SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (THAILAND)

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: Thailand
  • 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

Create impact through applied innovation in Thailand
In this intensive 4-week practicum, students dive deep into the vibrant world of Thai social entrepreneurship by collaborating directly with grassroots organizations, startups, and innovation hubs. Based in Chiang Mai, you’ll work alongside Thai peers and local mentors to design, implement, and evaluate solutions to real-world challenges in areas like sustainable business, social inclusion, or impact strategy.

With a balance of guided reflection, cross-cultural collaboration, and field-based work, this program is ideal for students ready to move from theory into meaningful, context-driven action. Gain real-world experience, expand your professional toolkit, and leave with both a tangible project outcome and a transformed global outlook.
Program Highlights
  • Field-based project work with a Thai startup, social venture, or community initiative
  • Guided mentorship and peer collaboration to support project planning, implementation, and impact evaluation
  • Engaging weekly colloquiums to support reflection, learning integration, and cultural immersion
  • Hands-on experience in innovation strategy, social marketing, stakeholder mapping, or business modeling
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This Summer II program is anchored by one 4-credit course: BUS313: Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation (Global Practicum). Designed for students who want to deepen their real-world experience, the course places you in a small project team with a Thai host organization.

The practicum begins with an orientation to the local entrepreneurial landscape and social innovation context. Then, from week one, students jump into supervised project work - addressing challenges related to business development, sustainability, or social impact. Weekly colloquiums combine peer learning, cultural exploration, and professional reflection.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this program, students will be able to:
  • Apply entrepreneurial and innovation tools in a real-world organizational context
  • Design and contribute to the implementation of impact-driven business strategies
  • Collaborate with Thai peers and mentors in cross-cultural project teams
  • Reflect on leadership, ethics, and the complexities of sustainable social change
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: THAILAND

The Land of Smiles is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential economies, Thailand has experienced rapid urbanization and technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The country’s bustling cities and thriving industries contrast with its rural heartlands, where Buddhist traditions and community life still shape daily experiences. Yet, balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability remains a key challenge for the nation’s future.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Practicum with purpose
Your project will not be hypothetical. From week one, you’ll contribute to a Thai-led initiative addressing real challenges - whether co-creating a pitch deck for a rural social enterprise, mapping stakeholders for a community health innovation, or supporting inclusive business strategy in a sustainability startup. These placements are customized to your background and the needs of local organizations.

Cultural learning & intercultural exchange
Chiang Mai’s distinct blend of creativity, tradition, and community activism makes it an ideal base for cultural immersion. You’ll engage in guided cultural sessions - ranging from Buddhist-inspired leadership discussions to Thai cooking and artisan workshops - that reveal the values and narratives behind Thailand’s approach to innovation and wellbeing.
Colloquiums & ethical reflection
Every week, you’ll step back from the field to connect the dots through structured colloquiums. These group discussions integrate personal reflections, professional growth, and broader ethical questions: What does inclusive development look like? How can impact be measured responsibly? How do we lead across cultures and sectors?

Professional development & global networking
Throughout the program, you’ll build your portfolio and expand your international network. From mentorship by local entrepreneurs to collaboration with Thai university peers, you'll gain professional skills and cultural insights that position you for careers in social impact, innovation, and international development. Your final project and digital portfolio serve as powerful evidence of your ability to lead change - anywhere in the world.
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HOUSING & MEALS

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

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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