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

Apply Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation in Real-World Settings
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Practicum in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation. This program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in practical work through group placements with a host organization in Rwanda. You will address a specific business or social challenge by designing and implementing impactful solutions that drive both innovation and community empowerment.

Situated in Rwanda - a country celebrated for its vibrant innovation ecosystem and commitment to sustainable development - the program blends theoretical learning with hands-on application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Experience how diverse elements of entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact converge through an integrated curriculum.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in group placements, workshops, and projects that showcase Rwanda's emerging startup scene and social enterprise leadership.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities and drive real social change.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Practicum in Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning four weeks. Students immerse themselves in impact-driven innovation and business development, collaborating with local entrepreneurs, startups, and social enterprises to tackle pressing challenges, hand in hand with local peers.

Through group placements with host organizations, students apply entrepreneurial frameworks, business strategies, and problem-solving skills to develop practical, sustainable solutions that create measurable social and economic impact.

The program follows a structured learning model, combining fieldwork, hands-on consulting, and innovation workshops. Each week, students participate in weekly class colloquia, reflection sessions, and cultural experiences, fostering deeper understanding and engagement with their host country’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of social entrepreneurship and innovation: Gain in-depth knowledge of how business and innovation drive social and economic impact, exploring sustainable business models, startup ecosystems, and community-driven solutions.
  • Practical skills in business development and social impact strategies: Develop hands-on skills in market analysis, business strategy, and impact measurement by working directly with social enterprises, startups, and innovation hubs.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply entrepreneurial and problem-solving frameworks to real-world social innovation projects, demonstrating the ability to analyze challenges, co-create solutions, and implement sustainable business practices in collaboration with local changemakers.
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

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a model of resilience, sustainability, and cultural transformation.

As part of the program, you will immerse yourself in the country’s inspiring progress and rich traditions. In Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial, explore vibrant markets, and take an eye-opening walking exploration of the colorful streets of Nyamirambo guided by the charming women of the Nyamirambo Women's Center.

Rwanda’s countryside offers unforgettable cultural and nature experiences. Walk through coffee and tea plantations, visit a traditional Imigongo art workshop, and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu.
Trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and canopy walks. Use your weekends to visit Akagera National Park, where conservation efforts have reintroduced the “Big Five.”

Rwandan hospitality is very special, and you’ll have the opportunity to share meals with local families and learn about traditional customs. Try brochettes (grilled meat skewers), the popular ugali (maize porridge), and freshly roasted Rwandan coffee, widely regarded as some of the best in the world.
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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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