INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL CLINICAL INTERNSHIP OR ROTATION (RWANDA)

A clinical placement in Rwanda (4+ weeks)

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Internship Program
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Intern Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • Dates: Flexible (year-round) - minimum 4 weeks
  • Eligibility: Undergrad/grad/professional - medicine, nursing, pharmacy, health sciences 

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain Clinical Experience in Rwanda's Healthcare System
Embark on a transformative journey through a Global Clinical Internship or Rotation in Rwanda. This hands-on program immerses qualified students in the fast-paced environment of a teaching hospital, providing practical exposure to global healthcare delivery. Students will work alongside local healthcare professionals, engaging in clinical rotations that encompass a range of specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency care.

Situated in Rwanda, a country known for its rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, this program blends clinical practice with cultural immersion, offering students a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a global context. Throughout the internship, students will enhance their understanding of international health systems, deepen their clinical competencies, and gain insights into the challenges of delivering healthcare in resource-limited settings.

Host sites include university teaching hospitals, other selected urban and rural hospitals and health centers, as well as public health-related NGOs.

Custom placements are available year-round, with flexible durations (minimum 4 weeks).
Program Highlights
  • Immersive clinical experience: Gain direct exposure to patient care and healthcare delivery through rotations in various specialties within a Rwandan teaching hospital.
  • Global healthcare insights: Learn about Rwanda’s healthcare innovations and challenges, from rural health disparities to the management of infectious diseases and chronic conditions.
  • Cultural integration: Experience Rwanda’s rich culture through guided cultural activities and reflective sessions that enhance understanding of local healthcare contexts and patient needs.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Clinical Internship or Rotation is a clinical placement spanning a minimum of four weeks plus pre-program eLearning. It enables students to develop and apply their theoretical and practical knowledge in a real-world work environment. Qualified students are placed with a local hospital or public health organization in one of various fields, including, among others, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, allied health, oral health, or mental health. Students are matched with host organizations according to their level of study, existing skills, and desired fields. A specific placement plan is developed in advance of each stay.

Students benefit from a pre-placement orientation, a weekly classroom or field session with interdisciplinary training, and a weekly formal supervisory meeting.

Learning Outcomes
  • Clinical competence in a global setting: Gain practical experience in patient care, diagnostics, and treatment within the context of an international healthcare system, enhancing clinical skills across diverse medical disciplines.
  • Cultural adaptability and communication: Develop the ability to work effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and teams from different cultural backgrounds, fostering communication skills and cultural sensitivity essential for global health practice.
  • Integration of clinical knowledge with global health issues: Apply clinical expertise in addressing healthcare challenges in resource-limited settings, linking medical practice with broader public health concerns, and contributing to innovative solutions in a global context.
Further Details
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PROGRAM LOCATION: RWANDA

One of today’s greatest development success stories, Rwanda is Africa’s prime study abroad jewel. The country underwent a breathtaking transformation since the 1994 genocide. A model for poverty reduction and economic growth, it accounts for the highest percentage of women in parliament anywhere in the world. And the streets of its modern green capital Kigali are clean, safe, and free of corruption.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a model of resilience, sustainability, and cultural transformation.
As part of the program, you will immerse yourself in the country’s inspiring progress and rich traditions. In Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial, explore vibrant markets, and take an eye-opening walking exploration of the colorful streets of Nyamirambo guided by the charming women of the Nyamirambo Women's Center.
Rwanda’s countryside offers unforgettable cultural and nature experiences. Walk through coffee and tea plantations, visit a traditional Imigongo art workshop, and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu.
Trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and canopy walks. Use your weekends to visit Akagera National Park, where conservation efforts have reintroduced the “Big Five.”
Rwandan hospitality is very special, and you’ll have the opportunity to share meals with local families and learn about traditional customs. Try brochettes (grilled meat skewers), the popular ugali (maize porridge), and freshly roasted Rwandan coffee, widely regarded as some of the best in the world.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4+ weeks in Rwanda. For this time, GEI Rwanda offers different housing options that students can choose from, pending availability. These include:
  • Homestays: Typically single rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • Serviced apartments: Single or shared double rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • University residence halls at our local partner universities: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities
  • Simple guesthouses: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities


Homestay host families typically provide breakfast and dinner. Students in serviced apartments, university residence halls, or guesthouses are usually responsible for all meals outside of core course meals.

You can find additional information in the following blog post: Accommodation – What to expect.

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Program Dates

Application Due Date

Fees

Year-round (4+ weeks)

3 months prior to program start

US $2,850 (4 weeks)
US $550 per additional week

At GEI, we strongly believe in equal access to academic opportunities in study abroad. In order to help eliminate financial barriers, we offer a variety of merit scholarships, trailblazer scholarships, and opportunity scholarships and grants, ranging from $500 to full tuition awards. Each year, GEI is awarding several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships. You can find further information as well as additional resources for external funding opportunities in the following blog post: Scholarships & Grants.

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Program Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Academic Director, Vietnam
Chone Chaowai, MIDP
Academic Director, Thailand
Kari Cousins, MA/MSc
Academic Director, Southern Africa
Yvan Rubengebenge
Operations Manager, Rwanda
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Dang Huynh, BA
Operations, Vietnam
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda
Sammy Davies Mochama, BSc
Operations, Kenya
Mabwe Gwamure, BSc
Operations, South Africa

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