Future Global Leaders
Graduate-level learning and campus immersion for motivated international students
Lead the next wave of global innovation
Transform your summer with a two-week deep dive into the heart of U.S. academia. Designed for motivated international students, this immersive program connects you with scholars and experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing, foreign policy, judicial systems, U.S.-Japan relations and more. Bridge the gap between theory and practice as you collaborate with peers from top-tier universities.
Experience campus life. Master U.S. professional culture.
Program at a Glance
Program Dates
Aug. 9–22, 2026
6
graduate-level
lectures
5
educational
field trips
4
teambuilding and
networking events
Eligibility
This program is only open to international students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S. or abroad.
A Closer Look
Highlights
- Small-Cohort Learning: Engage in instructor-led seminars and hands-on workshops
- Real-World Collaboration: Prove your teamwork skills by co-authoring a final presentation
- Earn Your Credentials: Secure an official certificate of completion
- Beyond the Classroom: Network through exclusive field trips and cultural excursions
- Campus Living: Experience life in a safe, secure UC San Diego dormitory
Benefits
- Learn From Experts: Direct interaction with faculty and specialized practitioners
- Global Perspectives: Broaden your worldview through high-level academic debate
- Strategic Collaboration: Work in teams to draft solutions for modern international policy issues
- Analytical Rigor: Build high-level research and critical thinking skills
- Expand Your Global Reach: Forge lasting professional connections with an international cohort of peers
Don’t miss this chance to explore new subjects and prepare your future academic pursuits at a leading U.S. university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the course topics?
Lecture Topics may include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Globalization
- International Affairs
- International Economics
- Leadership Development
- Product Marketing
- Seminars on topical issues
What is the schedule?
Week 1
Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 4 - 5 p.m. | Dormitory Check-in |
Monday, Aug. 10, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Campus Tour |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Orientation and Welcome |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 4:30 p.m. | Lecture: Leadership Development |
| 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Seminar |
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Team Building Challenge |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Lecture: International Economics |
| 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | San Diego World Trade Center Visit |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 3 - 6 p.m. | Field Trip: San Diego Bay |
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Workshop: Graduate School Admissions |
| 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Workshop: Career Services and Professional Development |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Lecture: U.S. Foreign Policy |
| 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Seminar |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2 - 5:15 p.m. | Student Networking Event |
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Field Trip: San Diego Zoo |
Week 2
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. | Field Trip: Birch Aquarium and Torrey Pines Beach |
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Field Trip: Salk Institute |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Lecture: International Affairs |
| 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Self-Study and Independent Activities |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Lecture: Product Marketing |
| 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Lecture: Globalization |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2 - 5:15 p.m. | Field Trip: La Jolla Shores |
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. | Preparatory Seminar |
| 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Lecture: Entrepreneurship |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Follow-up Seminar |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2:15 - 5:15 p.m. | Work on Student Group Projects |
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Presentations: Student Group Projects |
| 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 2 - 4 p.m. | Presentations: Student Group Projects |
| 4 p.m. on | Closing Ceremony |
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Morning | Free Time |
| 2 - 3 p.m. | Dormitory Check-out |
Note: Last updated on Nov. 12, 2025. Subject to change.
Seminars
UC San Diego graduate students conduct small-group seminar sessions to familiarize FGL students with the professor and the core concepts of readings, encourage students to discuss reading assignments and their understanding of the content and vocabulary, allow the students to talk about the material in a thoughtful, reflective way and help them feel confident about speaking on the subject. In addition, follow-up seminars focus on discussion with the students, which stimulates reflection on the lecture.
What’s the cost? How do I apply?
Eligibility
This program is only open to international students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S. or abroad.Let's Talk Numbers
|
COST |
SUMMER 2026 |
|
Application Fee |
$75 |
|
Program Fee |
$1,400 |
|
Housing and Meals |
$1,995 |
|
Total |
$3,470 |
Application
Deadline: June 17, 2026
Applications will be considered until June 17, 2026, contingent on space availability.
Early Decision Deadline: March 11, 2026
Early decision applicants are eligible for a 10% reduction in program tuition if admitted.
To pay the $75 application fee, please use the online payment form and enter the applicant's name along with FGL2026 in the "Invoice number or Description" field.
What are students saying?
"FGL helped me strengthen my English and become more confident in myself."
–Kiichi Matsunaga, Kyoto University
"I love watching the San Diego sunsets—the colors change every evening."
–Kokona Sato, Gakushuin University
"The program taught me how to approach problems from a global perspective and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills."
–Sijia Cheng, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao
Who can I contact?
We’re ready to provide any help you need.
Please reach out to Greg Mallinger at gmallinger@ucsd.edu with any questions.