Global minded. Career-oriented.
Global Learning Opportunities (a.k.a. GLOs) are weeklong international travel classes for MBA and MSBA students.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how companies adapt to local business conditions and experience international business firsthand through economic, political, and cultural immersion.
2025 GLO destinations
Winter 2025 GLO
Dates: TBD
Location: UAE
Registration info: Further details will be announced in July 2025
Spring 2025 GLO
Dates: Spring 2025 GLO is a hybrid course. There will be pre-travel classes on Wednesday nights from April 9-30, 2025, from 6:30-9:30 pm CT. Travel dates are May 3-10, 2025.
Location: Greece (Athens)
How to register: Registration goes live on October 28 at 9:00 a.m. central time.
Students will financial needs may apply for a GLO scholarship.
Itinerary: Draft Itinerary
For more information about the Spring 2025 GLO, see the information sheet.
Future GLO destinations
| Dates | destination |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Greece |
| January 2026 | UAE |
| May 2026 | Germany |
Applying for GLO
The online GLO application 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.)
Application deadlines
The applications will be available on this page approximately 6 weeks prior to the priority deadline. Notification by email will be sent when the application opens.
Application timeline
| Date of GLO trip | January | May |
|---|---|---|
| Application available | July | October |
| Priority deadline | September 30 | December 4 |
| Withdrawal deadline | October 15 | January 1 |
| Program Fee U-Bill charges for MBA and MSBA students | November | February |
| Tuition charges for MBA and MSBA students | December | January |
Students will be notified of participation in GLO 1-3 business days after the application’s priority deadline.
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 and this hierarchy.
MBA and MSBA students
- Admitted students who have not completed a GLO previously
- Admitted students repeating the experience
After the priority application deadline has passed, any remaining seats will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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: Two GLOs can count as electives and be used towards degree requirements. If completing more than one GLO, they should be in different countries.
Participation limited to current students
- Only students who are officially registered for the GLO may participate during the official dates of the course. No guests are 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 $1700-2200
- 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.