 6-15, 2013, COMM 379 3 hrs

Application (PDF)

Information sheet (PDF)

Travel grant information

Study Abroad Medical Report Form - Disney World Communication Culture

Acceptance packet

 

Important Dates:

Applications due: Friday, September 28

$500 deposit due: Wednesday, October 24

Acceptance packet due: Wednesday, October 24

$600 second payment due: Friday, November 30

Balance (approximately $675) due: Friday, January 25

Final payment amounts are approximate and subject to change

 

Program Overview:

Not only is the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, it's also a great example of effective communication by a multinational corporation. Communication of messages and information is planned to the smallest detail yet it is blended seamlessly so that the casual visitor never notices the flurry of communication going on around them.

This Study Abroad Course provides you with multiple opportunities for first-hand study of the nonverbal and organizational communication used at Walt Disney World. Explore how 60,000 employees communicate in the creation and maintenance of an effective organizational culture by participating in various tours and master classes throughout the theme parks, resorts, and restaurants. Discover the layers of non-verbal communication utilized by Disney Imagineers in the process of environmental design. If at Walt Disney World "everything speaks", you'll learn how to discern, interpret and speak their language.

 

Health Precautions:

Walking—Expect to walk 7-10 miles each day. It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s for this time period. Please be aware of your personal physical condition and notify faculty leader David Zanolla or Study Abroad Adviser Kim McDaniel if you have concerns about walking these distances.

Dietary— Because some group meals are included in the program cost, you are strongly encouraged to contact either David or Kim if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  They can help you make advance arrangements regarding food choices that meet your specific needs.

 

Course Information:

COMM majors/minors—counts towards COMM electives

On-campus class sessions: TBA

You are also required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation conducted by the Office of Study Abroad.

Class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course. Students must attend the on-campus sessions, participate fully while on-site, and complete a project and write a final paper after returning. Questions about Course content should be directed to David Zanolla.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Completed at least 12 semester hours    • Completion of COMM 130    • Permission of instructor.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75   • Good standing with Student Judicial Programs

 

All majors welcome! Total enrollment for the program is limited to 14 participants.

 

Contact Information:

Academic                                     Study Abroad

David Zanolla                               Kim McDaniel

330 Memorial Hall                      344 Memorial Hall

298-1117                                     298-2504

DA-Zanolla@wiu.edu                  KD-McDaniel@wiu.edu