Mexico - Acumen Abroad - MSLE 3580 (SEEDxp)

If you have any questions, you can contact Liz Allred at: liz.allred@usu.edu

SEEDxp: Social Entrepreneurship in Mexico - New Venture Execution Credit (MSLE 3580)

SEEDxp takes you beyond the classroom—into the heart of the Mexican Yucatán—where you’ll use your skills to help small businesses grow while experiencing one of the most transformative adventures of your college career.

Students who participate in SEEDxp receive credit for MSLE 3580: New Venture Execution, the capstone course in the entrepreneurship minor. This is a hands-on, globally focused course that places students in the role of consultant to small business owners in Mérida, Mexico.

SEEDxp is part of the award-winning SEED (Small Enterprise Education and Development) Program and gives students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real setting. Working directly with local entrepreneurs, students help strengthen, grow, and improve small businesses that often operate without access to formal business training.

Over two weeks in Mérida and the broader Yucatán Peninsula, students:

Join consulting teams and assess business needs

Propose practical solutions and use project funds to implement them

Contribute to long-term growth by laying a foundation for future SEED interns

Explore the region’s cultural and historical landscape through individual and group excursions, including visits to natural cenotes, Caribbean beaches, ecotourist attractions of the Rivera Maya, and archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá,

SEEDxp offers real-world experience with real-world impact. You will leave with new skills, a stronger perspective, and the chance to help build something that matters.

NOTE: SEEDxp is ideal for students with limited time for travel during the summer and/or who are aiming to strengthen their application for the selective full semester SEED internship. Students taking part in SEEDxp will be led by Center for Entrepreneurship directors of the Huntsman Impact and Venture Execution (HIVE) Lab, Russell Fisher, and the SEED program, Andy Thunell.

Passport Requirement

You must have a current passport that does not expire before November 15, 2026 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by December 2, 2025 and provide proof of submission (takes 2-3 weeks). The USU Card Office in the TSC can assist you (appointment required). A copy of your passport or proof of submission is due by November 30. This is REQUIRED.

Any questions, contact Liz Allred, Program Director of Global Learning, at liz.allred@usu.edu.

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Spring Semester: Enroll in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INT'L PROG - MEXICO during second half of Spring Semester (1 credits) – taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00-4:15pm (section 004 and CRN 11090)
Summer Semester: Enroll in MSLE 3580 Mexico (3 credits, section and CRN TBA)
Travel Dates: May 11 – May 25, 2026 (depart USA Monday, May 11 to arrive in Cancun and depart Cancun on Monday, May 25 to follow your individual itinerary)

Program Requirements

Good academic standing
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Submission of a complete application
Submission of a copy of passport by December 2, 2025 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
Mandatory enrollment during Spring Semester in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INT'L PROG - MEXICO during second half of Spring Semester (1 credit) – Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00-4:15pm (section 004 and CRN 11090)
Mandatory enrollment during Summer Semester in MSLE 3580 Mexico (3 credits, section and CRN TBA)
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 or metro stations or cultural sites. If accommodation is needed, contact the USU Disability Resource Center.

Program Costs

$2,600 (current estmate)
- $200 program deposit due at time of application submission (part of the program cost - refundable until 15 December)
Participants purchase own airfare
Differential tuition NOT included, approx. $680

What does the program cost include?

Please read carefully!

Includes: $200 program deposit, hotel accommodation (twin or triple room), program-related ground transportation, cultural experiences, tips, medical/evacuation insurance, project awards, tuition for 0.5 credits in summer semester for BUS 2000, admin costs
Does NOT include: airfare, airport transfer to Playa del Carmen, Wi-Fi if not free at hotel, meals, personal activities and other expenses including travel to/from SLC Airport, visa if required, and any other personal expenses not detailed above

If you require assistance purchasing your airfare, please contact Liz Allred, Program Director for Global Learning, at liz.allred@usu.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

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 Overview

Liz Allred & JP Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship

Business and/or Spanish majors and/or minors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for an Allred-Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive and awards vary.

Global Scholarship Overview

Applications

Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025

Apply Now

Final withdrawl from program without penalty is Wednesday, 15 December. 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 Liz Allred at liz.allred@usu.edu if you have any questions.

Travel

Schedule

Monday, May 11	Fly to Cancun (same day arrival) and transfer to Playa del Carmen
Tuesday, May 12	Excursion to Xcaret
Wednesday, May 13	Transfer to Merida, check-in and get settled
Thursday, May 14	Project/Class
Friday, May 15	Project/Class
Saturday, May 16	Excursion to a cenote
Sunday, May 17	Free day
Monday, May 18	Project/Class
Tuesady, May 19	Project/Class
Wednesday, May 20	Project/Class
Thursday, May 21	Project/Class, award dinner Thursday evening
Friday, May 22	Transfer to Valladolid, check-in hotel
Saturday, May 23	Excursion to Chi Chen Itza
Sunday, May 24	Transfer to Cancun, Check-in hotel
Monday, May 25	End of program, follow individual itinerary

Lodging

Students will share a twin or triple room

Visa

International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to Mexico. Visa application will need to be made in late March. Liz Allred will provide instructions and assistance in obtaining these visas.

Contact Information