Hi everyone!! Unfortunately this will be a bit of a, not sad, but realistic post today. Before I start, this post should not put anyone off applying for the ICP but it is something that you should think about!! If you are reading this and thinking of applying, honestly go for it!! I just want people aware of the expense of the program and seriously think about if it is manageable. Also I live in NI which means I had to fly to both of my interviews but then again I will have hardly any transport expenses for the Embassy interview.
When I first applied for this program I realised that if I did get through to the interview stages I would have to travel. This was not a problem financially because I had some savings which I was prepared to use. So I got through to the pre-screens and had to travel to Liverpool. Also I should say my mum accompanied me on both trips!! :) So I probably spent double what I should have, but the extra support was helpful!! I had to pay for flights, a hotel, two taxis to and from the airport, dinner at the airport the first night and dinner at the airport the second day, plus some money for coffee/tea/frappicinos lol
When I got through to the face to face interviews at Disney HQ in London, this is where things got more expensive!!! I paid for flights, petrol money to get down to Dublin airport (since it was cheaper than Belfast), two nights at the Premier Inn near Heathrow, tube tickets in and out of London, breakfast for two mornings, lunch near Disney HQ, dinner at hotel after interview, taxi back to airport plus some money for Starbucks and for the coach back up to Belfast.
After being accepted onto the program the first expense was the fee for the CRB check, unfortunately this is mandatory! and cost £60. Then flights... admittedly I could have done it a bit cheaper if I had decided to fly back to England and then have an extra flight back to NI but I decided I would like to fly back to Dublin so it means either my parents could pick me up or I can get the coach back to Belfast. My flight from Belfast - London Gatwick: £51, Hotel in Gatwick: £39, Flight Gatwick - Orlando with Virgin through STA: £375 then Flight Orlando - Dublin: £492.
The next expense I have to consider is Visa, I think it will cost approx £100 but I will confirm this amount when I have done it!! lol Thankfully there is an American Embassy in Belfast up the road from my University which means my transport costs will be like an extra £2 on top of my normal uni commute :) After the Visa I then have medical insurance to pay which is done through Disney and costs $70 a month. Lastly I have a program assessment fee of $100 which has to be paid for about a month before I go.
All of these expenses are obvious and the Flights, Visa and insurance are mentioned in the Step-by-Step guide that Yummy Jobs sent us but there are other expenses that I have encountered already that may not be so obvious and I'll cover them in another blog since this is pretty long!! lol
Have a Magical Day!! 146 days to go!!
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