SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (RWANDA)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in Rwanda

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Mental 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 Global Mental Health Systems & Community-Based Care
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Field Engagement Course in Mental Health. This program offers a deep dive into mental health systems, policies, and interventions in diverse global settings, focusing on the cultural, social, and economic factors that shape mental health outcomes.

Situated in Rwanda or South Africa, the program blends theoretical learning with hands-on engagement, allowing students to work alongside mental health professionals, community organizations, and public health advocates to explore real-world mental health challenges.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Gain exposure to clinical, community-based, and public health approaches to mental health through an integrated curriculum.
  • Field-based insights: Engage in clinical observations, case studies, and community mental health initiatives to understand mental health systems in different socio-cultural contexts.
  • Community impact: Contribute to mental health awareness and intervention efforts, working on projects that support local mental health services and advocacy.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Mental Health is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. Students explore global mental health systems, policies, and interventions through a structured sequence of theoretical learning, field engagement, and community-based research.

Students collaborate with local mental health professionals, NGOs, and policymakers to gain hands-on exposure to clinical and community mental health initiatives. Activities include clinical observations, mental health case discussions, and site visits to community health programs, psychiatric facilities, and mental health advocacy organizations.

This interdisciplinary and experiential approach ensures that students develop cultural competence, clinical awareness, and strategic problem-solving skills while contributing to mental health initiatives with real-world impact.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of global mental health frameworks – Gain insight into mental health policies, interventions, and challenges, with a focus on cultural, social, and economic influences on mental health.
  • Practical skills in mental health awareness and intervention – Develop hands-on experience through field-based learning, clinical observations, and community mental health projects, engaging with local professionals and organizations.
  • Strategic application of knowledge – Apply theoretical frameworks and case study analyses to develop mental health strategies, demonstrating the ability to evaluate mental health systems and propose evidence-based solutions.
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
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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