Shanghai Disney Resort has announced a new innovative virtual college program called Shanghai Disney Dream Vocational Campus (“Campus”). This will work with partner universities and colleges to provide students with immersive learning and training opportunities based on Shanghai Disney Resort’s successful operational experiences. Shanghai Disney shares that this marks a new milestone in its commitment to developing high-quality talent, and providing graduates with exciting and diverse employment opportunities while also supporting the evolving demands of the tourism industry. The first “Campus” will be launched at the Shanghai Institute of Tourism with internal admissions beginning in March of 2025.
An announcement ceremony was held at Shanghai Disney Resort that leaders, faculty, and students from the Shanghai Institute of Tourism attended. This is the first partner school of the “campus.” There were also leaders from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture of Tourism, Administrative Commission of Shanghai International Resort and Shanghai Shendi Group. Mickey Mouse also made a surprise appearance to celebrate the announcement.
“Shanghai Disney Resort is committed to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals by equipping students with practical skills, real-world industry knowledge, and employment opportunities early in their careers,” said Andrew Bolstein, Senior Vice President of Operations at Shanghai Disney Resort. “Through the Shanghai Disney Dream Vocational Campus program, we are excited to enhance our work in cultivating young talent, together with local schools like the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, to provide hands-on learning experiences and leading industry insights that will empower students to excel in China’s tourism sector and advance its service quality.”
The first “Campus” at the Shanghai Institute of Tourism will begin enrolling students who are majoring in Tourism Management in its undergraduate program, students who are majoring in Tourism Management, Omni-media Advertising Planning and Marketing, Hotel Management and Digital Operations, Smart Catering Management, Tourism English, and Exhibition Planning and Management in its junior college program.
This continues the long-time commitment of the Shanghai Disney Resort to provide training and employment opportunities for both students and graduates. The resort has built strong ties with over 150 colleges and universities across China. It has rolled out campus roadshows, held recruitment events, and partnered to build off-campus training bases. Since 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort has launched the Shanghai Disney Resort Talent Class in 14 colleges and universities throughout China. This offers industry-related courses and internship opportunities within the resort. As of today, the Talent Class has attracted over 2,400 students from the 14 partner colleges and universities. Nearly half of the students who completed their internships at the resort have been hired as full-time cast members.
Along with the employment opportunities that have come from these school-enterprise relationships, Shanghai Disney Resort is also cultivating and inspiring creativity and innovation in younger generations through campus events. Since 2018, Shanghai Disney Resort has hosted Disney Imaginations Shanghai Design Competition yearly. This attracts young students in different majors from various universities nationwide. This initiative has inspired many creatives who are eager to work in the culture and tourism industry and provided them with multiple different career development opportunities.
