First-Year Global Experience (FGX)

FGX is a two-credit business elective (BADM 1260) taught during the spring semester with a week-long global experience during spring break or the May term. FGX lets students get a jump start on study abroad, learn how international issues and cultural differences impact the business world, and take the first step in developing a global mindset.

Some FGX programs are limited to specific Leeds populations, while others are open to all Leeds first-year students.

Program costs vary听by location but range from $4,000 to $5,500. Upon signing the FGX student agreement in October, a $500 non-refundable deposit听will be placed on the CU student account. The remaining balance is due in the spring along with standard CU tuition. Partial scholarships ($1,000 - $2,000) may be awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Students may apply for scholarship consideration through the online FGX enrollment form.

For the spring of 2026,听we are excited to offer enrollment for first-year students. For more information on the enrollment process, please visit the FGX FAQs page. Tentative program locations are listed below.

Open to all Leeds first-year students:

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Florence, Italy
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Reykjav铆k, Iceland
  • Tokyo, Japan

Restricted to Leeds-special programs:

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina - Pre-Business
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Leeds Honors Program
  • Istanbul, Turkey听- Diverse Scholars Program
  • Jakara/Bali, Indonesia - Leeds Scholars Program
  • Panama City, Panama - BEWiT/LEAP Programs
  • Sydney, Australia - Dean's Leadership Fellows

IMPORTANT:听processing times are听experiencing delays, with regular processing taking up to 13听weeks听and even expedited processing taking up to 9听weeks. If you are considering going abroad in 2026听and need to renew or apply for a new passport, we recommend applying as soon as possible! More information can be found on听.

Spring 2026听Program Locations


Theme:From Boom to Bust鈥o Boom?: How Argentina went from an economic powerhouse to economic chaos, and how businesses adapt.
Program Affiliation: Pre-Business and a limited number of first-year students
Travel Dates: Spring break 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Kevin Schaub
Program Description: Learn how Argentina has gone from an economic powerhouse at the start of the 20th century to a financial disaster, and how businesses have navigated the chaos. 听We will visit businesses located in and around Buenos Aires that have taken on the unique challenges associated with ongoing economic instability and a complex regulatory environment. 听We鈥檒l also explore Buenos Aires鈥 cultural sites, including San Telmo Market, Recoleta Cemetery, and the La Boca neighborhood, in addition to learning to tango and make empanadas! 听And we鈥檒l take a day trip to a working ranch to experience the gaucho life, an integral part of the Argentine agricultural industry. 听Weather permitting, we鈥檒l also take a day trip to neighboring Uruguay and the World Heritage site, Colonia Del Sacramento.

Theme:From Global Business Hub to Wild Life Safari Haven: Navigating South Africa鈥檚 Path in Today鈥檚 Economy
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: May 2-12, 2026
Approximate Cost: $4,600-$4,950*, depending on enrollment
Faculty Leader: Marcia Kwaramba
Program Description: Experience Cape Town鈥攙oted the world鈥檚 鈥淏est city to visit" by The Telegraph and Time Out鈥攐n a one-week adventure that blends learning, culture, and exploration. Cape Town offers a rich mix of history, innovation, and natural beauty. Dive into its dynamic business landscape, where tech startups, social enterprises, and traditional craft industries showcase entrepreneurial spirit. Walk in Nelson Mandela鈥檚 footsteps on Robben Island and explore South Africa鈥檚 powerful history. Enjoy panoramic views from Table Mountain, visit a penguin colony, and鈥攊f time allows鈥攔elax on one of Cape Town鈥檚 scenic beaches. Discover vibrant cultural hubs and historic sites that reflect the city鈥檚 diverse heritage. Witness Africa鈥檚 iconic Big 5 wildlife on safari at Aquila Game Reserve, where lions and elephants roam free. Finally, indulge in world-class wines and local cuisine through wine tastings and cooking classes. This immersive journey blends education and adventure in a truly unforgettable experience. Cape Town is ready to inspire you!

