SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (RWANDA)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Course in Rwanda

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Course
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Health
  • 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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Explore public health in Rwanda through applied field engagement
This 3-week, 4-credit course offers students a hands-on introduction to global health practice in one of the most innovative health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The course combines structured academic content with immersive field learning, allowing students to explore key global health challenges - including infectious disease, maternal and child health, health systems strengthening, and universal health coverage.

Through site visits, expert interviews, and team-based fieldwork, students interact with a broad range of health stakeholders. Weekly reflection sessions and faculty-guided colloquia support students in critically analyzing what they observe and applying key frameworks from the course. The experience culminates in a collaborative project and a professional digital portfolio.
Program Highlights
  • Guided field engagement in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies
  • Structured mentorship and weekly reflection colloquia
  • Interdisciplinary group project addressing a real-world health challenge
  • Digital portfolio showcasing academic and professional development

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Global Health is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks plus pre-program eLearning. Students undergo a transformative learning journey, engaging with critical global issues through an interdisciplinary approach. The program is delivered in a sequence that builds from theoretical understanding to practical, hands-on experience. This progression ensures that students not only learn about global issues but also apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
  • Analyze global health systems and challenges using Rwanda as a case study
  • Conduct field-based inquiry in collaboration with peers and local stakeholders
  • Apply theoretical frameworks to real-world health issues in cross-cultural contexts
  • Reflect on personal and professional growth through critical dialogue
  • Synthesize learning in a digital portfolio that demonstrates key competencies
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 is a highly inspiring African leader in its commitment to global health.

As part of the program, you will visit numerous local organizations and companies that work at the cutting edge of their respective fields. They may include, among others, Yego Center, Iriba Water Supply, Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa, Health Development Initiative, mHub - The Mental Health Hub, Mizero Care Organization, TIP Global Health, Isange One Stop center, Zipline Rwanda, IRCAD Africa, and various hospitals and health centers..

Rwanda is also particularly rich in culture. Take a walking exploration of the lower-class neighborhood of
Nyamirambo to meet with local entrepreneurs, social workers, and families. Participate in a cooking class with special Rwandan dishes. Learn about five centuries of Rwandan history during an exploration of Kigali, culminating in a visit to the Kigali Memorial Center, the country's most prominent genocide museum and memorial.

Take a dance and drumming workshop, Rwanda-style. Enjoy further cultural activities and excursions during the Global Practicum. And use the weekends for some time to explore the amazing national parks, to track the world-famous mountain gorillas, to hike in East Africa's largest mountainous rainforest, or to go on an African safari to see the 'Big 5'.
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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

April 1, 2026

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
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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