Cultural Representative Program? I have a decision to make..Please help me!

[maxiv]

Hello all

I'm new here and this is my first post as you can see, i have been lurking though a bit.

first of all: my name is max, im 19 years old and am from germany. I was twice to WDW and am absolutely NUTS about the resort...only problem is, i cant go to often because it is very expensive, especially the flight and then going alone isn't too much fun, either.

so on monday i was offered a job in the cultural representative program starting August, 7th and lasting for one year. this is a really big decision i have to make, because i have got a girlfriend here since 4 years.

so my question: can anybody, that is or has been in the program, please give me as much information about it, as possible?

i used the search option of course but couldn't find anything.
i would like to know everything about the job as such (my place would be "Merchandise" at the Germany pavillion) as well as the daily life of a CM!
how is it to be a whole year at wdw? As is told you, i'M nuts about the place but i still wonder if it doesn't ge too much after some time


please help me, this is serious.
Sincerely, Max


P.S.: If you would like to chat with me, contact me via PM or icq 101140988

[Cheshire Figment]

you might want to go over to http://www.disboards.com where about the 10th forum down is called the College Board. It has a lot of discussions concerning the College Program, which is similar to the International Program.

My basic understanding is that since you will be in merchandise you will be in one of he retail shops doing both stock work as well as working a cash register. You will be assigned to a two bedroom apartment which you will share three other people.

I understand many people in the international program will use the opportunity of being here for an opportunity to spend time in various cities around the US.

[maxiv]

thanks @Ceshire Figment!

i found http://www.wdwip.com - pretty good information there ;-)

anyone else got some info for me?

Max

[Main Streeter]

My basic understanding is that since you will be in merchandise you will be in one of he retail shops doing both stock work as well as working a cash register.

maxiv, Chesire is @ WDW & knows lots more abt World Merch than a DLR CM does. DLR Merch CMs usually are assigned/trained FOH = Front of House or BOH = Back of House. FOH is; Cash wrap (register), greeting, recovery, & keeping store fluffed. BOH is completely stock. Hrs. can be longer if wanted & we get $.50 more per hr. I do both FOH & BOH. BOH is my fav, :) but most in Merch don't work both. DLR Merch doesn't even cross train new FOH hires for BOH anymore. Sad because one learns so much more & why BOH stock CMs are worth gold! Hope this helps.

[Paragon]

CRs in our resort do not generally work backstage, as this is against their visa. Germany has its own back of the house people--permanent cast members. Floorstock and register is what you will do. Expect to work a lot depending on how well staffed they are, but don't necessarily expect 40 hours and lot of overtime. Time off for travel is not always easy to come by, as CRs do not get vacation time, but will earn personal holidays. The days you do get off for that will be unpaid days, for the most part. You will not be rich.

For some it is a great experience. For others, not so much.