SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in Rwanda

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Sustainable Development
  • 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

Accelerate your sustainability journey in Rwanda
This 3-week, 4-credit program offers an intensive introduction to sustainable development in action. Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the interdisciplinary course combines global sustainability frameworks with deeply localized, hands-on experiences in Rwanda.

Renowned for its bold environmental policies and innovative development strategies, Rwanda provides a powerful context for learning. Students collaborate with local changemakers, NGOs, and peers to explore practical, ethical, and community-centered approaches to challenges in human wellbeing, food systems, urban development, energy access, and environmental protection.
Program Highlights
  • Real-world immersion: Apply sustainability principles in urban and rural Rwandan communities.
  • Project-based learning: Work in interdisciplinary teams to co-develop local solutions.
  • Cultural exchange: Gain firsthand insights into Rwandan culture and community development.
  • Leadership development: Strengthen critical competencies in sustainability, collaboration, and systems thinking.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 4-week program includes one integrated course and a Digital Portfolio capstone:
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
  • Demonstrate systems thinking and other key competencies for global sustainability leadership.
  • Analyze and respond to sustainability challenges in intercultural, team-based settings.
  • Apply global frameworks to community-based development work in Rwanda.
  • Reflect critically on their personal leadership journey and ethical engagement in the field.
Further Details
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PROGRAM LOCATION: 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 sustainability and innovation.

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, African Leadership University, Gisimba Memorial Center, Wastezon, MTN Mobile Money, Gardens for Health, Iriba Water Supply, Ampersand, Biomassters, Kigali's car-free urban spaces, Kigali Special Economic Zone, Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco Park, and Umusambi Village.

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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