Cost Breakdown

As I've mentioned before, Disney's Cultural Exchange Program and any Disney International Program for that matter, is a rather large financial commitment.  Below, I've outlined a cost breakdown for what I had to pay to do the program.  As you're looking at this breakdown, please keep in mind a few points:

• I had to travel interstate for both the interview and the visa appointment.  This included return flights, public transport and food.
• There are some costs that are only applicable to Australian applicants; I have noted this below.
• Many of the fees associated with the program are in USD (United States Dollars). Where a cost was in USD, I have noted it below. Keep in mind that what the USD converts to in AUD (Australian Dollars) will vary depending on the current exchange rate.  
• The 'Buffer' cost is money that set aside to support myself for the first few weeks in America until I received my wage from Disney.  This includes bedding, transport and household items as well as regular living costs.

Cost Breakdown for Disney J1 Cultural Exchange Program - January 2015

Travel for Interview & Visa Appointment:              $500.00 AUD

Program Fee:                                                        $180.03 AUD  ($154.50 USD) 

Medical Insurance:                                                $739.52 AUD  ($629.10 USD) 

Background Check (Aus Only):                             $42.00 AUD

Visa Fees:

                Sevis:                                                     $41.39 AUD ($35.00 USD)

                DS-160:                                                  $176.00 AUD

                Reciprocity Fee (Aus only):                    $125.41 AUD ($115.00 USD)                                                                        

Flights (one way):                                                   $1855.00 AUD

Hotel in Orlando:                                                    $320.05 AUD ($259.90 USD )

Travel Insurance:                                                    $100.00 AUD     

Savings for Return Flight:                                       $1,800.00 AUD

Buffer:                                                                     $3140.20 AUD ($2,500.00 USD)

Total:                                                                       $9,019.60 AUD

As you can see, this is not a cheap experience.  I hope this helps you when determining how much money you need to save in order to do the program.  Remember that your costs could be more or less depending on your situation.

Up next, I'm going to look at the Visa Process or you can return to the Masterlist.