Global Mental Health - GEI Study Abroad in South Africa

A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in South Africa

Global Field Engagement Program
Disciplinary Track: Global Mental Health
Study Abroad Destination: South Africa
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

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.

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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.

This 3-week course provides students with a deep dive into global mental health challenges, policies, and interventions, focusing on the social, cultural, and systemic factors influencing mental health outcomes. Through pre-course eLearning modules and immersive fieldwork in Rwanda or South Africa, students engage with local mental health professionals, community organizations, and public health experts to explore mental health care delivery in diverse settings. Students participate in clinical observations, case discussions, and community-based mental health initiatives, gaining practical insights into local mental health policies and service models. The course culminates in a community-engaged project, where students collaborate with local stakeholders to analyze a mental health challenge and propose solutions grounded in evidence-based practices.

As capstone project, students create a digital portfolio that serves as a comprehensive record of the students’ achievements and learning throughout the program. Students gather artifacts from their coursework and field experiences to showcase their development and mastery of skills. The portfolio culminates in a reflective essay and a presentation, promoting self-assessment and continuous learning.

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.

There are no specific prerequisites or requirements. Students can be enrolled in any major or minor and can be at any level of university study. While we try to always place students in cohorts with similar levels of study, please understand that this may not always be possible.

Our programs are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The pace especially for the onsite experiences is generally accelerated and the workload is demanding. The U.S. grading scale of A to F is used. Students will receive a variety of assignments. They include six module-based small group assignments, engaged participation in a community-engaged learning project, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (MED331), and a digital portfolio culminating in a reflective essay and a presentation.

4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ETCS credits) for eligible undergraduate students via our U.S. academic school of record. After successful completion of the program, you will receive a comprehensive GEI transcript. Please check with your academic advisor at your home institution to confirm how many credits can be accepted for your degree program.

The language of instruction is English.

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.

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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The program includes 3 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.

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.

Included in your program fees

Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure advising
Optional onsite airport meet & greet
Orientation
Full-time local coordination and 24/7 onsite emergency support
Course-related activities and excursions, including transportation, selected meals, and guiding
Optional events and cultural activities
Health insurance

Not included in your program fees

Transportation to/from the program location airport (including international airfare and taxes)
Visas
Immunizations
Meals other than those included during the courses
General items and services of a personal nature
Medical expenses not covered by the health insurance provided
Other discretionary expenses

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.

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GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (SOUTH AFRICA)

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

Meet our core team

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (SOUTH AFRICA)

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

Meet our core team

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

We help you develop your competencies as a global change leader!

Before you go...

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