SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (RWANDA)

GEI MICROCERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

An 8-credit microcertificate program to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that prepare you for leadership and engagement in our global society.

AT A GLANCE

  • Microcertificate in Global Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Entrepreneurship
  • Study Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • 2026 Dates: June 1-July 24 (8 weeks)
  • Credit: 8 U.S. credit hours (~ 16 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Tackle social challenges with innovative business in Rwanda
This 8-week interdisciplinary program empowers students to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainable development in one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation hubs. From Kigali’s growing startup scene to grassroots social ventures, students are immersed in a learning environment that bridges business, impact, and cultural intelligence.

In the first half of the program, students examine key theories and global frameworks for social innovation, then engage in real-world fieldwork with local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and social enterprises. In the second phase, they join small teams to co-create a practical solution to a challenge identified by a Rwandan partner. Weekly colloquia and mentorship from experienced facilitators anchor learning throughout.
Program Highlights
  • 8-week program combining theory, field engagement, and project-based work
  • Work directly with Rwandan social enterprises, startups, or community-based ventures
  • Weekly colloquia and mentorship to support applied learning and ethical practice
  • Build a professional digital portfolio demonstrating your contribution and leadership
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
This program is designed to guide students through a full-cycle innovation process - starting with immersion in the entrepreneurial landscape and culminating in the implementation of a real-world social impact project. The curriculum integrates theory, applied research, and co-creation, enabling students to deeply understand how entrepreneurship can drive inclusive and sustainable development. Structured in two sequential courses, the program begins with a foundation in entrepreneurial frameworks and field exploration, followed by a hands-on practicum with a local partner organization. Weekly cohort colloquia, mentorship, and a final digital portfolio anchor reflection and professional growth.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
  • Apply entrepreneurial tools and systems thinking to address real-world social challenges
  • Demonstrate cultural competence and ethical engagement with Rwandan partners
  • Collaborate in diverse teams to co-create impactful business solutions
  • Reflect critically on personal and professional growth as a changemaker
  • Showcase applied competencies in a professional digital portfolio
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: RWANDA

One of today’s greatest development success stories, Rwanda is Africa’s prime study abroad jewel. The country underwent a breathtaking transformation since the 1994 genocide. A model for poverty reduction and economic growth, it accounts for the highest percentage of women in parliament anywhere in the world. And the streets of its modern green capital Kigali are clean, safe, and free of corruption.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Immersion in Kigali’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
From tech incubators to artisan cooperatives, students gain hands-on insight into Rwanda’s vibrant landscape of innovation and inclusive business.

Direct collaboration with local entrepreneurs
Students work with mission-driven startups and social enterprises tackling challenges in agriculture, education, climate, health, and more - co-creating solutions grounded in community needs.
Cultural exploration and community connections
Beyond the classroom, students explore Rwandan life through shared meals, storytelling, language learning, and site visits to memorials and community organizations - deepening their understanding of the country’s history, values, and resilience.

Weekend journeys with purpose
Optional trips to Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, or Akagera National Park offer rest, exploration, and ecological context to the broader impact work.

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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 8 weeks in Rwanda. For this time, GEI Rwanda 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 (8 weeks): June 1-July 24

Summe 2026: April 1

Summer 2026: US $7,950 (8 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.

RWANDA

STAFF

All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Yvan Rubengebenge
Center Director
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Coordinator
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Rachel Irakoze, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Espoir Baraka, BA
Student Life Coordinator
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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