SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (THAILAND)

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: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
  • Study Abroad Destination: Thailand
  • Fall Semester Dates: Sep 1-Dec 13, 2025 (15 weeks)
  • Spring Semester Dates: Feb 2-May 16, 2026 (15 weeks)
  • Fall Semester Dates: Aug 31-Dec 12, 2026 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 16 U.S. credit hours (~ 32 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Shape impact-driven innovation in Thailand's entrepreneurial heartland
Thailand offers a compelling landscape for students seeking to merge innovation with social purpose. This 15-week semester program invites students to explore inclusive entrepreneurship in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and culturally rich settings - Chiang Mai. Through academic coursework, field experiences, and a collaborative practicum, students learn how business, creativity, and social change intersect in a globalized world.

Whether your passion lies in ethical leadership, sustainable enterprise, community-based innovation, or startup culture, this program will immerse you in Thailand’s dynamic networks of changemakers and provide the tools and perspective needed to lead impact initiatives globally.
Program Highlights
  • Study social innovation and entrepreneurship in a culturally grounded Thai context
  • Engage in fieldwork and a supervised practicum with local ventures or NGOs
  • Learn Thai language and explore regional culture through immersive experiences
  • Develop real-world leadership, systems thinking, and design skills
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This semester program awards 16 U.S. academic credits across four integrated courses. Students start with a cross-cultural foundation in entrepreneurship, followed by field engagement, a team-based practicum, and Thai language study. Weekly colloquiums support ethical reflection and leadership development throughout.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
  • Understand and apply frameworks for global entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Collaborate ethically and effectively with Thai partner organizations
  • Communicate in basic Thai for academic, social, and professional contexts
  • Reflect critically on positionality, leadership, and systems thinking
  • Produce a digital portfolio showcasing their growth, skills, and contributions
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: THAILAND

The Land of Smiles is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential economies, Thailand has experienced rapid urbanization and technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The country’s bustling cities and thriving industries contrast with its rural heartlands, where Buddhist traditions and community life still shape daily experiences. Yet, balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability remains a key challenge for the nation’s future.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Changemaking in northern Thailand
Chiang Mai is a hub of creative entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Students interact with leaders from eco-enterprises, ethical fashion startups, and inclusive business accelerators - learning from local wisdom and emerging innovation ecosystems.

Fieldwork in the real world
Students engage in hands-on learning with Thai organizations through guided fieldwork and practicum placements. These collaborations offer deep insight into local challenges and entrepreneurial responses in areas like education, environment, and economic inclusion.
Cultural immersion through language and community
Students take part in immersive Thai language learning and cultural activities such as Buddhist mindfulness practices, rural village visits, traditional food workshops, and artisan studio tours - fostering cross-cultural empathy and community connection.

Ethical growth and professional development
Colloquiums and mentoring support personal reflection and professional development. Students leave the program with greater clarity of purpose, a global perspective on entrepreneurship, and practical experience applying their skills in an international setting.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes a minimum of 15 weeks in Thailand. For this time, GEI Thailand 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

Fall 2025 (15 weeks): Sep 1-Dec 13

Spring 2026 (15 weeks): Feb 2-May 16
Fall 2026 (15 weeks): Aug 31-Dec 12

Fall 2025: July 1

Spring 2026: Dec 1
Fall 2026: July 1

Fall 2025: US $17,450

Spring 2026: US $17,450
Fall 2026: US $17,450

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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