SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (VIETNAM)


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Course in Vietnam

AT A GLANCE

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

Engage with Global Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation in Vietnam
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 Vietnam, 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: VIETNAM

The Asian Dragon is undergoing some of the fastest socio-economic changes any country in the world has seen. It is a major development success story with remarkable rates of economic growth since the start of massive political and economic reforms in 1986. But the lure of modern living has a deep impact on the traditional networks of family and community that continue to play a pivotal role in society.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Vietnam is a highly inspiring Asian leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As part of the program, you will experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic cities. In Ho Chi Minh City, take an innovative walking exploration of the traditional Binh Quoi area, visit key historical sites in Old Saigon, and learn about the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Vietnam is also incredibly diverse in landscapes and traditions. Enjoy floating markets in the Mekong Delta, row boat rides along river estuaries, and bike through local villages.

Visit workshops for rice paper, coconut candy, and puffed rice, and learn to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes. Spend weekends exploring Hanoi, the ancient towns of Hue and Hoi An, or the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay. Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to Angkor Wat, is also just a quick trip away.

Vietnam’s café culture is thriving, and you’ll get to experience egg coffee in Hanoi or a strong Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Try traditional street food like banh mi (baguette sandwiches) and pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), and witness the art of water puppet theater, a centuries-old performance tradition.

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HOUSING & MEALS

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