SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (RWANDA)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in Rwanda

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Engineering
  • 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 Real-World Engineering Challenges in Rwanda
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Field Engagement Course in Engineering. This program offers a deep dive into human-centered engineering solutions, focusing on how technology and innovation can address pressing global challenges in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Situated in Rwanda, a country known for its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, the program blends theoretical learning with hands-on application. Students engage with local engineers, industry professionals, and researchers, gaining valuable insights and practical experience in designing engineering solutions that create real impact.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Explore how engineering, sustainability, and technology intersect through an integrated curriculum focused on real-world problem-solving.
  • Field-based insights: Engage with local engineers, researchers, and industry professionals, participating in technical site visits, case studies, and design challenges.
  • Community impact: Work on engineering solutions that address local challenges in healthcare, energy, and infrastructure, applying your skills to positively impact communities.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Engineering is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, applying engineering principles to global challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.

The program follows a structured sequence, progressing from theoretical foundations to hands-on field-based learning. Students engage in technical site visits, engineering case studies, and collaborative design challenges, working alongside local engineers, researchers, and industry professionals.

This interdisciplinary, practical approach ensures that students not only gain technical expertise but also develop problem-solving and cross-cultural collaboration skills essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of global engineering challenges: Gain insight into the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and innovation, exploring how technical solutions address real-world issues in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and water management.
  • Practical skills in engineering problem-solving and design thinking: Develop hands-on experience through field-based learning, technical site visits, and design challenges, applying human-centered engineering principles to global challenges.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply engineering theories, analytical skills, and interdisciplinary approaches to engineering projects, demonstrating the ability to evaluate problems, propose solutions, and adapt technical expertise to diverse contexts.
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, 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 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

Summer 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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