Global Mental Health - GEI Study Abroad in Rwanda

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

Microcertificate in Global Engagement Program
Disciplinary Track: Global Mental Health
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

The Global Mental Health track of the Microcertificate in Global Engagement is an intensive, 8-credit summer program spanning eight weeks. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, exploring the complexities of mental health systems, policies, and interventions in diverse global settings.

This interdisciplinary program combines clinical exposure, community-based mental health initiatives, and research-driven approaches to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in addressing mental health challenges in resource-limited environments.

Situated in Rwanda and South Africa, two countries with distinct mental health landscapes and evolving policies, the program blends academic study, field-based learning, and hands-on engagement with local mental health professionals, NGOs, and community organizations.

Interdisciplinary learning: Explore mental health from clinical, psychological, public health, and policy perspectives through an integrated curriculum.
Field-based insights: Engage with local mental health practitioners, policymakers, and community health workers, participating in clinical observations, field visits, and applied case studies.
Community impact: Contribute to mental health awareness and intervention programs, working on projects that help strengthen local mental health systems and services.

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The Global Mental Health track of the Microcertificate in Global Engagement is an intensive, 8-credit summer program spanning eight weeks in Rwanda and South Africa. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, exploring mental health systems, interventions, and policies in diverse global settings.

The program consists of two main courses and a capstone project, designed in a structured sequence that moves from theoretical learning to hands-on application. Students engage in clinical observations, community mental health initiatives, and research-driven projects, collaborating with mental health professionals, NGOs, and policymakers to address real-world mental health challenges.

This interdisciplinary and field-based approach ensures that students develop cultural competence, clinical awareness, and strategic problem-solving skills, while working on mental health initiatives that create meaningful community impact.

This 3-week course provides students with a deep dive into global mental health challenges, policies, and interventions, focusing on the social, cultural, and systemic factors influencing mental health outcomes. Through pre-course eLearning modules and immersive fieldwork in Rwanda or South Africa, students engage with local mental health professionals, community organizations, and public health experts to explore mental health care delivery in diverse settings. Students participate in clinical observations, case discussions, and community-based mental health initiatives, gaining practical insights into local mental health policies and service models. The course culminates in a community-engaged project, where students collaborate with local stakeholders to analyze a mental health challenge and propose solutions grounded in evidence-based practices.

This 4-week interdisciplinary practicum immerses students in hands-on mental health work through group placements with a host organization in Rwanda or South Africa. The course integrates learning from all previous modules, challenging students to apply their skills in clinical, policy, or community-based mental health settings. Students work alongside local psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health advocates to address real-world mental health challenges. Placements may focus on community mental health initiatives, trauma-informed care, youth mental health programs, or mental health policy research. Each Friday, students reconvene for a class colloquium, reflection session, and cultural activities to deepen their understanding of mental health care in different socio-economic and cultural contexts.

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. The portfolio culminates in a reflective essay and a presentation, promoting self-assessment and continuous learning.

Comprehensive understanding of global mental health challenges: Gain insight into mental health systems, policies, and interventions, exploring how cultural, social, and economic factors influence mental health outcomes worldwide.
Practical skills in mental health practice and research: Develop hands-on experience through clinical exposure, community mental health initiatives, and applied case studies, working alongside local professionals and organizations.
Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical frameworks and evidence-based interventions to real-world mental health challenges, demonstrating the ability to analyze issues, implement solutions, and advocate for improved mental health systems.

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 especially for the onsite experiences 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 six module-based small group assignments, engaged participation in a community-engaged learning project, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (MED331), engaged participation in a global practicum, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (MED333), and a digital portfolio culminating in a reflective essay and a presentation.

8 U.S. credit hours (~ 16 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 as well as the GEI Microcertificate in Global Engagement. 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.

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.

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a model of resilience, sustainability, and cultural transformation.

As part of the program, you will immerse yourself in the country’s inspiring progress and rich traditions. In Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial, explore vibrant markets, and take an eye-opening walking exploration of the colorful streets of Nyamirambo guided by the charming women of the Nyamirambo Women's Center.

Rwanda’s countryside offers unforgettable cultural and nature experiences. Walk through coffee and tea plantations, visit a traditional Imigongo art workshop, and take a boat ride on Lake Kivu.

Trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or explore the lush Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and canopy walks. Use your weekends to visit Akagera National Park, where conservation efforts have reintroduced the “Big Five.”

Rwandan hospitality is very special, and you’ll have the opportunity to share meals with local families and learn about traditional customs. Try brochettes (grilled meat skewers), the popular ugali (maize porridge), and freshly roasted Rwandan coffee, widely regarded as some of the best in the world.

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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.

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.

Included in your program fees

Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure advising
Optional onsite airport meet & greet
Orientation
Full-time local coordination and 24/7 onsite emergency support
Course-related activities and excursions, including transportation, selected meals, and guiding
Optional events and cultural activities
Health insurance

Not included in your program fees

Transportation to/from the program location airport (including international airfare and taxes)
Visas
Immunizations
Meals other than those included during the courses
General items and services of a personal nature
Medical expenses not covered by the health insurance provided
Other discretionary expenses

RWANDA

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GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (RWANDA)

GEI MICROCERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: RWANDA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

STAFF

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (RWANDA)

GEI MICROCERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: RWANDA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

STAFF

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

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