SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (VIETNAM)

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: Vietnam
  • 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

Explore public health transformation in Vietnam's emerging global context
Vietnam is experiencing rapid transformation across its health systems, infrastructure, and social policy landscape - making it an exciting and complex setting for immersive global health study. This 15-week semester program is designed for students seeking deep engagement with both the theory and practice of global health, alongside robust cross-cultural learning.

Based in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, students gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s health priorities through academic coursework, supervised fieldwork, and professional collaboration with local organizations. The program combines interdisciplinary inquiry, cultural immersion, and project-based learning to prepare students for ethical, informed leadership in global health.
Program Highlights
  • Study key public health challenges and interventions in Vietnam’s urban and rural settings
  • Participate in field placements and practicum projects with local partners
  • Learn Vietnamese for cross-cultural and health-specific communication
  • Gain academic credit and practical skills in a dynamic global environment
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This semester program awards 16 U.S. academic credits across four courses, integrating classroom learning, field engagement, and language study. The program begins with an academic foundation in cross-cultural global health, transitions into supervised fieldwork, and culminates in a practicum project with a Vietnamese organization.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
  • Evaluate global health systems and challenges through culturally informed lenses
  • Apply ethical reasoning, systems thinking, and community-based approaches
  • Communicate and collaborate professionally with Vietnamese partners and peers
  • Use basic Vietnamese in health-related and intercultural situations
  • Produce a digital portfolio that demonstrates academic, practical, and personal growth
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: VIETNAM

The Asian Dragon is undergoing some of the fastest socio-economic changes any country in the world has seen. It is a major development success story with remarkable rates of economic growth since the start of massive political and economic reforms in 1986. But the lure of modern living has a deep impact on the traditional networks of family and community that continue to play a pivotal role in society.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Health innovation in a rapidly evolving context
Students explore how Vietnam is addressing critical health challenges - from urbanization and environmental change to non-communicable diseases and access to care. Site visits, guest speakers, and case studies provide context-rich learning in both metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City and the more rural Mekong Delta.

Field engagement with local organizations
Structured field placements allow students to observe and contribute to real public health initiatives - ranging from rural health outreach to digital health education or NGO advocacy efforts. Practicum placements build on these foundations with hands-on project work and professional collaboration.
Language & cultural immersion
Students learn basic Vietnamese through intensive, health-focused language instruction. Beyond the classroom, cultural immersion includes food experiences, family visits, local storytelling, arts workshops, and site visits that deepen students’ understanding of Vietnam’s heritage and evolving society.

Leadership development through reflection
Weekly colloquiums and guided mentorship help students connect personal values with professional aspirations. Through critical reflection, ethical exploration, and digital portfolio development, students cultivate the mindset and competencies required for leadership in global health practice.
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HOUSING & MEALS

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