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 in countries such as the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Paris,  Spain, Australia, China, Japan and South Korea and London.

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

What are the requirements to apply for Tisch Sport GFI course?:

• To enroll in a GFI course, all students must apply by the application deadline. Applicants must be in good academic standing. 

• Graduate Students: To apply for the GFI course, TCSB1-GC3045 Seminar in Global Sport or TCSB1-GC2180 Global Sport Immersion, graduate students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and complete at least 50% of semester's course load. 

• Undergraduate Students: To apply for the graduate GFI course,TCSB1-GC3045 Seminar in Global Sport or TCSB1-GC2180 Global Sport Immersion, you must have earned 60 credits, or will earn 60 credits at the start date of the GFI program, and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Of the 60 credits earned, at least 16 credits must be completed at NYU.  

For the undergraduate GFI course, TCSM1-UC3045 Global Studies, students must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA, and complete at least 50% of a semester’s course load. 

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

• GFI courses are 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?

• Click on the semester you are interested from the home page, then select the "Application" button at the top.

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 credit during the fall and spring semesters, is a flat rate. Therefore, undergraduate students enrolled in 12-18 credits, including a 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

What is the arrival process for a GFI course?

• Students are responsible for booking their own flights and and arrange 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.

Non-refundable Program Activity Cancellation Fee

• If a student drops the GFI course up to 30 days of the arrival day, the student will incur a non-refundable cancellation fee of $500 which will be applied to the student's bursar's account. If  student drops the GFI course within 30 days, the student's Bursar's account will be charged the total program fee. This policy will be applied even if the student drops the course before the University's add/drop deadline. 

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.