The City of Orlando, Florida, holds a special place in the heart of the Sunshine State and the broader United States for several compelling reasons. Known as “The City Beautiful,” Orlando is not only a top tourist destination but also a dynamic and influential city in its own right.
Tourism Hub: Orlando is synonymous with world-renowned theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These attractions draw millions of visitors from across the globe each year, making Orlando a tourism epicenter. The economic impact of tourism is immense, providing jobs and revenue that benefit the entire region.
Economic Engine: Beyond its role as a tourist hotspot, Orlando’s economy is diverse and thriving. It has a growing technology sector, a burgeoning healthcare industry, and a robust aviation and aerospace presence, thanks to the presence of the Kennedy Space Center and numerous defense contractors. This economic diversity has helped the city weather economic storms and maintain steady growth.
Education and Innovation: Orlando is home to some prestigious universities and research institutions, including the University of Central Florida (UCF), which is one of the largest universities in the country, and Florida Christian University, a global institution that teaches in three languages (English, Portuguese and Spanish) and holds an academic cooperation with ULA/Harvest.
Cultural Diversity: The city’s demographics reflect a rich tapestry of cultures, making it an inclusive and vibrant place to live and visit. The diversity of Orlando’s population is celebrated through various cultural events, festivals, and cuisine.
Natural Beauty: Orlando is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful lakes and lush forests. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and bird-watching in the numerous parks and natural reserves in the area.
Community Spirit: Orlando is known for its strong sense of community and resilience, particularly demonstrated in times of adversity. The city’s response to natural disasters and tragic events, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016, showcased the unity and strength of its residents.
Sports and Entertainment: Orlando is home to professional sports teams, including the Orlando Magic (NBA) and Orlando City SC (MLS). The Amway Center and Exploria Stadium are top-notch sports venues, attracting fans and major events.
In conclusion, Orlando, Florida, stands as a city of significant importance, not only for its world-famous attractions but also for its diverse economy, educational institutions, cultural richness, and sense of community. It continues to evolve, innovate, and inspire, making it a symbol of Florida’s dynamism and a place of enduring significance in the United States.
Main Campus: ULA’s main campus is located in a beautiful and spacious commercial office building named Lakehurst Building, which consists of over 30,000 square feet and offers more than 120 rooms. This location is at the heart of the tourist corridor in Orlando and is centrally located within Florida’s High-Tech Corridor. The building is just a few miles away from important companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Darden Restaurants, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and attractions like Universal Studios Florida and Disney World, as well as shopping centers like Premium Outlet, Millennia Mall, and Florida Mall. It is also next to most hotels, restaurants, and meeting places in Orlando and within just one mile of the Orange County Convention Center of Orlando. Students who enjoy soccer games also have easy access to the Orlando City Stadium, and hundreds of other free activities.
Auxiliary (Extension Location): ULA’s extension location in Orlando is located at Vista Centre Shoppes is an entertainment-focused retail shopping center located just outside the entrance to Downtown Disney. The property is currently home to major food, beverage and entertainment-related tenants that cater to both tourists and local employees of Disney World and surrounding resorts. Notable tenants include Hooters, Kobe Steakhouse, Player One, Kitty O’Sheas, Paddywagons, Escape Room, Crafty Crab, Domino’s and others. This center is the premier location for entertainment and restaurants serving over 13,000 hotel units and millions of annual visitors to Disney and other area resorts.
United Languages of America (Harvest English Institute) offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse international student population.
