About

The FSG International Financial Program (IFP) was established in 2006 and has proven to be a great experience for students and a great success for companies. The IFP consists of 19 bachelor- and master students, following a study at the faculty of Economics and Business at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG). Due to this, the group possesses an extensive amount of financial knowledge, is internationally oriented and has research experience. The students are guided and assisted by two professors from the RUG who have decades of experience in the academic, consultancy and business economics world. Also, the IFP is supported and advised by the Advisory Board. This is a composed group of people with a lot of corporate life experience, who are currently working in a noteworthy position. By combining all the experience and knowledge from the students, professors and the Advisory Board, the quality of the projects is ensured. Previous research destinations include Argentina, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica & Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Cuba, India, Tanzania, Peru & Brazil. The destination of the IFP 2026 is Malaysia!

The IFP has a unique setup in which students not only conduct research, but also participate in the preparation of the trip. Therefore, students are recruited in an early stage. The setup of the IFP is elaborated below.
The International Financial Program is made possible by the Groningen University Fund.

Meet the IFP Board

A board member of the International Financial Program is responsible for coordinating the project, maintaining relations with stakeholders and companies, guiding participants in their research, managing finances, and organising both professional and social activities, including the study trip abroad

Board 2025-2026

Training & Acquisition phase

September - January

The training & acquisition phase starts in September. From this moment on, the students are actively involved in the project. During this period, students are trained to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in the fields of acquisition, consultancy, and research. This will be achieved through lectures, workshops, and training sessions. Next to this, the most important task during this phase is to sign contracts with interested companies.

Desk research phase

January - April

In January, the research groups start with their project. From this phase on, the students cooperate with the professors in order to guarantee the quality of the research projects. For over three months, the students actively engage in the research, set up a research framework in cooperation with the companies, and determine the contents of the research.

Field research phase

April - May

In the second week of April, we will head to Malaysia. This phase of two and a half weeks will be marked by conducting research, which will mainly consist of visiting companies, taking interviews, and gathering information. During these two and a half weeks of field research, the students will be supported and guided by the professors.

Reporting phase

May - June

After returning from Malaysia, the research groups process the gathered information and write a report. In June, the groups will present their findings to the companies.