SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (RWANDA)

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: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
  • Intern Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • 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

Co-create solutions for social change in Rwanda
This 4-week practicum is designed for students who want to move from learning about innovation to driving it. Set in Kigali, Rwanda’s entrepreneurial capital, the program places students in interdisciplinary teams to co-design and prototype impactful solutions with local partner organizations tackling social and environmental challenges.

Drawing from human-centered design, inclusive business models, and systems thinking, students work intensively with their host organizations to address real needs in areas like education, climate adaptation, youth development, or health innovation. Weekly colloquia, mentorship, and structured reflection help students navigate the ethical and practical dimensions of global collaboration.
Program Highlights
  • Hands-on practicum with a Rwandan enterprise or social venture
  • Team-based project development focused on real-world impact
  • Guided mentorship and weekly cohort colloquia
  • Final presentation and a professional digital portfolio
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 4-week practicum is designed to help students transition from foundational knowledge to real-world implementation. It provides a highly structured, immersive opportunity to work alongside Rwandan entrepreneurs and social innovators to address a concrete challenge. The program emphasizes co-creation, ethical collaboration, and systems thinking in action. Students engage in project-based learning while building professional skills in intercultural communication, adaptive leadership, and innovation strategy. Weekly colloquia support peer learning and reflective practice, while a final digital portfolio documents personal and team achievements.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
  • Apply entrepreneurial frameworks and design tools to address a real-world challenge
  • Co-create innovative solutions in collaboration with a local Rwandan organization
  • Demonstrate intercultural competence and ethical engagement in a practicum setting
  • Reflect on their personal leadership style and team collaboration skills
  • Present their work through a professional digital portfolio
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: RWANDA

One of today’s greatest development success stories, Rwanda is Africa’s prime study abroad jewel. The country underwent a breathtaking transformation since the 1994 genocide. A model for poverty reduction and economic growth, it accounts for the highest percentage of women in parliament anywhere in the world. And the streets of its modern green capital Kigali are clean, safe, and free of corruption.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Real-world innovation, local impact
This practicum connects students directly with Rwanda’s vibrant ecosystem of social entrepreneurs, innovators, and community-based organizations. Whether addressing sustainable agriculture, digital inclusion, youth employment, or grassroots education, students are embedded within real-world projects that demand creativity, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to impact.

A collaborative community of practice
Students become part of a diverse cohort of peers and mentors united by a shared commitment to social innovation. Weekly colloquia offer a space for dialogue, reflection, and co-learning - creating a strong support network for personal and professional growth.
Cultural immersion in Kigali and beyond
Situated in Kigali, the program provides access to Rwanda’s entrepreneurial centers, craft markets, community cooperatives, and storytelling circles. Students engage in cultural workshops such as basket weaving, Rwandan cooking, and dance. Visits to key landmarks, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local innovation hubs, deepen historical and contextual understanding.

Weekend exploration and rejuvenation
Optional weekend excursions offer students a chance to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity. From the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu to the rainforest trails of Nyungwe National Park, students unwind while gaining a deeper appreciation for the ecological and social fabric that shapes local innovation efforts.

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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4 weeks in Rwanda. For this time, GEI Rwanda 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

Summe 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.

RWANDA

STAFF

All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Yvan Rubengebenge
Center Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Coordinator
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Rachel Irakoze, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Espoir Baraka, BA
Student Life Coordinator
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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