SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (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 Mental Health
  • 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 Mental Health Strategies in Real-World Settings
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Practicum in Mental Health. This program provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills through group placements with a host organization in Rwanda or South Africa.

Students work alongside mental health professionals, policymakers, and NGOs to address pressing mental health challenges, gaining hands-on experience in community mental health initiatives, trauma-informed care, or mental health policy research.
Program Highlights
  • Hands-on experience in global mental health: Participate in real-world mental health programs, working alongside local professionals to address community mental health challenges.
  • Cross-cultural collaboration: Gain intercultural communication skills by engaging with diverse teams in clinical and public health settings.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply evidence-based mental health frameworks to develop impactful interventions that strengthen local mental health systems.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Mental Health Practicum is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning four weeks in Rwanda or South Africa. Students immerse themselves in practical mental health work through group placements with a host organization.

Through hands-on placements, students work alongside local psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health advocates to address real-world mental health challenges. The practicum integrates clinical, community, and policy-based work, allowing students to engage in mental health interventions, program development, trauma-informed care, or research on mental health policies.

Each week, students participate in class colloquia, reflective discussions, and cultural activities, ensuring a deeper understanding of mental health care in different socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Learning Outcomes
  • Hands-on experience in mental health practice and policy – Work alongside local mental health professionals and organizations, gaining practical exposure to community-based and clinical mental health initiatives.
  • Cross-cultural collaboration and professional development – Strengthen intercultural communication and adaptability, working in multidisciplinary teams to address mental health challenges in resource-limited settings.
  • Strategic problem-solving and intervention design – Apply evidence-based mental health frameworks to develop impactful interventions, demonstrating the ability to analyze, design, and implement mental health programs with sustainable outcomes.
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
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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