SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (THAILAND)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in Thailand

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Engineering
  • 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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Explore Real-World Engineering Challenges in Thailand
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Field Engagement Course in Engineering. This program offers a deep dive into human-centered engineering solutions, focusing on how technology and innovation can address pressing global challenges in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Situated in Thailand, a country known for its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, the program blends theoretical learning with hands-on application. Students engage with local engineers, industry professionals, and researchers, gaining valuable insights and practical experience in designing engineering solutions that create real impact.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Explore how engineering, sustainability, and technology intersect through an integrated curriculum focused on real-world problem-solving.
  • Field-based insights: Engage with local engineers, researchers, and industry professionals, participating in technical site visits, case studies, and design challenges.
  • Community impact: Work on engineering solutions that address local challenges in healthcare, energy, and infrastructure, applying your skills to positively impact communities.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Engineering is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, applying engineering principles to global challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.

The program follows a structured sequence, progressing from theoretical foundations to hands-on field-based learning. Students engage in technical site visits, engineering case studies, and collaborative design challenges, working alongside local engineers, researchers, and industry professionals.

This interdisciplinary, practical approach ensures that students not only gain technical expertise but also develop problem-solving and cross-cultural collaboration skills essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of global engineering challenges: Gain insight into the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and innovation, exploring how technical solutions address real-world issues in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and water management.
  • Practical skills in engineering problem-solving and design thinking: Develop hands-on experience through field-based learning, technical site visits, and design challenges, applying human-centered engineering principles to global challenges.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply engineering theories, analytical skills, and interdisciplinary approaches to engineering projects, demonstrating the ability to evaluate problems, propose solutions, and adapt technical expertise to diverse contexts.
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

Thailand is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, modern cities, and breathtaking natural beauty.

As part of the program, you will experience the country’s vibrant culture and welcoming communities. In Bangkok, explore the stunning Grand Palace, visit sacred temples like Wat Arun, and take a boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River. Wander through Chatuchak Market, one of the largest in the world, and enjoy authentic Thai street food.

Beyond the capital, Thailand offers spectacular landscapes and traditions.
Visit the floating markets, trek through hill tribe villages near Chiang Mai, and explore ancient ruins in Ayutthaya. Spend weekends on the pristine beaches of Phuket and Krabi, go island hopping in the Andaman Sea, or discover the jungle wilderness of Khao Sok National Park.

Thailand’s cuisine is world-famous, and you’ll have the chance to take Thai cooking classes and try iconic dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. You can also immerse yourself in Thai wellness traditions, from meditative temple stays to authentic Thai massages that blend relaxation with ancient healing techniques.
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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

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.

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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