Theme parks offer different kind of study abroad program

MARIETTA - Yugoslavian Ivan Zivanovic speeds down water slides and polishes his English in the summertime, while earning more money than he could in his native county. <br> <br> The 21-year-old Zivanovic is one of about 90 students from Eastern Europe hired by White Water, Six Flags and American Adventure each summer as part of a unique sort of foreign exchange program. The students fill jobs Americans don&#39;t want at the theme parks, and they get an experience living abroad. <br> <br> Zivanovic, who is studying computer science, said the program helped pay for basic needs, leaving him free to make money and see the country. <br> <br> The theme parks started the program a few years ago to fill a void in food service, admissions, housekeeping, retail sales and lifeguard jobs. They relied on Continental Staffing Services Incorporated, which found some of the employees from across the Atlantic Ocean: Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia, Romania and Russia. <br> <br> Most of the students are 22 or 23 years old, and 50 percent of applicants to the program are accepted. To qualify, students must be in college and in good standing at their school. Participants must pay their own visa and airfare, about $1,200-$1,500, with their wages. Continental Staffing provides transportation and housing. <br> <br> The main benefit is the money. Many of the students come from countries where a family&#39;s income averages $100-$300s a month. <br> <br> Thomas Kostensky, president of the staffing agency, said ``In four-and-a-half months they can earn more than a whole family can in a year.&#39;&#39;.