SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL ENGINEERING (THAILAND)

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 Engineering
  • Study Abroad Destination: Thailand
  • Summer Dates: June 1-July 24, 2026 (8 weeks)
  • Credit: 8 U.S. credit hours (~ 16 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Engineer sustainable solutions in Thailand
This immersive 8-week, 8-credit Microcertificate integrates rigorous academic coursework with extended field practicum in Thailand. Participants - open to all STEM and related majors - work hands-on with Thai organizations to design, implement, and evaluate engineering projects that address pressing local challenges in infrastructure, water, energy, and health technologies.
Program Highlights
  • Two credit-bearing courses combining theoretical frameworks with applied field learning
  • Collaboration with Thai engineers, NGOs, and government partners on sustainable technical solutions
  • Weekly professional mentorship, peer reflection colloquia, and intercultural dialogue
  • A polished digital portfolio showcasing project deliverables, reflections, and leadership development

ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Engineering track of the Microcertificate in Global Engagement is an intensive, 8-credit summer program spanning eight weeks in a host country in Africa or Asia. Students embark on a transformative learning journey, applying engineering principles to real-world global challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.

The program consists of two main courses and a capstone project, delivered in a structured sequence that progresses from theoretical learning to hands-on application. Students engage in field-based learning, technical design challenges, and collaboration with local engineers, innovators, and community organizations.

This practical, interdisciplinary approach ensures that students develop problem-solving skills, cross-cultural competencies, and technical expertise while working on real-world engineering solutions with lasting community impact.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students will:
  • Apply engineering design principles in real-world Thai contexts
  • Collaborate with local stakeholders in cross-cultural project teams
  • Use human-centered, sustainable approaches to prototype and refine solutions
  • Reflect on ethical, technical, and cultural dimensions of engineering practice
  • Showcase learning through a polished digital portfolio
Further Details
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YOUR DESTINATION: THAILAND

The Land of Smiles is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential economies, Thailand has experienced rapid urbanization and technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The country’s bustling cities and thriving industries contrast with its rural heartlands, where Buddhist traditions and community life still shape daily experiences. Yet, balancing economic growth with social and environmental sustainability remains a key challenge for the nation’s future.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Hands-on engineering across Thailand
Students work directly with Thai engineers, entrepreneurs, and community groups on real-world projects in infrastructure, water systems, energy, or health technologies.

Extended field placements & mentorship
With sustained placements, students receive local mentorship and participate in reflective colloquia that deepen both technical skills and cultural understanding.
Immersive daily life
Living in Thai cities or towns, students experience life through daily routines - savoring khao soi, exploring markets, learning Thai phrases, and commuting through vibrant neighborhoods.

Cultural & environmental exploration
Optional weekend activities include visits to Buddhist temples, local markets, waterfalls like Doi Suthep, and countryside outings, enriching their program with cultural and environmental context.
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HOUSING & MEALS

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