SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (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: Sustainable Development
  • 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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Advance community-centered sustainability in Rwanda
This 4-week, 4-credit Global Practicum in Sustainable Development offers a powerful opportunity for students to apply interdisciplinary strategies in real-world contexts. Open to all majors and levels of study, the program combines hands-on fieldwork with ethical leadership and community partnership.

Building on Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in environmental and social innovation, participants work with local NGOs, cooperatives, and grassroots organizations to directly address sustainability challenges. From energy access and food security to urban development and ecosystem stewardship, students co-design and implement projects that strengthen communities and foster meaningful impact.
Program Highlights
  • Applied learning: Work in teams to design and implement sustainability interventions with local partners
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Address challenges spanning public health, urban planning, food systems, energy, and environmental management
  • Cultural immersion: Gain insight into Rwandan society through guided engagement and local collaboration
  • Professional growth: Hone leadership, project management, and systems-thinking skills in an accelerated environment

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This 4-week practicum builds on students' foundational knowledge by placing them in immersive, community-based environments. The academic experience emphasizes project-based learning, intercultural teamwork, and critical reflection. Participants engage directly with host organizations to design and implement a sustainability initiative that aligns with both community priorities and the student’s academic or professional interests.

The program includes:
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
  • Apply sustainability frameworks and systems thinking to complex community challenges
  • Collaborate effectively in culturally diverse, interdisciplinary teams to enact local solutions
  • Conduct reflective practice and professional communication grounded in real-world project experience Demonstrate strategic, ethical leadership in service of community-centered development
  • Compile a polished digital portfolio highlighting achievements, insights, and competencies
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 is a highly inspiring African leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As part of the program, you will become intimately familiar with your local hosts, typically an organization or company that works at the cutting edge of its fields. Host organizations we've worked with in the past include, among others, Gisimba Memorial Center, Wastezon, Gardens for Health, or Biomassters. During your orientation, you will also visit various other Rwandan organizations and companies as part of a specially curated exploration of Kigali.

Rwanda is also particularly rich in culture. Take a walking exploration of the lower-class neighborhood of
Nyamirambo to meet with local entrepreneurs, social workers, and families. Participate in a cooking class with special Rwandan dishes.

Learn about five centuries of Rwandan history during an exploration of Kigali, culminating in a visit to the Kigali Memorial Center, the country's most prominent genocide museum and memorial.

Take a dance and drumming workshop, Rwanda-style. Enjoy further cultural activities and excursions during the Global Practicum. And use the weekends for some time to explore the amazing national parks, to track the world-famous mountain gorillas, to hike in East Africa's largest mountainous rainforest, or to go on an African safari to see the 'Big 5'.
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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

April 1, 2026

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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