SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (SOUTH AFRICA)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Course in South Africa

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Course
  • Disciplinary Track: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
  • Study Abroad Destination: South Africa
  • 2026 Dates: June 6-26 (8 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

Engage with Global Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation in South Africa
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Field Engagement Course focused on entrepreneurship and social innovation. This program offers a deep dive into impact-driven business solutions, underpinned by six core modules exploring key entry points to economic development, sustainable business models, and social entrepreneurship.

Situated in South Africa, a country recognized for its thriving startup ecosystem and innovation in social enterprise, the program blends theoretical learning with hands-on application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Explore how business, technology, and social impact intersect through an integrated curriculum on entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Field-based insights: Visit social enterprises, startups, and incubators to see real-world applications of business as a tool for social change.
  • Community impact: Work on entrepreneurial projects that not only enhance your learning but also support local innovators and changemakers.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, exploring how business, innovation, and social impact intersect to address critical global challenges.

The program is delivered in a structured sequence, progressing from theoretical foundations to hands-on application in real-world settings. Students engage with local entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and innovation hubs, gaining both strategic insight and practical experience in designing impact-driven solutions.

This approach ensures that students not only understand the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship but also apply their skills in collaboration with local changemakers.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and social innovation: Gain a nuanced understanding of how business and innovation drive social and economic change through targeted modules and real-world case studies.
  • Practical skills in impact-driven business and innovation: Develop hands-on skills by engaging with local entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and incubators, applying entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving in real-world settings.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical frameworks and business models to community-engaged projects, demonstrating the ability to analyze challenges, develop solutions, and contribute to sustainable business practices.
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has emerged from its troubled and turbulent past into a healthy democratic country and the economic powerhouse of the African continent. At the same time, it’s a great place to witness a society going through dynamic changes, as it can still be considered both a developed and an underdeveloped country. South Africans forge a new identity, strongly embracing their unique multicultural character.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

South Africa is a land of striking contrasts, where vibrant city life meets vast wilderness and deep cultural history.
As part of the program, you will experience the country’s diverse communities, history, and landscapes. In Cape Town, visit Robben Island, explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and hike up Table Mountain. In Johannesburg, walk through the historic neighborhoods of Soweto and learn about South Africa’s journey at the Apartheid Museum.
Beyond the cities, South Africa offers world-class adventure and nature.
Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, explore the famous Cape Winelands, or go whale watching in Hermanus. Spend weekends on safari in Kruger National Park, spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos, or relax along the stunning Garden Route with its beaches, forests, and dramatic coastline.
South Africa’s food scene is as diverse as its culture. Try a traditional braai (South African barbecue) with boerewors sausages, or sample Cape Malay flavors with bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping). Music and dance are also integral to South African life, from gumboot dancing in the townships to jazz clubs in Johannesburg.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4+ weeks in South Africa. For this time, GEI South Africa 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

Summe 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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