SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH (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: Global Mental Health
  • 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

Advancing Global Mental Health Through Research & Practice
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.
Program Highlights
  • 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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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
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.
Learning Outcomes
  • 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.
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

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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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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