SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (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: Global Health
  • Study 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

Lead community health projects in Vietnam
This 4-week, 4-credit global practicum places students in the heart of Thailand’s public health sector. In interdisciplinary teams, students co-design and implement real-world interventions - such as health education campaigns, maternal‑child wellness programs, or infectious disease outreach - with local partners like clinics, NGOs, or government health offices.

Guided by Thai health professionals and GEI facilitators, participants deepen their understanding of health systems and cultural context. Weekly reflection colloquia support ethical awareness, collaborative practice, and systems thinking - culminating in a digital portfolio that highlights their applied impact and professional growth.
Program Highlights
  • 4-week hands-on practicum with a trusted Thai public health organization
  • Interdisciplinary group projects focused on real health needs
  • Weekly colloquia supporting ethical, cultural, and reflective learning
  • Digital portfolio demonstrating applied global health competencies
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Practicum in Global Health is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning four weeks in a host country in Africa or Asia. Students immerse themselves in hands-on public health work, collaborating with local healthcare providers, NGOs, and community health organizations to address pressing health challenges in resource-limited settings.

The program follows a structured, experiential learning model, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Working alongside medical professionals and public health experts, students contribute to health initiatives focused on infectious diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, and health systems strengthening.

Each week includes a combination of clinical or field-based health work, data collection, and project design, complemented by weekly class colloquia, reflection sessions, and cultural engagement activities to deepen learning and cross-cultural understanding.
Learning Outcomes
By program end, students will:
  • Collaborate with Thai public health professionals to deliver community interventions
  • Apply global health frameworks and field methods in real-world settings
  • Demonstrate cultural competence and ethical engagement across diverse contexts
  • Reflect critically on health systems, power dynamics, and professional identity
  • Present a polished digital portfolio documenting their project outcomes and learning journey
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

Embedded public health engagement
Students work in real-world roles - supporting health education sessions, program outreach, or evaluation activities at Thai clinical or community health sites.

Collaborative capacity-building with local partners
Co-creating health interventions, students engage with Thai practitioners and communities, emphasizing mutual learning and sustainable impact.

Guided reflection & peer mentoring
Weekly cohort colloquia foster structured reflection on ethical practice, cultural insight, and project
progress, supported by mentorship from GEI facilitators and Thai professionals.

Cultural immersion in day-to-day life
Living in Thailand, students integrate into local culture - enjoying street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice, exploring markets, practicing Thai greetings, and experiencing temple visits or neighborhood festivals.

Context-rich weekend learning
Optional excursions to rural villages, public health sites, or ecological and historical landmarks - including temple towns or national parks - round out the program by providing deeper cultural and social context.
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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

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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