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

Apply Engineering Solutions in Real-World Settings
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Practicum in Engineering. This program provides an opportunity to apply technical expertise to real-world challenges through group placements with a host organization in Kenya.

Students work alongside local engineers, entrepreneurs, and community partners to address critical engineering issues in healthcare, infrastructure, water management, and sustainability. The program integrates fieldwork, problem-solving, and hands-on design, allowing students to develop innovative solutions with lasting community impact.
Program Highlights
  • Hands-on experience in engineering for global development: Apply technical expertise to real-world challenges through group placements with local organizations tackling healthcare, energy, and infrastructure issues.
  • Cross-cultural collaboration: Work alongside local engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, gaining a deeper understanding of engineering challenges in diverse global contexts.
  • Strategic problem-solving: Develop and implement engineering solutions using human-centered design principles, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes for communities.
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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
  • Comprehensive understanding of global engineering challenges: Gain a nuanced understanding of how engineering principles can address real-world issues in healthcare, infrastructure, energy, water management, and sustainability within diverse global contexts.
  • Practical skills in engineering design and problem-solving: Develop hands-on experience by working on field-based engineering projects, collaborating with local professionals, and applying human-centered design principles to create impactful solutions.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply technical expertise and interdisciplinary approaches to real-world projects, demonstrating the ability to analyze challenges, prototype solutions, and implement sustainable engineering practices in collaboration with local partners.
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

Kenya is a vibrant East African hub, blending dynamic urban life with breathtaking natural landscapes.

As part of the program, you will experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse communities. Starting in Nairobi, explore the city’s energetic markets, visit the National Museum, and see Kenya’s conservation efforts at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or the Giraffe Centre.

Kenya is also deeply rooted in tradition. Walk through the historic Karen Blixen Estate, learn about the culture of its more than 40 tribes, and visit local villages to experience daily life. 
Take a safari in Nairobi National Park, just minutes from the city. Spend weekends exploring the Maasai Mara, the white-sand beaches of Diani, or the Great Rift Valley with Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park.

For those seeking adventure, climb Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, or go white-water rafting in Saganna. Food lovers can explore the fusion of African, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences in Kenyan cuisine, from delicious nyama choma (grilled meat) to flavorful street food like samosas and chapati.
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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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