SUMMER INTERN ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL HEALTH (VIETNAM)

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: Vietnam
  • 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

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Engage with Global Health Challenges in Vietnam
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Practicum. The program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in practical global health work through group placements with a host organization in Vietnam. You will address a specific global health challenge, by designing and implementing impactful solutions. Situated in Vietnam, a country celebrated for its innovative and efficient approaches to public health, the program blends theoretical learning with practical application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Take a real-world dive into key concepts of global health in an Asian living laboratory.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in excursions and projects that showcase Vietnam's leadership in public health.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities.
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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
  • Comprehensive understanding of global health challenges: Gain in-depth knowledge of public health systems, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings, with a focus on global and local health disparities.
  • Practical skills in public health and healthcare delivery: Develop hands-on experience in community health initiatives, data collection, health education, and patient care, working alongside local healthcare professionals, NGOs, and public health organizations.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply public health frameworks and problem-solving skills to real-world health projects, demonstrating the ability to analyze health challenges, contribute to innovative solutions, and improve health outcomes in diverse global settings.
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: VIETNAM

The Asian Dragon is undergoing some of the fastest socio-economic changes any country in the world has seen. It is a major development success story with remarkable rates of economic growth since the start of massive political and economic reforms in 1986. But the lure of modern living has a deep impact on the traditional networks of family and community that continue to play a pivotal role in society.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Vietnam is a highly inspiring Asian leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As part of the program, you will visit numerous local organizations and companies that work at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, the program might take you to Saigonicom, Tinh Than Foundation, the Institute of Circular Economy Development, FoodBank Vietnam, or Limart. You will then move to the Mekong Delta in the south of the country and visit partners like Abavina, Sokfarm, the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University, or the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University.
Vietnam is also particularly rich in culture. Take an innovative walking exploration of the traditional Binh Quoi area of Ho Chi Minh City, and visit key cultural sites in the old Saigon. Learn about the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Enjoy floating markets, row boat rides along small creeks to the Mekong River estuary, bike around local villages and stop at workshops for rice paper, coconut candy, and puffed-rice. Learn how to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes and listen to local folk music. And use the weekends for some time to explore other parts of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Central Vietnam with Hue and Hoi An, or the famous Halong Bay. Siem Reap in Cambodia with the temple ruins at Angkor is also just a quick hop across the border.
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HOUSING & MEALS

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

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STAFF

All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Thuy Phan, MA
Center Director
Dang Huynh, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Cuong Nguyen Thai (Nick), MA
Program & Student Services Coordinator

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