Theme:Business Growth in the UAE
Program Affiliation: Leeds Honors Program
Travel Dates: Spring Break 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Scott Livengood
Program Description: The UAE sits at a strategic position between the East and West, and has used its vast financial resources and entrepreneurial vision to create a true oasis in the desert. In Dubai, futuristic architecture, sprawling beaches, rich cultural sites, diverse businesses, and a multicultural workforce are waiting to welcome curious explorers. Shop in the local souks, ski indoors, or go to the top of the world鈥檚 tallest building. Take a day excursion to the capital city of Abu Dhabi and see the gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque along the way. Don't miss the chance to experience the grandeur of the UAE!

Theme:The Eternal City and the City of Lilies: Exploring the Intersection of Food, Art, Culture, and Sport
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year听Students听
Travel Dates: May 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Michael Jennings
Program Description: Come discover the heart of Tuscany as we enjoy the cultural, artistic, and architectural treasures of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Who keeps a family-run gelato shop thriving in the city鈥檚 historic center? What inspired fashion houses like Gucci and Ferragamo to build their legacies here? Where can you find the most authentic Tuscan dishes that spark global culinary trends? Who has a more passionate fanbase 鈥 Fiorentina or Juventus? Can family-owned Chianti vineyards really win so many international awards? Is there a secret to perfecting handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza? Are Florentine leather purses, shoes, or jackets the most stylish? Which is more breathtaking 鈥 Brunelleschi鈥檚 Duomo, Botticelli鈥檚 Birth of Venus, or Michelangelo鈥檚 David?

Along the way, we鈥檒l also venture beyond Florence with enriching day trips鈥攅xploring ancient wonders in Rome and diving into Bologna鈥檚 world-famous auto industry, home to legendary brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati.

When in Florence, do as the Florentines 鈥 seek answers!

Theme:Business and Culture at the Crossroads of the World
Program Affiliation: Diverse Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Elmer Ramos
Program Description: Turkey is called the 鈥渃rossroads of the world鈥 for good reason: It鈥檚 uniquely situated in both Europe and Asia, straddling two distinct continents and cultures. Turkey blends history and modernity like no other country. Its largest city, Istanbul, is home to a dynamic business environment 鈥斕齠rom homemade goods to high technology 鈥斕齛s well as centuries-old landmarks. During our visit, we鈥檒l regularly cross the Bosporus, which separates Europe and Asia, learning about the companies and people that drive this vibrant nation.

Theme:Global Business & Cultural Exchange in Indonesia: Innovation, Tradition, and Transformation
Program Affiliation: Leeds Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 2026
Approximate Cost: Please contact Alyssa Radtke
Faculty Leader: Alyssa Radtke
Program Description: The Leeds Scholars Program FGX to Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia, immerses students in one of Southeast Asia鈥檚 most dynamic economies and culturally diverse regions. Through company visits in Jakarta, students will explore Indonesia鈥檚 role as a rapidly growing hub for global business, technology, and innovation. Discussions with business leaders provide perspective on emerging markets, sustainability, and the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in the world鈥檚 fourth most populous country. The program also emphasizes cultural exploration, highlighting Indonesia鈥檚 rich history and traditions. In Bali, students will experience a different side of the nation, gaining insights into tourism, community development, and cultural preservation while engaging in reflective learning about global citizenship. By combining academic, professional, and cultural experiences, the FGX to Indonesia challenges scholars to broaden their worldview, develop cross-cultural awareness, and consider how business can create impact in diverse global contexts.

Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year听Students听
Travel Dates: May 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Erik Estrada

Theme:Understanding the intersection of technology and global business from a women鈥檚 perspective.
Program Affiliation: BEWiT and LEAP
Travel Dates: March 13-22, 2026
Approximate Cost:听Please contact Alyssa Radtke
Faculty Leader: Alyssa Radtke
Program Description: Panama is where tropical charm meets global ambition.听 This vibrant capital offers a unique blend of cultural richness, modern infrastructure and international business prowess. We will wander through the historic district of Casco Viejo with its cobblestone streets and vibrant cafes, visit the Panama canal - one of the world's greatest engineering marvels and learn about its impact on global trade.听 Engage with indigenous communities and support women-owned local businesses.听 Panama City isn't just a destination - it is a launchpad for global perspectives, personal growth and lifelong memories.听听

