SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (RWANDA)

GEI CERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

A 16-credit certificate program to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that prepare you for leadership and engagement in our global society.

AT A GLANCE

  • Certificate in Global Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Health
  • Study Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • Spring Semester Dates: Feb 2-May 17, 2025 (15 weeks)
  • Fall Semester Dates: Sep 1-Dec 13, 2025 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 U.S. credit hours (~ 32 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Engage with Global Health Challenges in Rwanda
Embark on a transformative journey and earn a GEI Certificate in Global Engagement. The program offers a deep dive into critical global health issues through a structured four-course program, underpinned by six core modules that cover key thematic aspects of global health. Situated in Rwanda, a country celebrated for its innovative and efficient approaches to public health, the program blends theoretical learning with practical application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience. They will study general subjects such as the global burden of disease and determinants of health, local health systems, and global health governance as well as specialist topics such as infectious diseases, mental health, or maternal and child health.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Take a real-world dive into key concepts of global health in an African living laboratory.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in excursions and projects that showcase Rwanda's leadership in public health.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Health track of the Certificate in Global Engagement is an intensive, 16-credit program spanning one semester. Students undergo a transformative learning journey, engaging with critical global issues through an interdisciplinary approach. The program structure includes four main courses - one online and three in Rwanda - and a capstone project, delivered in a sequence that builds from theoretical understanding to practical, hands-on experience. This progression ensures that students not only learn about global issues but also apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of global health issues: Gain a nuanced understanding of global and local health challenges through targeted modules.
  • Practical skills in global health practices: Develop hands-on skills by participating in field-based and community-driven projects.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations during the Global Practicum, demonstrating the ability to devise and execute global health solutions.
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: 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 is a highly inspiring African leader in its commitment to global health.

As part of the program, you will visit numerous local organizations and companies that work at the cutting edge of their respective fields. They may include, among others, Yego Center, Iriba Water Supply, Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa, Health Development Initiative, mHub - The Mental Health Hub, Mizero Care Organization, TIP Global Health, Isange One Stop center, Zipline Rwanda, IRCAD Africa, and various hospitals and health centers..

Rwanda is also particularly rich in culture. Take a walking exploration of the lower-class neighborhood of
Nyamirambo to meet with local entrepreneurs, social workers, and families. Participate in a cooking class with special Rwandan dishes. Learn about five centuries of Rwandan history during an exploration of Kigali, culminating in a visit to the Kigali Memorial Center, the country's most prominent genocide museum and memorial. Take a dance and drumming workshop, Rwanda-style. Enjoy further cultural activities and excursions during the Global Practicum. And use the weekends for some time to explore the amazing national parks, to track the world-famous mountain gorillas, to hike in East Africa's largest mountainous rainforest, or to go on an African safari to see the 'Big 5'.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes a minimum of 10 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

Spring 2025 (15 weeks): Feb 3-May 17
Fall 2025 (15 weeks): Sep 1-Dec 13

Spring 2025: Dec 1
Fall 2025: July 1

Spring 2025: US $15,950 (10 weeks onsite)
Fall 2025: US $15,950 (10 weeks onsite)
Extra weeks onsite: $300/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.

RWANDA

STAFF

All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Yvan Rubengebenge
Center Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Coordinator
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Rachel Irakoze, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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