FGX is a two-credit business elective (BADM 1260) taught during the spring semester with a week-long global experience during spring break or 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 other FGX programs are open to all Leeds first-year students.

Program cost varies by location, but generally range from $3,000-$4,900. Upon signing the FGX student agreement, a $500 charge 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 - $1,500) may be awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Students may apply for scholarship consideration through the online FGX enrollment form.

For spring of 2023 we are excited to offer enrollment for first-year students. More information on the enrollment process can be found on the FGX FAQs page. Tentative program locations are listed below.

  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Athens, Greece
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica

  • Paris, France
  • Rome, Italy
  • Stockholm, Sweden
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Zurich, Switzerland

Please be aware that U.S. passport processing is experiencing delays due to COVID-19. If you are thinking about studying abroad in 2023 and need to apply for a new passport, we recommend applying as soon as possible!

Spring 2023 Program Locations

Theme: Industry and Inclusion
Program Affiliation: None
Travel Dates: March 25-April 1, 2023
Approximate Cost: $3,725*
Faculty Leader: Amanda Hansen
Program Description: Idyllic Amsterdam with its quaint canals and storybook windmills is also one of the world’s most progressive cities, not to mention, one of its most technologically advanced. It offers all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city – renowned museums, art galleries, music clubs, and theaters – but with a small-town feel where most residents choose bicycles over cars for transportation. Students will learn about the trends and technologies that could change the world in coming years and will have a chance to network with local business school students. The Netherlands is also known for its progressive attitudes. However, there are still several layers of privilege including class, race, gender, and sexual orientation in this complex society. Students will explore how these systems of power impact those who are most marginalized in society. Cultural aspects of this FGX will include a visit to the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, a Dutch cooking class and a visit to Anne Frank’s house.

Theme: Greece: Rebuilding After an Economic Collapse
Program Affiliation: None
Travel Dates: May 12-19, 2023
Approximate Cost: $3,700*
Faculty Leader: Nancy Chapple
Program Description: In more ways than one, Greece is at a crossroads. For years, its ongoing battle with the Eurozone over debt has dominated the headlines, raising eyebrows and ire in economic and political circles. Still, Greece rose to worldwide prominence, in part because it is at a crossroads – near the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa at what is often called “the cradle of Western civilization.” This course will dive into Greece’s capitalist economy that has faced a series of challenges since the economic collapse of 2008, in addition to exploring the tourism and export industries that drive Greece’s economy. 

Theme: From Vikings to Lego: How Denmark and Scandinavia are the happiest places on Earth
Program Affiliation: None
Travel Dates: May 11-18, 2023
Approximate Cost: $3,875*
Faculty Leader: Kevin Schaub
Program Description: Learn how Denmark has gone from a nation of Vikings to the epicenter of the happiest region on Earth: Scandinavia. We will visit businesses located in and around Copenhagen while learning how Denmark and its Scandinavian cousins have taken on leadership roles in sustainability and renewable energy. We’ll experience first-hand its efficient, carbon neutral metro as we explore Copenhagen’s cultural sites, including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and the Little Mermaid. And we will also take a day trip, island hopping to neighboring Sweden to further our understanding of Scandinavia.

Theme: Business Growth in the UAE
Program Affiliation: Leeds Honors Program
Travel Dates: March 24-April 2, 2023
Approximate Cost: Please contact Darrell Zechman
Faculty Leader: Darrell Zechman
Program Description: Learn why the UAE has become a key international trade hub between the East and West. Visit Dubai’s diverse businesses and rich cultural sites. Shop in the local souks, ski indoors, or go to the top of the world’s 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: Sustainability and Eco-tourism in Costa Rica
Program Affiliation: Diverse Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 11-18, 2023
Approximate Cost: $3,000*
Faculty Leader: Dr. Marcia Kwaramba
Program Description: Costa Rica is a global leader for its environmental policies and initiatives. The pioneering Payments for Environmental Services (PES) program has been successful in promoting forest and biodiversity conservation, making Costa Rica the only tropical country in the world to have reversed deforestation.

