SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (RWANDA)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Course in Rwanda

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Course
  • Disciplinary Track: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
  • Study Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • 2026 Dates: June 6-26 (3 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

Explore inclusive innovation in Rwanda
This 3-week academic program introduces students to the core concepts and practices of entrepreneurship and social innovation in a vibrant African context. Based in Kigali - one of Africa’s emerging startup capitals - students engage in field-based learning with local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and changemakers to understand how business can be a force for social good.

Through experiential assignments, community engagement, and guided inquiry, students build foundational knowledge in human-centered design, business model development, and systems thinking. Weekly colloquia and a supportive learning environment promote ethical reflection and collaborative problem-solving.
Program Highlights
  • Explore Rwanda’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem firsthand
  • Field visits and interviews with local entrepreneurs and social ventures
  • Learn to apply systems thinking and design tools to real-world challenges
  • Weekly colloquia for reflection, skill-building, and cultural dialogue
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 3-week course is designed as an intensive, immersive introduction to global entrepreneurship and social innovation in a high-impact context. Students engage with local innovators, participate in fieldwork, and explore real-world case studies to understand how inclusive business strategies can be used to address social and environmental challenges. The course provides both theoretical foundations and experiential tools - preparing students to work across cultural and sectoral boundaries in pursuit of social change. Weekly cohort colloquia promote ethical reflection, systems thinking, and personal leadership development.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
  • Understand key frameworks and tools for entrepreneurship and social innovation
  • Analyze real-world challenges and opportunities within Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem
  • Demonstrate intercultural competence and ethical awareness in applied fieldwork
  • Collaborate effectively in diverse teams on inquiry-based projects
  • Communicate insights and learning through written and visual formats
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

Firsthand learning from changemakers
Through guided visits and interviews, students engage directly with Rwandan entrepreneurs and social leaders who are tackling pressing challenges through innovative, mission-driven ventures.

Experiential fieldwork and collaboration
Students conduct on-the-ground research and systems mapping activities in small teams - learning how context shapes the challenges and opportunities of social entrepreneurship.
Deep cultural immersion
The program’s Kigali base allows students to explore Rwanda’s urban innovation hubs, local markets, cultural centers, and historical sites while building authentic local connections.

Structured reflection and professional growth
Weekly cohort colloquia foster shared learning and critical reflection on ethical engagement, leadership, and inclusive innovation.

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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 3 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

Summer 2026 (3 weeks): June 6-26

Summe 2026: April 1

Summer 2026: US $3,650 (3 weeks)

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
Espoir Baraka, BA
Student Life Coordinator
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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