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
  • 2025 Dates: June 28-July 25 (4 weeks)
  • 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

Engage with Global Sustainability Challenges in Rwanda
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Practicum. The program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in practical sustainability work through group placements with a host organization in Rwanda. You will address a specific sustainability challenge, by designing and implementing impactful solutions. Situated in Rwanda, a country celebrated for its commitment to sustainable development, the program blends theoretical learning with practical application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Experience how different sustainability issues intersect and reinforce each other through an integrated curriculum.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in excursions and projects that showcase Rwanda's leadership in sustainability.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Practicum in Sustainable Development is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning four weeks in their host country in Africa or Asia. Students immerse themselves in practical sustainability work, applying their knowledge and skills through group placements with host organizations working on real-world challenges, hand in hand with local peers.

The program follows a structured progression, allowing students to integrate theory with practice. Working alongside local experts, NGOs, and development organizations, students design and implement impactful sustainability solutions aligned with their host country’s commitment to sustainable development.

Students engage in a combination of fieldwork, project design, and implementation, with weekly class colloquia, reflection sessions, and cultural activities to deepen learning and cross-cultural engagement.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues: Gain a nuanced understanding of global and local sustainability challenges through targeted modules.
  • Practical skills in sustainability practices: Develop hands-on skills by participating in field-based and community-driven projects.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, demonstrating the ability to devise and execute sustainability solutions.
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 2025 (4 weeks): June 28-July 25
Summer 2026 (4 weeks): June 27-July 24

April 1 of the respective year

Summer 2025: US $3,950 (4 weeks)
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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