SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

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: South Africa
  • 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 South Africa. You will address a specific business or social challenge by designing and implementing impactful solutions that drive both innovation and community empowerment.

Situated in South Africa - 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 South Africa's vibrant 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: SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has emerged from its troubled and turbulent past into a healthy democratic country and the economic powerhouse of the African continent. At the same time, it’s a great place to witness a society going through dynamic changes, as it can still be considered both a developed and an underdeveloped country. South Africans forge a new identity, strongly embracing their unique multicultural character.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

South Africa is a land of striking contrasts, where vibrant city life meets vast wilderness and deep cultural history.

As part of the program, you will experience the country’s diverse communities, history, and landscapes. In Cape Town, visit Robben Island, explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and hike up Table Mountain. In Johannesburg, walk through the historic neighborhoods of Soweto and learn about South Africa’s journey at the Apartheid Museum.
Beyond the cities, South Africa offers world-class adventure and nature.

Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, explore the famous Cape Winelands, or go whale watching in Hermanus. Spend weekends on safari in Kruger National Park, spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos, or relax along the stunning Garden Route with its beaches, forests, and dramatic coastline.

South Africa’s food scene is as diverse as its culture. Try a traditional braai (South African barbecue) with boerewors sausages, or sample Cape Malay flavors with bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping). Music and dance are also integral to South African life, from gumboot dancing in the townships to jazz clubs in Johannesburg.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4 weeks in South Africa. For this time, GEI South Africa 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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