Global minded. Career-oriented.
MBA:8500 Seminar in International Business, also known as “GLO” (Global Learning Opportunity) is designed to enhance students’ global business perspectives and help them think and act strategically in an international business environment.
GLO is currently offered twice a year— in Fall Session 2 and Spring Session 2. The country location varies, but the course’s learning outcomes and focus on global business strategy remains consistent.
GLO is an elective course for Iowa MBA and MS Business Analytics students and it’s also part of the MBA Strategy Certificate.
2026 GLO destinations
Spring 2026 GLO
Dates: MBA:8500:0EXG Seminar in International Business is held in Spring 2026 Session 2 (March 25 - May 15, 2026). It has required virtual class meetings Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CT March 25 to April 29, 2026.
Travel dates: May 2 - 9, 2026.
Location: Germany (Frankfurt, Stuttgart)
How to register: Registration goes live on October 20, 2025 at 9:00 am CT.
Students with financial needs may apply for a GLO scholarship by November 16, 2025.
Draft Itinerary - The final itinerary will be shared by the start of the pre-travel class sessions.
For more information, see the information sheet.
Fall 2026 GLO
Dates: This course will be held in Fall 2026 Session 2 and it will include virtual pre-travel class meetings with travel dates in late November/early December 2026.
Location: South Africa
Registration information: Further details will be announced in May 2026.
Future GLO destinations
| Dates | destination |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | Germany |
| Late November/Early December 2026 | South Africa |
| May 2027 | Portugal |
Registration process
The online GLO registration takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll need the following to upload as a Word document, jpeg, or PDF:
- A legible and clear scan/photo of your passport information page*
- A headshot for use in a student directory
*If you do not yet have a passport, it is still possible to register, but please apply immediately. (See passport application details for U.S. citizens.)
Registration Start Date
The registration form will be available on this page approximately 6 weeks prior to the withdrawal deadline. Notification by email will be sent when the application opens.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Semester | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Date of GLO trip | Late November/Early December | May |
| Registration form available | Late May/Early June | October |
| Scholarship deadline | July 15 | November 16 |
| Withdrawal deadline | July 31 | December 10 |
| Participation confirmation | August 1 | December 11 |
| Tuition charges for MBA and MSBA students | September | February |
| Program Fee U-Bill charges for MBA and MSBA students | October | March |
GLO prioritization
The program has limited seats, so apply as soon as possible. If more students apply than we have room for, we’ll prioritize based on when you submitted your application.
Registration notes
Enrollment: Your enrollment will be added by program staff after the withdrawal deadline has passed. You will be added to the course the month before tuition is assessed.
Multiple GLOs: Students can take a maximum of two GLOs total across all programs of study; however, for the two GLOs to be considered for academic credit towards a degree, they must be completed in different countries. GLO counts as an elective for MBA students and as a business elective for MSBA students.
Participation limited to current students
- Only students who are officially registered for the GLO may participate during the official dates of the course. Guests are not permitted during these dates.
- Some participants opt to extend their trip so guests can join outside the official dates.
If you have questions about a GLO trip/class and how it fits in with your plan of study, contact your advisor.
Costs
There are three costs associated with GLO:
- Program fees
- Airfare
- Tuition
What does the program fee include?
The program fee includes hotel accommodations (double occupancy), professional visits and speakers, classroom space, group airport/hotel transfers in country (available in prescribed time window), transportation between cities included in the program, bilingual group tour manager, orientation upon arrival, transportation to all professional visits, scheduled excursions and cultural activities, some meals (including all breakfasts and welcome/farewell meals), supplemental health insurance, and assistance for international travel.
Iowa MBA and MSBA students
Because GLO is an optional experience for MBA and MSBA students, the tuition you pay does not include extra charges for GLO. The program fee, tuition, and flight costs are the responsibility of the student.
- Program fee: Typically $2000-2600
- Airfare: Approximately $1000-2000 depending on locations
- Tuition: Standard tuition for a 3-s.h. course (see tuition)
* Some companies will reimburse the portion of the program fee that is related to the business content of the GLO experience. This information will be available when enrollment applications are released.