SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

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: 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

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Ignite change through innovation in South Africa
South Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and complex social fabric make it an ideal place to explore how business can drive inclusive, sustainable change. In this 8-week summer program, you’ll combine interdisciplinary coursework with hands-on field experience - partnering with local changemakers to co-create solutions for pressing social and environmental challenges.

From the dynamic neighborhoods of Cape Town to community-rooted initiatives in surrounding areas, this program is your launchpad into the world of social innovation. Whether your background is in business, development, health, or design, you’ll gain practical skills, build a global network, and contribute meaningfully to impact-driven work in a South African context.
Program Highlights
  • Explore South Africa’s social enterprise ecosystem through case studies, site visits, and expert-led discussions
  • Work directly with local partners on community-based innovation and entrepreneurship projects
  • Apply tools such as design thinking, business modeling, and impact strategy to real-world challenges
  • Develop cultural fluency and ethical leadership through immersive learning and guided reflection
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The program includes two integrated courses totaling 8 U.S. academic credits. The first phase introduces students to frameworks of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. In the second phase, students take part in a supervised practicum with a local social enterprise or community organization.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this program, students will be able to:
  • Understand key frameworks of social entrepreneurship and systems innovation
  • Apply design thinking and strategic tools in collaborative projects with local partners
  • Analyze contextual and cultural factors that shape innovation in South Africa
  • Strengthen core skills in leadership, intercultural communication, and ethical decision-making
  • Produce a professional digital portfolio that showcases applied knowledge and personal growth
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: SOUTH AFRICA

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.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Cape Town’s innovation scene
From township-based social ventures to urban impact accelerators, Cape Town offers a rich and varied landscape for learning. Students meet local entrepreneurs, explore incubators and cooperatives, and engage with community leaders shaping the future of inclusive business and development.

Hands-on project work
During the practicum phase, students become active contributors to their host organization’s mission - working on challenges such as business modeling, market research, social media strategy, or project evaluation. Each placement is tailored to student interests and local priorities, ensuring meaningful impact and relevant professional experience.
Cultural immersion & ethical exploration
Students dive into South Africa’s cultural and historical complexity through guided activities like township visits, storytelling sessions, local cooking classes, and heritage site excursions. Structured reflection activities help students examine privilege, power, resilience, and responsibility in the context of social innovation.

Global connections & professional growth
Working in cross-cultural teams and learning alongside South African peers, students develop the adaptability, empathy, and systems thinking needed for global careers. Throughout the program, students curate a digital portfolio that documents their contributions, insights, and skills as changemakers and emerging professionals.
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HOUSING & MEALS

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.

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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