A pioneer in transformative international education in Africa and Asia since 2006

GEI is a private institute offering transformative education and engagement programs for international students and professionals in Africa and Asia. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and institutions to apply their passion and skills to create positive change in the world.

Through our diverse study abroad, internship, and global engagement programs, we provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities that foster key competencies for global change leaders. Our programs are designed to complement higher education and professional development, equipping participants with the skills needed to drive meaningful impact across borders and disciplines.

Our story

2006 - The beginning
Dr. Michael Grosspietsch founds GEI in Kigali, Rwanda, as an educational travel provider to meet the growing demand for U.S.-led transformative professional development and exchange programs in Africa.
2009 - First university programs
With growing interest in non-traditional destinations in Africa, GEI launches faculty-led and custom programs for universities across East Africa, expanding with a second regional office in Nairobi, Kenya.
2011 - Going global
GEI becomes a truly global company, incorporated in the U.S. with headquarters initially in New York and later relocating its operational base to Berlin, Germany, while remaining an American company.
2013 - Regional expansion
GEI opens new regional offices in Cape Town / South Africa (2013) and Ho Chi Minh City / Vietnam (2015), expanding its reach to 20+ destinations across East Africa, Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia.

2018 - First study abroad and internship programs

GEI launches U.S.-accredited programs in women & leadership, global health, social innovation, and mental health, with The College of New Jersey as the main school of record.

2020 - Launch of mHub
Amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, GEI innovates by creating mHub – The Mental Health Hub, a social purpose business in Kigali. With a license from the Ministry of Health, mHub opens Rwanda's first private mental health clinic and launches programs that impact over a thousand people every month.
2022 - Launch of sustainability program series
Post-Covid, GEI introduces a new series, 'Change Leadership for Sustainable Development'. Students can now choose from an accredited 3-week field course, a 1-week immersion program, or a 4-week internship. The curriculum is supported by GEI’s new eLearning platform, accessible to all GEI students.
2024 - Launch of a comprehensive study abroad portfolio
GEI expands its offerings with a new portfolio of semester and summer study abroad programs. At the heart of this growth is the interdisciplinary Certificate in Global Engagement, which equips students with global change leadership competencies through immersive academic and hands-on experiences.
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The GEI difference 

Global expertise & passion

A team of highly qualified, experienced, and passionate education abroad specialists with deep regional knowledge and networks.

Social innovation

A social purpose business model that integrates sustainable development and education abroad to create impactful change.

Transformation

Our programs are designed to foster personal and professional growth, focusing on the 8 core competencies of global change leaders.

Reciprocity

At GEI, reciprocity is built into everything we do, ensuring mutual benefit and sustainable impact for both participants and local communities.
our people

Meet our core team

Dr. Michael Grosspietsch, PhD
CEO & Founder

Melissa Lesage, LLB
Director, Business Management
Jonathan George, MEd
Director, Program Management
Elizabeth Scutchfield, MEd
Director, Strategic Global Partnerships
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Director, Professional Development
Yvan Rubengebenge
Regional Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Regional Director, Southeast Asia
Kari Cousins, MSc/MA
Regional Director, Southern Africa
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Chone Chaowai, MIDP
Academic Director, Southeast Asia
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Mabwe Gwamure, BSc
Operations Manager, Southern Africa
Dang Huynh, BA
Operations Manager, Southeast Asia
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda

Sammy Davies Mochama, BSc

Operations, Kenya


Vinay Sapra, DM

Operations, Tanzania


Juliana Katende, BSc

Operations, Uganda


Ray Lyabunya, BIS

Operations, Malawi


Yong Min Ho, BSS

Operations, Singapore


Angela Nawaporn

Operations, Thailand


Kitipoom Promposa (Goal)

Operations, Thailand


Phin Sihourch (Chary)

Operations, Cambodia


Khomotso Radebe, MPA

Training Programs, South Africa


Cailin Human, MBA

mHub CEO


Rachel Irakoze, BA
mHub Client Relationship Manager

Janvier Muhire, MSc
mHub Clinical Psychologist

Divine Rusagara, BSc
mHub Wellbeing Training Facilitator

Kelly Uwase
mHub Client Relationship Intern