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 $5,300. 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
  • Reykjavik, 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
  • Jakarta, Indonesia - Leeds Scholars Program
  • Panama City, Panama - Business & Engineering Women in Technology/LEAP
  • 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:听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:听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 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Marcia Kwaramba
Program Description: Discover the magic of Cape Town, where history, innovation, and adventure come alive. Begin your journey on Robben Island, walking in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and feeling the profound impact of his struggle for freedom at the historic prison that once held him. Next, dive into Cape Town鈥檚 vibrant business scene, where innovative tech startups and traditional craft workshops reveal the city鈥檚 creative spirit and global impact. Experience the thrill of the wild at the Aquila Game Reserve, where you鈥檒l witness majestic lions against the sunset and graceful giraffes drinking from tranquil watering holes. Complete your adventure by savoring Cape Town's renowned culinary delights, from diverse street food to engaging cooking classes where you'll learn to create and enjoy South African dishes. This unforgettable experience blends captivating history, groundbreaking innovation, wildlife wonder, and culinary excellence into one remarkable journey. Cape Town awaits to inspire and amaze you!

Theme:听Business Growth in the UAE
Program Affiliation: Leeds Honors Program
Travel Dates: Spring Break 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Scott Livengood
Program Description: Learn why the UAE has become a key international trade hub between the East and West. Visit Dubai鈥檚 diverse businesses and rich cultural sites. 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!

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

Theme:听Istanbul: Business at the Crossroads of the World
Program Affiliation: Divers 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 as well as centuries-old landmarks. During our weeklong visit, we鈥檒l stay on the European side but also cross the Bosporus to the Asian side, learning about the businesses and people that drive this vibrant nation.

Program Affiliation:听Leeds Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 2026
Approximate Cost: Please contact Alyssa Radtke
Faculty Leader: Alyssa Radtke

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

Theme:听Understanding the intersection of technology and global business from a women鈥檚 perspective.
Program Affiliation: BEWiT Program (Business + Engineering Women in Technology)听
Travel Dates: Spring Break 2026
Approximate Cost:听Please contact Ginnie Benson
Faculty Leader: Ginnie Benson
听

Program Affiliation:听Dean's Leadership Fellows
Travel Dates: Spring Break 2026
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Erik Mueller

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

*Prices are initial estimates and are subject to change before the enrollment date. 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

  • FGX 2026 Enrollment - late September