SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (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
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Global Practicum Program
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Disciplinary Track: Sustainable Development
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Intern Abroad Destination: Vietnam
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Summer Dates: June 28-July 25, 2025 (4 weeks)
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Credit: 4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
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Eligibility: Any field and level of study
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ACADEMICS
This 4-week interdisciplinary global practium immerses students in practical sustainability work through group placements with a host organization in Vietnam. It addresses a specific sustainability challenge within the Vietnamese context. Students design and implement impactful solutions, tailored to their disciplines, level of study, and existing skills. Each Friday, the students come together for a class colloquium and reflection session, as well as cultural activities.
As capstone project, students create a digital portfolio that serves as a comprehensive record of the students’ achievements and learning throughout the program. Students gather artifacts from their coursework and field experiences to showcase their development and mastery of skills.
There are no specific prerequisites or requirements. Students can be enrolled in any major or minor and can be at any level of university study. While we try to always place students in cohorts with similar levels of study, please understand that this may not always be possible.
Our programs are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The pace is generally accelerated and the workload is demanding. The U.S. grading scale of A to F is used. Students will receive a variety of assignments. They include engaged participation in a global practicum, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (ENV303) and a digital portfolio culminating in a reflective essay and a presentation.
4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ETCS credits) for eligible undergraduate students via our U.S. academic school of record. After successful completion of the program, you will receive a comprehensive GEI transcript. Please check with your academic advisor at your home institution to confirm how many credits can be accepted for your degree program.
The language of instruction is English.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Vietnam is a highly inspiring Asian leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
As part of the program, you will become intimately familiar with your local hosts, typically an organization or company that works at the cutting edge of its fields. Host organizations we've worked with in the past include, among others, Tinh Than Foundation in Ho Chi Minh City or Abavina, Sokfarm, the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University, or the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University in the Mekong Delta. During your orientation, you will also visit various other Vietnamese organizations and companies as part of a specially curated exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.
As part of the program, you will become intimately familiar with your local hosts, typically an organization or company that works at the cutting edge of its fields. Host organizations we've worked with in the past include, among others, Tinh Than Foundation in Ho Chi Minh City or Abavina, Sokfarm, the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University, or the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University in the Mekong Delta. During your orientation, you will also visit various other Vietnamese organizations and companies as part of a specially curated exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.
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.
You can find additional information in the following blog post: Accommodation – What to expect.
DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Summer 2025 (4 weeks): June 28-July 25
Summer 2025: April 1
Summer 2025: US $3,950 (4 weeks)
VIETNAM
STAFF
All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.