If you have any questions, you can contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu

Madrid - Acumen Abroad – MSLE 3800/3710

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

You 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.edu

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Spring Semester: Required enrollment 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: Required enrollment in Madrid MSLE 3800/3710 (4 credits, regular tuition is credited towards 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 the second half of spring semester (0.5 credit) – TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD)
Mandatory enrollment in MSLE 3800/3710 during summer semester ( 4 credits, regular tuition is credited toward program cost, CRN and section # TBA, section # will be a 500 number that designates a study abroad course).
Ability to walk 60-90 minutes at a time, 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.

boats rowing on a river in front of a statue with a man on a horse

Program Costs

Cost $3,000 (current estimate)
Participants purchase own airfare
Differential tuition NOT included, approx. $900
The ETIAS Travel Authorization may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Area by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it , if required.

What does the program cost include?

Please read carefully!

Includes: $200 program deposit, shared program-arranged accommodations with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, cultural experiences, business visits, program - related ground transportation, tips, medical/evacuation insurance, regular tuition for 4 credits during summer semester for MSLE 3800/3710, classroom facilities with Wi-Fi, admin costs.
Does NOT include: differential tuition (approx. $900), travel to/from SLC airport, airfare to/from Madrid, airport- dorm transfers, Wi-Fi or other connectivity outside the classroom facilities, spring BUS 2000 course credit, personal activities 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

Apply Now! You do not need to be admitted to a Global Learning program before applying for scholarships. We encourage students to apply for scholarships as soon as they submit their program application. Scholarship applications are processed in the order they are received, and funding is limited. Scholarships will be awarded days before the program withdrawal deadline on December 11, 2026.

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 not to delay their application.

Opportunity Scholarship Overview

University Honors Funding & Program Support

University Honors students may be eligible for up to $1,000 in funding to support study abroad and extended international service projects. Additional Honors funding for up to $500 is available for research and creative projects that can enhance students’ global learning experiences.

University Honors Funding Overview

Applications

Applications Open: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Apply Now

Program Deposit: A $200 program deposit will be posted to your Banner account within three business days of submitting your application. Payment is due as soon as the deposit is posted and must be paid before you can be accepted into a program. If you are not selected to participate in a program the deposit will be refunded.

Final withdrawal from program without penalty is Friday, December 11, 2026.

Once accepted, it is your responsibility to notify us if you decide not to participate. You may withdraw from the program without penalty through December 11, 2026. After this date, your $200 deposit will become non-refundable and you will be responsible for the full program cost. We will begin making non-refundable program commitments shortly after this deadline, so your commitment to participate is considered final at that 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	Morning MSLE 3800 class, a fternoon study/free time
Friday, May 21	Excursion to Toledo
Saturday, May 22 - Sunday, May 23	Free weekend
Monday, May 24 – Friday, May 28	Morning MSLE 3800 class, afternoon MSLE 3710 class
Saturday, May 29 - Sunday, May 30	Free weekend
Monday, May 31 – Friday, June 3	Morning MSLE 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 ETIAS Travel Authorization may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Area by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it , if required.
International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to enter the Schengen Area . 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