Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GFI?

• A GFI, also known as global field intensive, is a short-term study away course that takes place at a location outside of NYU's New York campus. Past GFI's were hosted countries such as the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Paris,  Spain, Australia, China, Japan and South Korea.

• GFI courses are one or two weeks in duration, and are held in the summer, J-Term, or spring break.

How many credits is a GFI course and how will the course apply to my degree requirements?

• GFI participants will enroll in the  3 credit graduate course TCSB1-GC3045 Seminar in Global Sport for 3 credits.  Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to confirm how the course will apply to their degree requirements.

How do I apply to a GFI Program?

• Please click here to access the application information page.

What is the cost of a GFI program?

• Enrollment in a GFI course will incur a bursar tuition bill that includes the cost of course tuition for 3 credits, housing, activity and insurance fees. *Please utilize the online tuition lookup tool to confirm tuition rate based on your home school.  You may visit the Program Cost of each GFI page for cost breakdown.

• Additional expenses not included in the bursar tuition bill,  that students are responsible for, includes flights, transportation to and from the airport, personal expenses such meals, souvenirs, incidentals, or other expenses outside of pre-arranged group activities, and during free time.

• A note on spring break GFI courses:

  1. For undergraduate students, tuition for 12-18 units is a flat rate. Therefore, undergraduate students enrolled in 12-18 credits, including the spring GFI course, would not pay additional tuition but will incur the cost of housing, activity and insurance fees. 

  2. SPS graduate students normally receive a discounted  course tuition rate if enrolled in 10-12 credits.*  Students will incur the cost of housing, activity and insurance fees.

  3. Spring break GFI courses follows the University's course drop deadlines for the spring semester.

Can I apply financial aid to a GFI Course?

• Contact the Office of Financial Aid Office to discuss financing options that may be available: 212-998-4444 or financial.aid@nyu.edu

Are scholarships available?

• All B.S. in Sports Management and M.S. in Sports Business students, (domestic and international), who apply for a Tisch Sport GFI course will be considered for a Travel Award Scholarship. No additional application is required. The amount of the scholarship varies per GFI program.  Finalists of the scholarship may apply the award towards a portion of the GFI tuition.  

• SPS offers a Global Diversity Scholarship to eligible graduate students enrolled in a GFI course. The scholarship covers the cost of the housing, activity and GeoBlue insurance fees.

What is the arrival process for a GFI course?

• Students are responsible for booking their own flights and travel to the GFI location. Students will arrive at different times on the first day of the program.  At the GFI housing facility, students will be checked-in after presenting a government ID.  Hotel check-in and check-out times will be shared prior to arrival.

What are the housing accommodations of a GFI program?

• Students can indicate their preference for a single or a shared room in the GFI application.  Accommodations for single rooms are based on availability.  

Can I get a refund if a drop a GFI course?

• The University will issue a 100% refund of the Bursar course tuition, housing, activity and GeoBlue insurance fees, if the GFI course is dropped by the add/drop deadline, or if the program is cancelled by the University.  Refunds are not issued for travel-related expenses, including but not limited to costs for flights, transportation, immigration fees (visa, passport costs, etc.), or housing arranged outside of the GFI program or schedule.  It is the student's responsibility to purchase optional trip insurance and to review and understand the terms of the insurance in the event of a trip cancellation. Click here to review the NYU course withdrawal refund schedule.

Do I need a visa to attend to participate in a GFI course?

• Students interested in a GFI course should consult with the OGS Outbound Services in advance to discuss the visa requirements based on the student’s citizenship and travel itinerary. Please write to the Office of Outbound Services: outbound.ShortTerm@nyu.edu

Are there any passport requirements?

• All participants must have a passport that is valid at least six (6) months after the GFI trip ends.

I want to take a GFI course, but taking one will result in me missing part of a class in New York. What should I do?

• It is recommended that students do not enroll in courses with conflicting schedules unless an arrangement is made in advance with the instructor, and the missed class sessions will not impact your academic progress.

Can I stay in my own hotel or with family in the area?

• All students enrolled in a GFI program must stay in the designated NYU sponsored  housing. There are no exceptions.

Can I share my room with family, friends, partners?

• Individuals not enrolled or listed on the official class roster may not stay in your assigned room or participate in official program activities.