SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (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: Global Engineering
  • Study Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • Summer Dates: June 1-July 24, 2026 (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

Innovate for sustainable impact in Rwanda's engineering ecosystem
This immersive 8-week program invites engineering and STEM students to apply their technical skills in real-world projects that support community resilience and sustainable development in Rwanda. Based in Kigali and surrounding regions, students explore the intersection of engineering, global challenges, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Through a dynamic combination of field engagement and a practicum placement with local organizations or infrastructure projects, students gain practical experience and contribute to engineering solutions with meaningful community impact. Rwanda’s rapid development, strong sustainability agenda, and entrepreneurial spirit offer a powerful setting for hands-on learning and ethical leadership.
Program Highlights
  • Field-based learning with engineering organizations and infrastructure partners
  • Collaborative practicum projects focused on innovation, sustainability, and community impact
  • Interdisciplinary exposure to environmental, social, and technological dimensions of engineering
  • Immersive cultural experiences in one of Africa’s most forward-looking nations
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The summer program includes two 4-credit courses for a total of 8 U.S. academic credits, combining classroom preparation with immersive field learning and a supervised practicum. Students start with an intensive exploration of Rwanda’s engineering landscape, followed by a structured placement with a local partner to apply their knowledge in real-time.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this program, students will be able to:
  • Apply engineering principles and problem-solving in real-world international contexts
  • Analyze how culture, sustainability, and social equity intersect with engineering projects
  • Collaborate effectively with local partners and peers to co-design technical solutions
  • Reflect critically on professional ethics, global responsibility, and systems thinking
  • Document academic and experiential learning through 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

Engineering for development
Students contribute to real-world projects alongside Rwandan engineers, NGOs, and public-sector partners. Practicum work may involve renewable energy, water and sanitation, agricultural systems, or urban planning - offering valuable exposure to engineering applications that directly serve local communities.

Rwanda as a living lab
With its focus on sustainable growth and innovation, Rwanda offers a powerful learning environment. Field visits include urban infrastructure tours in Kigali, rural engineering sites, and renewable energy installations. Students gain first-hand insight into the policies, partnerships, and technologies shaping Rwanda’s development.
Intercultural learning & ethical reflection
Through guided cultural experiences - language basics, local cuisine, storytelling sessions, and rural excursions - students develop intercultural fluency. Weekly colloquiums encourage ethical reflection and leadership development as students grapple with global challenges and the responsibilities of engineering across borders.

Professional growth & global collaboration
Students work in cross-cultural teams, mentored by faculty and local professionals. The program emphasizes communication, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving - key skills for globally minded engineers. Each student builds a digital portfolio to showcase their growth, contributions, and career readiness.
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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

Summer 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.

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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