Imagine walking through the enchanting streets of Disney World in Florida, surrounded by the laughter and joy of visitors from all corners of the globe. For one IH Vancouver alumni, this dream became a reality, thanks to the invaluable experiences gained during her time in the CO-OP hospitality course.

Meet Sakaya Yokoi, a Japanese trailblazer who turned her passion for hospitality into a magical career at the Happiest Place on Earth. In her own words, she shares how IH Vancouver’s CO-OP program played a pivotal role in shaping her journey to becoming a cherished cast member at Disney World.

At IH Vancouver, Sayaka embarked on a transformative journey through the CO-OP hospitality course. Focused on three key modules – Tourism, Retail Industry, and Resume Building – the program provided her with a solid foundation of knowledge that would prove essential in her future career. Little did she know that these lessons would become the building blocks of her success at Disney World.

Sayaka shares, “During this course, I learned a lot about hospitality. I took only three modules, but each one was incredibly helpful for my career.” The carefully crafted curriculum at IH Vancouver equipped her with the skills and insights needed to thrive in the dynamic world of hospitality.

Fast forward to today, Sayaka is living her childhood dream of being a cast member at Disney World. Her heartwarming journey led her to Epcot, where she represents Japan Pavilion, managed by Mitsukoshi, the oldest department store in Japan. While their rules may differ slightly from Disney’s, the essence of creating magical moments remains the same.

Reflecting on her Disney experience, Sayaka says, “It had been my dream to be a cast member as a Japanese at Epcot since I was a high school student. I really love my job at Walt Disney World. I like to make many guests from around the world happy by sharing Japanese culture and demonstrating Japanese hospitality.”

As a cultural ambassador, Sayaka takes pride in showcasing the beauty of Japanese traditions to visitors from diverse backgrounds. Her role goes beyond just a job; it’s about creating magical moments that linger in the hearts of guests long after they leave the park.

This success story serves as a testament to the transformative power of IH Vancouver’s CO-OP program. By providing a solid educational foundation and fostering a passion for hospitality, the language school becomes a launchpad for dreams to take flight.

Sayaka concludes, “I’m so happy when I make magical moments for guests.” Her journey from IH Vancouver to Disney World exemplifies the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and work towards turning those dreams into reality.

In the spirit of IH Vancouver’s commitment to shaping global citizens, Sayaka continues to make a positive impact on the world, one magical moment at a time. Her story is an inspiration to current and future students, proving that with the right education and determination, the journey from a Career College in Vancouver, Canada to the Magic Kingdom of Disney World is not just a dream but a reality waiting to unfold.