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 by location but range from $4,500 to $5,500. Upon signing the FGX student agreement in October, a $500 non-refundable deposit 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 2027, 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:

  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Florence and Rome, Italy
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Singapore

Restricted to Leeds-special programs:

  • Lisbon, Portugal - Diverse Scholars Program
  • Panama City, Panama - BEWiT/IBE Programs
  • Santiago, Chile - Dean's Leadership Fellows
  • Seoul, South Korea - Pre-Business
  • Sydney, Australia - Leeds Honors Program
  • Leeds Scholars FGX- TBA
  • Special FGX Opportunity* - Nepal  

    *Open only to non-first year Leeds Students

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

Spring 2027 Program Destinations


Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: May 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Ellie Gates

Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students
Travel Dates: May 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Julie Smith

Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students 
Travel Dates: May 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Michael Jennings

Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students 
Travel Dates: May 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Pablo Slough

Program Affiliation: All Leeds First-Year Students 
Travel Dates: March 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Scott Livengood

Program Affiliation: Diverse Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Elmer Ramos
 

Program Affiliation: BEWiT and IBE
Travel Dates: March 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Instructor: Darrell Zechman

Program Affiliation: Dean's Leadership Fellows
Travel Dates: March 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Erick Mueller

Program Affiliation: Pre-Business
Travel Dates: March 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Marcia Kwaramba

Program Affiliation: Leeds Honors Program
Travel Dates: March 2027
Approximate Cost: TBD
Faculty Leader: Meghan Van Portfliet

Program Affiliation: Leeds Scholars Program
Travel Dates: May 2027
Instructor: Alyssa Radtke
 

Program Affiliation: Offered in partnership with Dali Lama Fellows - open only to non-first year Leeds students
Travel Dates: May 2027
Instructor: Sebastian Villa Betancur

*Note enrollment will be held separately from general FGX enrollment

*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