SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (THAILAND)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Course in Thailand

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Course
  • Disciplinary Track: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
  • Study Abroad Destination: Thailand
  • 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

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Entrepreneurship for impact in Thailand
Discover how bold ideas become real-world solutions in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and culturally rich countries. In this 3-week summer program, you’ll explore Thailand’s vibrant ecosystem of social enterprises, grassroots changemakers, and innovation hubs while gaining practical skills in entrepreneurship and human-centered design.

Whether you aim to launch a startup, work in sustainable development, or simply want to understand how business can be a force for good, this immersive experience will expand your worldview and sharpen your problem-solving abilities. Guided by experienced mentors and inspired by Thai social innovators, you'll learn how to navigate complexity, build ethical ventures, and create positive change - locally and globally.
Program Highlights
  • Hands-on innovation experience: Learn from and work with local entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, and community leaders.Immersive field learning: Dive into the Thai social enterprise landscape with site visits, case studies, and community projects.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Apply human-centered design and sustainable business strategies in intercultural teams.
  • Impact that lasts: Co-create practical solutions that support inclusive development and community wellbeing.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 3-week program is built around one core course: the Global Field Engagement (BUS312) in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation. It combines field immersion with hands-on community collaboration, tailored to students of all majors seeking to explore entrepreneurship in real-world global contexts.

The course begins with an introduction to local entrepreneurial ecosystems, followed by thematic modules on human-centered design, ethical leadership, and business for social good. You’ll gain experience through a combination of site visits, applied workshops, and a team-based project with a local enterprise or initiative.

Throughout the course, you’ll work closely with Thai changemakers, learning how culture, community, and creativity intersect to shape sustainable ventures.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
  • Apply frameworks of social entrepreneurship to design and evaluate impact-driven ventures.
  • Collaborate with Thai social enterprises and grassroots initiatives to co-create practical business solutions.
  • Understand the role of culture, community, and context in shaping sustainable innovation.
  • Strengthen core competencies in leadership, collaboration, and systems thinking for global change.
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: THAILAND

The Land of Smiles is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential economies, Thailand has experienced rapid urbanization and technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The country’s bustling cities and thriving industries contrast with its rural heartlands, where Buddhist traditions and community life still shape daily experiences. Yet, balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability remains a key challenge for the nation’s future.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

A social innovation hotspot
Thailand offers a unique convergence of tradition and innovation. From eco-conscious ventures in Chiang Mai to digital social startups in Bangkok, you’ll explore a thriving innovation ecosystem where local ingenuity meets global thinking. Site visits, guest speakers, and field excursions will introduce you to leaders working on challenges ranging from sustainable agriculture and education to health equity and urban resilience.

Cultural immersion & ethical engagement
Beyond the business case, this program invites you to understand how culture, spirituality, and community values shape entrepreneurship in Thailand. You’ll
learn key Thai phrases, enjoy authentic meals with local partners, and reflect on the cultural dimensions of leadership and ethical decision-making. Opportunities may include participating in a Thai cooking class, visiting Buddhist temples, or engaging in mindfulness and wellness practices - core elements of Thai social and business life.

Collaboration across borders
You won’t just be studying Thailand - you’ll be part of a truly global learning community. GEI’s model brings together international students and local Thai peers to co-create, problem-solve, and reflect together. This intercultural exchange fosters mutual learning and helps build a professional network that spans continents and sectors.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 3 weeks in Thailand. For this time, GEI Thailand 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.

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Program Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Academic Director, Vietnam
Chone Chaowai, MIDP
Academic Director, Thailand
Kari Cousins, MA/MSc
Academic Director, Southern Africa
Yvan Rubengebenge
Operations Manager, Rwanda
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Dang Huynh, BA
Operations, Vietnam
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda
Sammy Davies Mochama, BSc
Operations, Kenya
Mabwe Gwamure, BSc
Operations, South Africa

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