Hello there. I am 17 years of age, and I'm currently in my second year of A level study here in the UK. After the completion of my exams in June 2006, I plan to take out a year of my study before heading university. Ideally, within this year I want to head out to either the states or Canada and work in a theme park of some sort, ideally Islands of Adventure! I'm hoping to end up in the theme park industry as some sort of career, as theme parks and thrill rides are just my passion and the sheerly amaze me. I plan to head out over there in the late season (Sept/Oct time) and was wanting to know if parks would even be looking for recruits for that time at the moment.

It might be a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me how one would go about finding jobs specifically in the Orlando or Toronto area (I have friends there). I looked on the Univeral site and was unable to find any links regarding vacancies, so I was wondering if there was a certain site in which parks listed recruitment info or vacancies. Also, regarding visa's, do any of you American guys know how I could go about applying for the required visa for such a lengthly stay? I guess accomodation is also a concern, but I guess that is for myself to find out, but any recommendations would be greatly appeciated!

I know this seems a little brief at the moment, but I'm not exactly sure of how it will pan out, so if you have any advice/tips or a similar experience please share them with me, I really want this trip to happen!

Thanks in advance

I am a Consulting Games Manager at Universal Orlando/Islands of Adventure and just wanted to give you some info. Job Hotline # 407-363-8045. You can find listings on there for jobs when you decide to start looking. You should also be able to find the Human Resources # on the Universal Orlando website if you would like to speak with someone. As for your Visa, you will simply need to contact the US Consulate, but I believe you must have a job offer before being allowed to obtain a Working Visa. Once again, contact the HR Department at Universal for all that info because we have students come from all over the world each year to work with us. At the time you would be arriving, all departments should be hiring due to Halloween Horror Nights begining the first weekend in October. If you could arrive during the summer months, you would have a better chance of finding the job you desire due to massive recruiting efforts during that time. Also during the summer months, we have a very organized exchange program with countries from around the world where you would have housing provided as well (HR can give you more info). Good luck with your search and let me know if I can be of more assistance.

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Adrienne