Global Business Intensive FAQs

Program and Course Information

What are the requirements to participate in a GBI?
General GBIs are open to all enrolled PGBS students. Alumni are eligible to participate on a space-available basis. Program-specific GBIs are created for MSGB and MSRE students.

Is a GBI a course or a trip?
A GBI is both a course and a trip, but not a vacation. It is an intensive academic program that is delivered over the course of one week. GBIs typically take place outside of the U.S., but can also be offered in U.S. locations or virtually. There is often preparation needed ahead of time, outside of the one week trip.

How many units of academic credit is a GBI worth?
A GBI is worth 2 units of academic credit. Speak with your academic advisor and refer to the academic catalog to learn how a GBI can fit into your program. Students who take a GBI for credit are responsible for paying the Program Fee to Global Programs and the 2 units of tuition to Student Accounts.

Can I audit a GBI?
Yes, you can choose to audit the GBI, but you will be required to complete all coursework and activities as defined by the lead faculty and outlined in the syllabus. Please note that priority registration is given to currently enrolled students taking the course for credit.

How long is a GBI?
One week. Students usually arrive on Sunday and depart on Saturday. The GBI itself is held from Monday through Friday.

How many students participate in each GBI?
Program sizes vary depending on the destination, but generally range from 24 to 30 students. All programs are in high demand and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis once registration has opened, so interested students are encouraged to apply without delay.

Will there be an orientation?
Yes, orientation will be held one to two months prior to the departure date. The pre-departure orientation will consist of a practical session led by Global Programs and an academic session led by the faculty. Attendance is mandatory unless you have class, work, and/or personal scheduling conflicts that have been approved by the Global Programs office and the GBI faculty.

Can alumni attend?
Although alumni are welcome to apply for placement consideration, priority will always be given to currently enrolled students. Only when the initial student application list is exhausted will Alumni placement be considered. Please contact the Global Programs office for more information.

Can I bring a guest?
Due to the intensive academic nature of this program, guests are not allowed to participate in any portion of the program activities.

Application and Costs

Am I eligible to apply for a GBI?
At the time of the GBI registration, students need to have successfully completed a minimum of 8 PGBS units with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70. PGBS students from the following programs are eligible to apply: Full-time/Part-time/Online MBA and MS). Students cannot attend a GBI in their first term.

How can I apply for a GBI?
The application will be available online. It will be distributed by our office via email and our social media. GBIs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact PGBS Global Programs for more information.

How much is the GBI Program Fee?
Please contact Global Programs for current program costs. This fee is paid to Global Programs and includes accommodation in a shared hotel room for the duration of the GBI (usually Sunday through Saturday); company visits; cultural activities that are included in the GBI; all breakfasts and some other meals, including welcome and farewell dinners; and administrative costs.

What are the other costs associated with the GBI?
The costs associated with a GBI can be broken down into the following categories:

Single Room Supplement: Depending on hotel availability, you may request a single room. The single room supplement will be paid to Global Programs as a one-time fee.
Tuition: If you enroll in the GBI for academic credit, you will be responsible for paying the 2 units of tuition. The program fee does not include tuition. If you choose to audit the GBI course, you will not be charged tuition.
Airfare: Airfare to and from the GBI destination is the responsibility of the student.
Visa Fees: If a visa is required to enter the GBI destination country, you are responsible for applying for and securing the visa prior to the GBI program.
Travel Insurance: Unless otherwise specified, you are responsible for insuring your travel arrangements, including airfare.
Health Insurance: You are responsible for ensuring that your U.S. insurance will provide coverage in the GBI destination, for the duration you are in the country. If your U.S. insurance does not cover travel to the GBI destination, you are responsible for securing your own travel health insurance.
Transportation: The Program Fee includes transportation to all required visits and activities during the GBI week, but does not generally include transportation to or from the airport. You are responsible for your own airfare to and from the GBI location.
Personal Spending: You may wish to bring additional funds for souvenirs, sightseeing during your free time, or other personal expenses not included in the Program Fee.

Is a deposit required?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your place in the GBI. If you are offered a place in a GBI, you will receive instructions for submitting your deposit to Global Programs. This deposit is non-refundable.

Can I buy my flights once I am accepted?
No, our office will send out an official “green light” email informing you when you can buy your flight tickets. We strongly encourage students to wait until this email is sent out as GBIs can be canceled for a variety of reasons.

Can I use financial aid to pay the Program Fee?
Yes, financial aid can be used towards your Program Fee, but only after all tuition for course credit has been satisfied. You must be a current student to receive financial aid. Contact Financial Aid for more information.

My employer has agreed to pay for some or all of my GBI costs. How should I proceed?
If your employer has agreed to pay for your GBI, or to reimburse you, please contact Global Programs to determine what is required in your specific case.

What is the refund policy?
All refunds will be processed according to the cancellation policy and refund schedule outlined in your application and will be less the non-refundable deposit which is required for administrative and processing fees.

Travel and Practical Information

Is a passport required?
Yes, a passport is required for all GBIs conducted outside of the U.S. for all Global For information about how to apply for a passport, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Is a visa required?
Depending on your nationality and the GBI destination, you may be required to obtain a visa. Global Programs may provide guidance, but you are responsible for securing and paying for your visa.

Is medical or travel insurance provided?

Travel Insurance: Unless otherwise specified, you are responsible for insuring your travel arrangements, including airfare.
Health Insurance: You are responsible for ensuring that your U.S. insurance will provide coverage in the GBI destination, for the duration you are in the country. If your U.S. insurance does not cover travel to the GBI destination, you are responsible for securing your own travel health insurance.

I want to spend more time at the GBI destination. Can I extend my stay?
Yes. You are free to extend your stay before or after the program dates. You will be responsible for any accommodations outside of the GBI program dates, as well as any additional travel arrangements.

Is there a chance that my program could be canceled?
Global Business Intensives are academic courses that are offered based on demand. Minimum enrollment is required and the course may be subject to cancellation in the event of insufficient enrollment or adverse global conditions. Note: Pepperdine University will not be held liable if a program has to be canceled due to circumstances beyond our control.