I have LOVED both experiences, but personally preferred the DCP. I believe this all depends on your personality though. I like DOING things and living in the moment and going on spontaneous adventures. This is much easier to do if you're not tied down by school. If you're more interested in learning, and consistent schedules, and really embracing a new culture then studying abroad is for you. If you're a huge Disney nerd that wants to work for the company, work the craziest and most flexible hours, and are content to spend all your free time in Disney, Universal, or the Orlando area, then the DCP is for you. Both programs allow to make friends from all over the world :)
I loved being abroad, I just wish I didn't have school. I would much rather travel around the world on my own or with a friend than be in another country doing school. Some people prefer that unique learning experience of seeing how education differs, and being able to become a "local" for a few months. I'm also not a big classroom kind of person, I'm SO ready to graduate college and be in the "real world" ;)
I think a really cool thing about studying abroad is that you have a "base" when travelling, and you know you always have a bed waiting for you. Sometimes when travelling it can be stressful finding hotels and hostels and campsites. Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity, but I will say if you're a homebody and get homesick, then consider either just travelling with family, or doing a summer program instead of a full semester. At Disney if you get really homesick you can always call them on the phone without worrying about big time differences, and if you're really desperate you can fly home, but you can't do that if you study abroad. I can only use wifi to connect with people back home, and that can be tough on some people. One last thing to consider is which will help you out professionally. Are you going into a customer service based career where Disney can make you stand out, or are you looking to go into something that really values international experience? That's also a great thing to consider, they can both positively impact your future!
Well I hope I gave you a lot to think about! I am just finishing up my study abroad here in New Zealand so I've been comparing the two programs a lot lately. They are both incredible opportunities, and you can't go wrong with either one :) I really hope this was helpful to any of you considering the two options! Here are some pictures from my semester abroad :)
