Maryland Social Entrepreneur Corps (MSEC) is a unique study and internship program for undergraduate students to spend their summer in a Latin American country and observe, address, and implement sustainable business solutions to poverty. Prior to departure, students participate in a spring course at UMD that introduces social entrepreneurship with accompanying lectures on consulting techniques, Latin American culture, and economic development. Students then spend two months immersed in program sites while learning about social entrepreneurship through hands-on experience consulting with local businesses and implementing dynamic development projects with rural populations. Upon returning to campus, students complete a one-credit course to reflect on in-country experiences and incorporate the skills and lessons learned into future courses and careers. MSEC is 9 credits, based in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply! There are three locations of the MSEC program - click below to view the program descriptions for each country, get more details, and start your application!
Are you ready to become a changemaker?
Watch Rachel George's video about her MSEC experience in Ecuador during the Summer 2015 program.
Are you ready to become a changemaker?
Watch Rachel George's video about her MSEC experience in Ecuador during the Summer 2015 program.
Program highlights:
- 9 UMD credits - can all be applied toward the Smith School Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor
- Multiple scholarship opportunities open to applicants!
- Tangible impact through multiple community-based projects
- 8 weeks in a beautiful Latin American country
- Dynamic cultural immersion that will improve your Spanish
- Lasting connections with homestay families
MSEC Dominican Republic
MSEC Ecuador
MSEC partners with global businesses such as the eye-glasses company, Warby Parker, who was named as Fast Company's Most Innovative Company of 2015. Interested? Check out Warby Parker's co-founder Neil Blumenthal talk about the impact of Social Entrepreneur Corps here.
The International Educator magazine also recently featured MSEC among study abroad programs that make a difference. Read the International Educator article on socially concious programs to learn about the meaning behind the MSEC mission and see the impact you could make as a part of the program!
MSEC Information Sessions:
- February 15th from 12-1 pm (with pizza) in Van Munching Hall 2330
- February 24th from 5-6 pm in HJ Patterson Hall 22012
MSEC Program Advising:
For students interested in the MSEC program who have questions or need assistance with their application, please have them schedule an advising appointment with my colleague Rose Malone: rmalone3@umd.edu
MSEC Application Deadline:
Application deadline is March 1st, but we will likely be extending it to March 15th if we do not have enough applicants by the 1st.
