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

Engineering impactful solutions in Rwanda
This 3-week, 4-credit study abroad opportunity immerses students in Rwanda’s dynamic approach to engineering innovation and sustainable development. Designed for any STEM field - especially civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering—the program emphasizes meaningful, community-centered design where students can apply technical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and guided reflection, you will co-design solutions for areas such as clean water, infrastructure, public health, and environmental resilience alongside Rwandan partners.
Program Highlights
  • Field-based engagement: Work with local engineers and community groups addressing real technical issues
  • Applied interdisciplinary learning: Tackle challenges across engineering, sustainability, and development
  • Hands-on prototyping: Prototype contextually relevant technical solutions
  • Professional growth: Develop intercultural communication and leadership through reflective practice
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
A blend of academic instruction and intense experiential learning defines this short program:
Learning Outcomes
By program end, students will:
  • Apply engineering principles using a human-centered design approach
  • Collaborate across STEM disciplines, local partners, and Rwandan communities
  • Prototype solutions addressing sustainability and public health challenges
  • Communicate technical ideas effectively across cultural contexts
  • Demonstrate learning and impact through a digital portfolio
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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