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

Build your professional path with a global internship
The Global Custom Internship empowers students and early-career professionals to design their own international internship, earning 4 U.S. credits through a minimum four-week placement in Rwanda. Tailored to your academic background and career goals, this multidisciplinary internship spans fields such as business, public health, sustainability, social innovation, engineering, communications, education, and more.

Participants partner with vetted local organizations and are matched according to their skills and aspirations. The result? A meaningful opportunity to apply theory in practice, deepen intercultural competence, and build leadership capacity - all while contributing significant impact within real-world organizational settings
Program Highlights
  • Flexible, custom-designed internships tailored to your professional interests
  • Placements across diverse sectors with expert mentorship and local colleagues
  • Professional development through weekly reflections, formal supervisory feedback, and peer engagement
  • A polished digital portfolio that showcases your work for academic or future career paths
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This experiential program combines a personalized internship placement with structured learning and ongoing reflection.

The program includes:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will be able to:
  • Demonstrate professional competence by contributing to real-world projects
  • Navigate multicultural work environments and communicate across cultures
  • Connect field experience with global development principles and interdisciplinarity
  • Reflect critically on personal growth, leadership challenges, and ethical engagement
  • Deliver a comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing applied skills and impactts.
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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