SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (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: Global Engineering
  • Study 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 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 Rwanda.

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: 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

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.

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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