Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation - GEI Study Abroad

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: Engineering
Study Abroad Destination: South Africa
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 Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation program equips students and early-career professionals with the skills and experience to tackle global challenges through innovative, impact-driven solutions. Participants engage in hands-on learning, collaboration with local entrepreneurs, and exposure to emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

This program provides a unique blend of experiential learning and professional practice, allowing participants to co-create solutions with local organizations, startups, and social enterprises. Whether working on sustainable business models, inclusive technologies, or community-driven development projects, participants gain the tools to become effective global changemakers.

Beyond the placement, the program offers structured mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities. Students explore real-world case studies, participate in skill-building workshops, and connect with local innovators shaping their industries.

Programs are available year-round, with flexible durations (minimum 2 weeks for short-term and 4 weeks for internship-based experiences).

Hands-on experience in social innovation: Work with local entrepreneurs and social enterprises to develop and implement impactful business solutions.
Intercultural collaboration & global networks: Engage with mentors, peers, and innovators across Africa and Asia, gaining firsthand insight into diverse markets and business ecosystems.
Leadership & problem-solving development: Strengthen entrepreneurial skills, creative thinking, and adaptability through real-world projects and structured learning modules.
Tailored placements & flexible formats: Participate in short-term experiential programs or longer internships, customized to your interests and career goals.

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The Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation 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 how business, innovation, and social impact intersect to address critical global challenges.

The program consists of two main courses and a capstone project, delivered in a structured sequence that progresses from theoretical foundations to hands-on application. Students engage with local entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and community organizations, gaining both strategic insight and practical experience in driving sustainable, impact-driven solutions.

This integrated approach ensures that students not only understand the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship but also apply their skills in real-world settings, co-creating solutions with local changemakers.

This 3-week course takes students into various entrepreneurial and social innovation ecosystems across their host country in Africa or Asia, where theories and principles from pre-course eLearning modules are applied in real-world contexts. Students engage with local entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and impact-driven organizations, gaining insight into how business models can drive social change. Throughout the course, students develop critical skills in innovation, business strategy, and impact measurement, preparing them to become global change leaders in social entrepreneurship. The course culminates in a community-engaged learning project, where students collaborate with a local enterprise to analyze challenges and propose creative solutions.

This 4-week interdisciplinary global practicum immerses students in practical social enterprise work through group placements with a local host organization. The course integrates learning from all previous modules, challenging students to address a specific business or social innovation challenge within an African or Asian context. Students collaborate with their host organizations to design and implement impactful solutions, tailored to their disciplines, level of study, and skills. Each Friday, students reconvene for a class colloquium and reflection session, along with cultural activities that enhance their understanding of their host country’s innovation landscape.

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 social innovation and entrepreneurship: Gain a nuanced understanding of how business and innovation can address pressing global and local challenges through targeted modules and field-based learning.
Practical skills in impact-driven business and innovation: Develop hands-on skills by working directly with social enterprises, startups, and community-driven initiatives, applying entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving in real-world contexts.
Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical frameworks and business models to real-world social innovation projects, demonstrating the ability to design, test, and implement impact-driven solutions during the Global Practicum.

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 six module-based small group assignments, engaged participation in a community-engaged learning project, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (BUS311), engaged participation in a global practicum, a weekly reflective journal/blog/vlog, and a project report (BUS312), 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.

South Africa has emerged from its troubled and turbulent past into a healthy democratic country and the economic powerhouse of the African continent. At the same time, it’s a great place to witness a society going through dynamic changes, as it can still be considered both a developed and an underdeveloped country. South Africans forge a new identity, strongly embracing their unique multicultural character.

South Africa is a land of striking contrasts, where vibrant city life meets vast wilderness and deep cultural history.

As part of the program, you will experience the country’s diverse communities, history, and landscapes. In Cape Town, visit Robben Island, explore the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, and hike up Table Mountain. In Johannesburg, walk through the historic neighborhoods of Soweto and learn about South Africa’s journey at the Apartheid Museum.

Beyond the cities, South Africa offers world-class adventure and nature.

Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, explore the famous Cape Winelands, or go whale watching in Hermanus. Spend weekends on safari in Kruger National Park, spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos, or relax along the stunning Garden Route with its beaches, forests, and dramatic coastline.

South Africa’s food scene is as diverse as its culture. Try a traditional braai (South African barbecue) with boerewors sausages, or sample Cape Malay flavors with bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping). Music and dance are also integral to South African life, from gumboot dancing in the townships to jazz clubs in Johannesburg.

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The program includes 8 weeks in South Africa. For this time, GEI South Africa 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

INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

All of our instructors and coordinators are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

GEI MICROCERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

Meet our core team

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

GEI MICROCERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

AT A GLANCE

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ACADEMICS

YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

HOUSING & MEALS

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Included in your program fees

Not included in your program fees

Meet our core team

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

We help you develop your competencies as a global change leader!

Before you go...

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