Madrid - Acumen Abroad – MSLE 3800/3710
If you have any questions, you can contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu
Spain is the #2 destination in the world for U.S. students studying abroad — and once you're there, it's obvious why. Rich culture. Extraordinary history. Genuinely warm people. A climate that makes you want to be outside all day.
It's also an exceptional place to learn leadership. You'll study in Madrid alongside our partners at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, in a city where questions of purpose, resilience, and cultural intelligence aren't theoretical — they're written into the streets, architecture, and organizations. Weekends are yours: Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, all a train ride away.
Three weeks. Two courses (Leadership: MSLE 3800, Teams: MSLE 3710).
Credit toward the Leadership Minor and the Stephen R. Covey Leadership Credential.
You'll come home with skills employers are actively looking for — communication, teaming, conflict resolution, working across difference — and an experience that sets you apart no matter what field you enter.
Three high-impact weeks. Apply now.
Passport Requirement
YYou must have a current passport that does not expire before December 31, 2027 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by October 31, 2026 and provide proof of submission (an expedited application can take 6-7 weeks, with mailing time). If you just have to renew your passport, you can renew it online at https://travel.state.gov.
The USU Card Office in the TSC can assist you (appointment required).
An uploaded copy of your passport or proof of expedited application is due by October 31, 2026. This is REQUIRED.
Any questions, contact huntsmanglobal@usu.eduProgram Dates
- Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Spring Semester: Enroll in BUS 2000: NAME TO COME during the second half of Spring Semester (0.5 credit) - taught on TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD)
- Summer Semester: Summer Semester: Required enrollment in Madrid MSLE 3800/3710 (4 credits, tuition included as part of program cost, section and CRN TBA)
- Travel Dates: May 15 - June 5, 2027 (depart USA on Saturday, May 15 to arrive in Madrid, Spain on Sunday, May 16 and depart Madrid on Saturday, June 5 to follow individual itinerary)
Program Requirements
- Good academic standing
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Submission of a complete application
- Submission of a copy of passport by October 31, 2026 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
- Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
- Mandatory enrollment in BUS 2000: NAME TO COME during second half of Spring Semester (0.5 credit) – TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD)
- Mandatory enrollment during Summer semester in MSLE 3800/3710 (CRN and section # TBA, section # will be a 500 number that designates a study abroad course).
- Ability to walk 60-90 minutes, including on uneven surfaces. Ability to walk up stairs as elevators or escalators may not be available in buildings, metro stations, or cultural sites. If accommodation is needed, contact the USU Disability Resource Center.

Program Costs
- ·Cost TBD (current estimate)
- ·Participants purchase own airfare
- Differential tuition NOT included, approx. $680 (check this number)
What does the program cost include?
Please read carefully!
- Includes: $200 program deposit, shared program-arranged accommodations, all meals, cultural experiences, business visits, tips, medical/evacuation insurance, tuition for 4 credits in summer semester for MSLE 3800/3710, classroom facilities with Wi-Fi, admin costs.
- Does NOT include: Differential tuition, travel to/from SLC Airport, airfare to/from Madrid, airport-hotel transfers, Wi-Fi or other connectivity outside the classroom facilities, personal activities and expenses including weekend travel while in Madrid, and any other personal expenses not detailed above.
If you require assistance purchasing your airfare, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu.
Scholarship Opportunities
Covey Leadership Scholarship
Upon submitting a program application, all students will automatically be considered for one of the Covey Leadership Scholarships. To be eligible to be considered, students must be FAFSA eligible. If you've not yet applied for FAFSA, please do so immediately if you want to be considered.
Your program application is considered as this scholarship application.
Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship
All students with a declared major in the Huntsman School of Business and who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 are eligible to apply for a Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful and intentional in their responses to the short essay questions. Students are encouraged to not delay their application
Opportunity Scholarship OverviewApplications
Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Final withdrawl from program without penalty is Friday, December 11, 2026. Once you are accepted, it is your responisbility to inform us if you have changed your mind. We will begin making non-refundable deposits shortly after this date so your commitment is required at this time.
Please contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu with any questions.
Travel
Schedule
| Saturday, May 15 | Depart for Madrid, Spain, follow individual itinerary |
| Sunday, May 16 | Arrive in Madrid, get settled |
| Monday, May 17- Thursday, May 20 | 8:00 am – 12 pm 3800 class, Afternoon study/free time |
| Friday, May 21 | Excursion to Toledo |
| Saturday, May 22 - Sunday, May 23 | Free weekend |
| Monday, May 24 – Friday, May 28 | 8:00am-12:30pm 3800 class, 1:00 pm– 5:00 pm 3710 class |
| Saturday, May 29 - Sunday, May 30 | Free weekend |
| Monday, May 31 – Friday, June 3 | 8:00 am – 12 pm 3710 class, Afternoon study/free time |
| Saturday, June 4 | Free day |
| Sunday, June 5 | End of program, follow individual itinerary |
Lodging
- Students will share a twin room for 2 people.
Visa/Travel Authorization
- The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to Schengen Area countries by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25 USD. Instructions will be provided if required.
- International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to enter the European Union. Travel to consulates to submit the visa application could be required. Students would apply for the visa 2-3 months in advance. If you are an international student, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu to get additional visa information.
Contact Information

Bret Crane
Executive Director, Covey Leadership Center


Monica Thunell
Program Director for Global Learning
