SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (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: Sustainable Development
  • Study Abroad Destination: Rwanda
  • Summer Dates: June 2-July 25, 2025 (8 weeks)
  • Credit: 8 U.S. credit hours (~ 16 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Engage with Global Sustainability Challenges in Rwanda
Embark on a transformative journey and earn a GEI Microcertificate in Global Engagement. The program offers a deep dive into critical sustainability areas through a structured two-course program, underpinned by six core modules that cover key thematic entry points to global transformations. Situated in Rwanda, a country celebrated for its commitment to sustainable development, the program blends theoretical learning with practical application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Experience how different sustainability issues intersect and reinforce each other through an integrated curriculum.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in excursions and projects that showcase Rwanda's leadership in sustainability, from human wellbeing to sustainable economies, nutrition, energy decarbonization, sustainable urban planning, and the global environmental commons.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities.

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Sustainable Development track of the Microcertificate in Global Engagement is an intensive, 8-credit program spanning eight weeks over a summer. Students undergo a transformative learning journey, engaging with critical global issues through an interdisciplinary approach. The program structure includes two main courses, both in Rwanda, and a capstone project, delivered in a sequence that builds from theoretical understanding to practical, hands-on experience. This progression ensures that students not only learn about global issues but also apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues: Gain a nuanced understanding of global and local sustainability challenges through targeted modules.
  • Practical skills in sustainability practices: Develop hands-on skills by participating in field-based and community-driven projects.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations during the Global Practicum, demonstrating the ability to devise and execute sustainability solutions.
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

Rwanda is a highly inspiring African 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. They may include, among others, African Leadership University, Gisimba Memorial Center, Wastezon, MTN Mobile Money, Gardens for Health, Iriba Water Supply, Ampersand, Biomassters, Kigali's car-free urban spaces, Kigali Special Economic Zone, Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco Park, and Umusambi Village.

Rwanda is also particularly rich in culture. Take a walking exploration of the lower-class neighborhood of
Nyamirambo to meet with local entrepreneurs, social workers, and families. Participate in a cooking class with special Rwandan dishes. Learn about five centuries of Rwandan history during an exploration of Kigali, culminating in a visit to the Kigali Memorial Center, the country's most prominent genocide museum and memorial. Take a dance and drumming workshop, Rwanda-style. Enjoy further cultural activities and excursions during the Global Practicum. And use the weekends for some time to explore the amazing national parks, to track the world-famous mountain gorillas, to hike in East Africa's largest mountainous rainforest, or to go on an African safari to see the 'Big 5'.
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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 2025 (8 weeks): June 2-July 25

Summer 2025: April 1

Summer 2025: 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
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Student Life Coordinator
Kelly Uwase
Student Life Coordinator

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