SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (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: Global Mental Health
  • Study 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 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: 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

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.

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Program Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Academic Director, Vietnam
Chone Chaowai, MIDP
Academic Director, Thailand
Kari Cousins, MA/MSc
Academic Director, Southern Africa
Yvan Rubengebenge
Operations Manager, Rwanda
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Dang Huynh, BA
Operations, Vietnam
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda
Sammy Davies Mochama, BSc
Operations, Kenya
Mabwe Gwamure, BSc
Operations, South Africa

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