First-Year Global Experience (FGX)

Theme: Understanding the Historical Evolution and Cultural Impact of Greece's Economy
Program Affiliation: Dean's Fellows
Travel Dates: March 21-29, 2025
Approximate Cost: $5,050*
Faculty Leader: Jennifer Bone
Program Description: We will explore Greece’s economy, from its ancient foundations to its current position within the European Union, including the causes and consequences of the financial crisis. The course also delves into the country’s tourism sector, a major economic driver, examining its role in recovery efforts and its impact on local communities. Through research and presentations delivered in class, and site visits while abroad, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Greece’s historical and cultural heritage influences its present and future economy.

Theme: From Boom to Bust…to Boom?: How Argentina went from an economic powerhouse to economic chaos, and how businesses adapt.
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: May 8 - May 15, 2025
Approximate Cost: $4,150*
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.  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.  We’ll also explore Buenos Aires’ cultural sites, including San Telmo Market, Recoleta Cemetery, and the La Boca neighborhood, in addition to learning to tango and make empanadas!  And we’ll take a day trip to a working ranch to experience the gaucho life, an integral part of the Argentine agricultural industry.  Weather permitting, we’ll 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’s Path in Today’s Economy
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: May 9-18, 2025
Approximate Cost: $4,600*
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’s vibrant business scene, where innovative tech startups and traditional craft workshops reveal the city’s creative spirit and global impact. Experience the thrill of the wild at the Aquila Game Reserve, where you’ll 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: Business Growth in the UAE
Program Affiliation: Leeds Honors Program
Travel Dates: March 21-30, 2025
Approximate Cost: $5,200*
Faculty Leader: Scott Livengood
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: The Emerald Isle is Anything but Green
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students 
Travel Dates: May 9-17, 2025
Approximate Cost: $4,900*
Faculty Leader: Meghan Van Portfliet
Program Description: Ireland is a small, conveniently located island that has capitalized on international trade and foreign direct investment to catapult its economy to #2 on the IMF GDP per capita report. However, they rank in the bottom five for the UN sustainability index in several areas relating to the environment and are 8th out of 14 countries overall in the index. For these reasons and more, Ireland is a great place to study the challenges that businesses and governments face with balancing sustainability with attracting international trade.

Theme: Business, culture, and history at the edge of the world
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: March 2025
Approximate Cost: $5,100*
Faculty Leader: Julie Smith
Program Description: Perched at the westernmost edge of the European continent, Lisbon was once thought to be the edge of the modern world. This hilly seaport town has a rich history (older than that of Paris, Rome, or London) of global commerce and influence: as the launching point for the Age of Discovery; as the nexus of a colonial empire that stretched across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America; and as a founding member of the euro currency and the European Union. Above all, Lisbon is resilient. Through natural disasters, political upheaval, and economic crises, the city – and her citizens – have endured. In this course, students will explore how this rich history is woven into the Portuguese economic, political, and social landscape of today by meeting with local students, visiting companies from established and burgeoning industries alike and exploring this beautiful city. “The end of the world” is just the beginning.

Theme: Understanding the intersection of technology and global business from a women’s perspective.
Program Affiliation: BEWiT Program (Business + Engineering Women in Technology) 
Travel Dates: March 21-30, 2025
Approximate Cost: Please contact Ginnie Benson
Faculty Leader: Ginnie Benson
Program Description: India is a vibrant and complex country – home to more than 1.4 billion people (the world’s most populous).  With robust economic development, a focus on technical education of the workforce, and a rich cultural history, we will visit New Delhi, India.  Exploring the role women play in the global tech economy, we will visit several tech giants in New Delhi, partner with a local women’s group, and take advantage of the ancient (and modern!) sites of New Delhi and Agra (of course, no trip to India is complete without a trip to the spectacular Taj Mahal).

Theme: Istanbul: Business at the Crossroads of the World
Program Affiliation: Divers Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 9-16, 2025
Approximate Cost: $4,500*
Faculty Leader: Elmer Ramos
Program Description: Turkey is called the “crossroads of the world” for good reason: It’s 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’ll 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.

Theme: The Eternal City and the City of Lilies: Exploring the Intersection of Food, Art, Culture, and Sport
Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students 
Travel Dates: May 9-16, 2025
Approximate Cost: $5,300*
Faculty Leader: Michael Jennings, Michael.Jennings-2@Colorado.edu
Program Description: Come discover the heart of Italy 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?  Who has a more passionate futbol fanbase – Lazio or AS Roma?  Can a family-run vineyard really win so many awards?  Is there a magical way to craft wood-oven-fired Italian pizza?  Are leather purses, bags, or jackets more stylish?  Which is more stunning – the Sistine Chapel, the Forum, the Duomo, or Michelangelo’s David?

When in Italy, do as the Romans – seek answers!

Theme: Understanding the complexity of global business through a US-Japan perspective
Program Affiliation: Leeds Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 9-18, 2025
Approximate Cost: Please contact Alyssa Radtke
Faculty Leader: Alyssa Radtke
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.

Cities: Zurich 
Theme: Exploring the Swiss Banking, Chocolate, Tech, and Tourism Industries
Program Affiliation: Pre-Business Program
Travel Dates: May 9-16, 2025
Approximate Cost: $4,800*
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.