INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL CUSTOM INTERNSHIP

A 4-credit multidisciplinary custom internship in Rwanda (4+ weeks)

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Internship Program
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Intern Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • Dates: Flexible (year-round) - minimum 4 weeks
  • Credit: 4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain Hands-On Experience in a Global Work Environment
Embark on a transformative international internship that goes beyond traditional work experience. The Global Custom Internship program places students and early-career professionals in highly engaging, multi-disciplinary roles with vetted local organizations, offering a unique opportunity to develop professional skills while driving meaningful change.

Participants are matched with a host organization based on their field of study, skills, and career goals, ensuring a personalized and relevant experience. Internship placements span diverse sectors such as business, social innovation, global studies, communications, public health, education, sustainability, engineering, and natural resource management. In collaboration with local colleagues, interns gain hands-on experience, intercultural competencies, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Beyond the placement, GEI provides a structured learning environment that includes professional mentoring, peer engagement, and leadership development opportunities. The program is worth 4 U.S. undergraduate credit hours and includes key academic components such as a digital portfolio and formal supervisory meetings.

Custom placements are available year-round, with flexible durations (minimum 4 weeks).
Program Highlights
  • Industry-relevant experience: Gain hands-on exposure in your field while contributing to projects with real impact.
  • Global perspective & networking: Work alongside local colleagues, broaden your professional network, and develop intercultural communication skills.
  • Mentorship & structured learning: Benefit from expert guidance, leadership training, and reflective learning modules.
  • Tailored placement & flexibility: Intern in one of five destinations in Africa and Southeast Asia, with placements customized to your interests and schedule.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Custom Internship is a professional placement spanning a minimum of four weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. It provides students and early-career professionals with the opportunity to develop and apply their skills in a real-world international work environment.

Participants are placed with a vetted local organization in one of various fields, including, but not limited to, business, social innovation, global studies, communications, public health, education, sustainability, engineering, and natural resource management. Interns are matched based on their level of study, skills, and career goals, with a customized placement plan developed in advance.

Students benefit from a pre-placement orientation, a weekly classroom or field session with interdisciplinary training, and a weekly formal supervisory meeting.
Learning Outcomes
  • Professional competence in a global setting – Gain hands-on experience in your field by working with local organizations, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, and enhancing your technical and professional skills in an international work environment.
  • Cultural adaptability and communication – Develop the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, improving intercultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in a global professional setting.
  • Integration of global perspectives with professional practice – Connect your internship experience to broader global challenges, understanding how industries, social innovation, and sustainable development intersect in different cultural and economic contexts.
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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