Explore today’s pressing environmental, sustainability, eco-tourism, and international business issues in the lush forests and mountainous regions within Costa Rica that most visitors never see. Business visits to coffee and/or dairy farms, adventure parks, and regional companies as well as local food experiences, cooking and dance classes, and a beach day excursion are sure to offer cultural adventures. Zipline, rope swing, treetop walk, hike, and/or simply stroll and take in the stunning beauty and biodiversity of this Central American country with us.

Theme: Vive L’Entrepreneur: Startups in the City of Light
Program Affiliation: Dean’s Fellows Program
Travel Dates: May 12-19, 2023
Approximate Cost: $4,485*
Faculty Leader: Elmer Ramos
Program Description: “Entrepreneur” is originally a French word, loosely translated as “adventurer.” So we’ll embark on an adventure to learn how entrepreneurship – and business, in general – is evolving in France. Paris is now a beckon for startups, as political, economic and social forces become more supportive of new ventures. The City of Light provides a fascinating backdrop, as it blends rich tradition and bold transformation. We’ll study it all amid the unforgettable landmarks, food and culture of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Theme: The Eternal City: Exploring the intersection of Food, Art, Culture and Sport
Program Affiliation: All First-Year Business Students & Pre-Business Program
Travel Dates: May 11-18, 2023
Approximate Cost: $3,645*
Faculty Leader: Michael Jennings
Program Description: For the first time since 1968, Italy reigns supreme for Euro 2020 (futbol).  Come discover the economics of sport as we enjoy the cultural, artistic, and architectural center of Western Civilization.  Who keeps a family run gelato business operating for over 100 years?  What prompted leading fashion houses like Fendi, Tod’s, and Bulgari to help restore heritage buildings?  Where can you find the tastiest gastronomic delights that craft export-led business opportunities?  When will the tourism industry overwhelm local resources?  Why did the second largest film and television production studio in the world develop a theme park?  When in Rome, do as the Romans – seek answers!

Theme: Exploring Sustainability & Technology
Program Affiliation: None
Travel Dates: May 12-19, 2023
Approximate Cost: $4,890*
Faculty Leader: Kevin McMahon
Program Description: FGX Sweden is an incredible opportunity to visit both Stockholm and Gothenburg.  Swedish culture embraces the natural environment, corporate sustainability, high-tech startups like Spotify, and an inclusive, welcoming way of life.  The “Nordic Model” economy is a fascinating mix of social welfare and free market capitalism.  Stockholm, the capital, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on a modern and historic Baltic Sea archipelago. We’ll also travel by train to the 2nd largest city, Gothenburg, a vibrant city on the North Sea.  The 2022 cohort met with entrepreneurs and senior managers in television, hospitality, automotive AI, and NGOs, among other visits.  Join us as we explore beautiful cities, unique culture, great food, exciting nightlife, and powerful business engagement in Scandinavia.

Cities: Zurich & Geneva
Theme:Exploring the Swiss Banking, Chocolate, Tech and Tourism Industries
Program Affiliation: Pre-Business Program
Travel Dates: May 12-19, 2023
Approximate Cost: $4,375*
Faculty Leader: Vanessa Napier
Program Description: Founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, Switzerland’s largest city is a global financial center. Quiet, quaint but intriguingly modern and increasingly hip, it’s also been chosen as one of the top ten “most livable” cities in the world. During this program we will explore the finance and banking sectors, compare Switzerland and Colorado’s tourism, ski and tech industries, and visit the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer.

Theme: Understanding the complexity of global business through a US-Japan perspective
Program Affiliation: Leeds Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 11-20, 2023
Approximate Cost: Please contact Darrell Zechman
Faculty Leader: Darrell Zechman
Program Description: Japan is where old meets new. Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolitan area, is famous for its bustling intersections (the world’s busiest), bullet trains (the world’s first), densely packed skyscrapers (some of the world’s tallest), and sci-fi neon lights (among the world’s brightest). Yet this modern metropolis is also home to centuries-old family-run businesses, sacred shrines that date to the 7th century AD, and blossoming cherry trees older than the United States. It’s a fascinating place to study global business. As we explore this complex city, both ancient and modern, we’ll partner with a local university to examine business issues through a joint US-Japan perspective.

 *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