SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (KENYA)

Global Practicum

A 4-credit global practicum to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that prepare you for leadership and engagement in our global society.

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Practicum Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Global Engineering
  • Study Abroad Destination: Kenya
  • 2026 Dates: June 27-July 24 (4 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

Engineer real-world solutions in Kenya
This 4-week, 4-credit Global Practicum places students in Kenya’s vibrant engineering ecosystem to apply technical knowledge toward sustainable development. Participants work alongside Kenyan engineers, NGO partners, and community stakeholders on projects in infrastructure, energy, water systems, or public health.

Focused on ethical practice, human-centered design, and cultural engagement, the program combines professional mentorship, applied work, and global leadership development.
Program Highlights
  • Hands-on engineering placements with local host organizations
  • Interdisciplinary problem-solving in real development contexts
  • Weekly mentorship and peer reflection sessions
  • A digital portfolio showcasing student learning and impact
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Engineering Practicum is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning four weeks in a host country in Africa or Asia. Students immerse themselves in practical engineering work, collaborating with local engineers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to tackle pressing infrastructure, energy, and healthcare challenges.

Through group placements with host organizations, students apply technical knowledge to real-world problems, using human-centered design principles to develop sustainable, impact-driven engineering solutions.

The program follows a structured experiential learning model, combining fieldwork, technical problem-solving, and design implementation. Each week, students participate in class colloquia, reflection sessions, and cultural engagement activities, fostering a deeper understanding of engineering’s role in global development.
Learning Outcomes
By program's end, participants will:
  • Apply technical and human-centered engineering skills in real Kenyan contexts
  • Collaborate across disciplines and cultures with local teams Integrate sustainability, ethics, and social impact into technical work
  • Reflect professionally on field-based learning and intercultural competencies
  • Present a polished digital portfolio demonstrating skill development and leadership
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: KENYA

The powerhouse of the East African Community, Kenya is one of the most diverse countries in Africa. From the white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to volcanic mountains in the Great Rift Valley. From the vast savannahs to the lacustrine highlands near Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake on the continent. Cultural traditions converge in Kenya, making it a dynamic and vibrant place to visit and experience.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Start in Nairobi’s innovation hubs
Kick off your practicum in Nairobi, engaging with engineering enterprises and meet changemakers using technology to address local challenges.

Field visits in urban & rural settings
Throughout the program, students explore infrastructure and public health projects in diverse settings - working directly with engineers, community leaders, and NGOs.
Swahili culture & kenyan daily life
Live with peers and interact with communities through homestays, shared meals, and market visits. Sample Kenyan dishes like chapati, ugali, and nyama choma during cultural immersion activities.

Weekend safari & coastal options
Optional weekend excursions may include safaris in the Great Rift Valley or visits to coastal reserves - offering balance and downtime alongside professional engagement
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4 weeks in Kenya. For this time, GEI Kenya 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 (4 weeks): June 27-July 24

Summer 2026: April 1

Summer 2026: US $3,950 (4 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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