Theme:Social and environmental innovation in the land of ice and fire
Program Affiliation: Open to all Leeds first-year students
Travel Dates: May 2-9, 2026
Approximate Cost: Estimated $4,500-$4,700*, depending on enrollment
Faculty Leader: Sarah Cowan
Program Description: Iceland was one of the last places in Europe to be settled听when Norse explorers carved out a life on the edge of the Arctic in the 9th century.听That frontier spirit continues today as this island nation pioneers bold solutions in sustainability and social innovation. Nearly听100% of the country鈥檚 electricity comes from renewable sources,听making Iceland a world leader in geothermal power and a magnet for data centers and crypto investment. Ranked听the world鈥檚 most peaceful nation, among the happiest globally, and celebrated for its gender equality and four-day work week experiments, Iceland pairs environmental sustainability with social progress.听On this journey, we will听experience firsthand how Iceland鈥檚 business community harnesses its unique geological landscape for energy and wellness. Excursions include whale watching, visits to the听Kr媒suv铆k geothermal area and the Blue Lagoon hot spring, a tour of the Golden Circle, and exploration of volcanoes and glaciers.听Company visits highlight ambitious sustainability strategies and the challenges of balancing rapid growth with environmental and cultural preservation.听Iceland鈥檚 dramatic landscapes and forward-thinking culture make it the ideal classroom for exploring the future of sustainability and innovation.听

Theme:Global entrepreneurship & innovation Down Under.听
Program Affiliation: Dean's Leadership Fellows
Travel Dates: March 12-22, 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Erick Mueller
Program Description: We鈥檒l experience the Land Down Under and all of it鈥檚 vibrant energy and intrigue in a number of ways. First, we鈥檒l learn from the Aboriginal community and their rich history of over 65,000 years in Australia. Second, we鈥檒l dive into a flash consulting project, helping disadvantaged entrepreneurs move their ventures forward. Third, we鈥檒l learn about the fascinating sports industry of Australia and how this has become one of its biggest exports. And lastly, we鈥檒l learn all about what makes Australia a world-renowned destination 鈥 from the famed Sydney Opera House to hanging out with koalas and kangaroos to hiking the cliffs of Bondi Beach, we鈥檒l experience first-hand why Australia is so amazing. G鈥檇ay mate!

Theme:Bridging cultures and strategies: Insights into global business complexity through the U.S.鈥揓apan experience
Program Affiliation: Open to all Leeds first-year students
Travel Dates: May 8-17, 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Julie Smith
Program Description: Japan is where tradition meets innovation. Tokyo鈥攖he world鈥檚 largest metropolitan area鈥攊s renowned for its bustling intersections, pioneering bullet trains, soaring skyscrapers, and dazzling neon lights. Yet this modern metropolis also preserves centuries-old family businesses, sacred shrines dating to the 7th century, and cherry trees older than the United States. This unique blend makes Tokyo a fascinating place to study global business while experiencing a vastly different culture.

Through this program, we will explore Japan鈥檚 dual identity鈥攁ncient and modern鈥攂y visiting businesses, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, engaging with Japanese students, and traveling to a seaside medieval capital. Together, these experiences provide a rich U.S.鈥揓apan perspective on the interplay of culture and the complexity of global business.

*Prices are initial estimates and are subject to change based on enrollment numbers. Program locations are also subject to change and will ultimately be confirmed by Leeds Global.


Visit the First-Year Experience Program page

To learn more about student experiences designed specifically for first-year students.

Visit the First-Year Experience Program听

Events & Deadlines

  • CU Education Abroad Fair:
    • September 4th, 10:30-2:00 pm, UMC NE Patio/Arcade
  • FGX Informational Session:
    • September 17th, 5:30-7:00 pm, Cheyenne-Arapaho Hall rm. 240
    • A light dinner will be served
  • FGX 2026 Enrollment:
    • September 24th-October 1st.
    • A registration link will be sent to your CU email address at 7:30 am on September 24th.