eLEARNING COURSE

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The eLearning Curriculum of GEI's Sustainable Development Courses

AT A GLANCE

  • Learning style: Asynchronous online learning (learn on your own schedule) 
  • Focus: Interdisciplinary
  • Credit: 4 US credits (~ 8 ECTS credits) for eligible university students if taken in conjunction with other course elements*
  • Eligibility: Undergrad/grad - any field and level of study
  • Program fees: US $250

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Course overview
This interdisciplinary eLearning course allows you to explore six systemic entry points for successful transformations towards sustainable development. These entry points have the potential to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They harness important synergies, multiplier effects, and trade-offs across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

6 transformation entry points:
  • Human wellbeing and capabilities
  • Sustainable and just economies
  • Food systems and nutrition
  • Energy decarbonization and univeral access
  • Urban and peri-urban development
  • Global environmental commons

Each entry point is introduced in its own dedicated module. You will analyze key impediments, explore pathways to transformations, and generally analyze a variety of case studies, tools, and examples.

While the course is available as a stand-alone course, it frequently forms the theoretical core of GEI's study abroad or internship abroad programs. In this regard, it introduces basic concepts, global trends, and local responses to the most pressing challenges of our time. And it sets learners on the path to develop the core competencies for future global change leaders for sustainable development.
INSTRUCTORS & COORDINATORS

Meet our core team

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

Dr. Michael Grosspietsch, PhD
CEO & Course Director

Waleed Fatth, MPH
Senior Instructor
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Academic Director, East Africa
Thuy Phan, MA
Academic Director, Southeast Asia
Kari Cousins, MA/MSc
Academic Director, Southern Africa
Yvan Rubengebenge
Operations Director, East Africa
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Operations Manager, Kenya
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Operations, Rwanda
Adeline Imanirakiza, DIS
Operations, Rwanda

Course content

FAQs - About this course

How do I apply for this course?
The majority of learners receive access to this course because they have been accepted to one of our study abroad, internship abroad, or faculty-led programs that take place in selected countries in Africa and Asia.
But even if you're not participating in one of the above programs, you're most welcome to enroll. The curriculum is highly enriching and transformational also as a stand-alone course.
How flexible is the course schedule?
The curriculum is fully asynchronous so that you can study in your own time.
We periodically add synchronous classes and community events for learners preparing for one of our study abroad or internship abroad programs.
Are there any prerequisites?
No. We strongly believe that any person on this planet should learn about sustainable development and should develop core competencies as a change leader. As such, this course is available to any college/university student as well as to professionals.
What other materials will I receive?
We have created a comprehensive course book comprising of about 120 pages which we will make available to registered learners.

FAQs - Credits

How can I receive credits for taking this course?
The course on its own isn't credit-bearing. However, if taken together with one of GEI's study abroad or internship abroad programs, it becomes credit-bearing with 4 U.S. credits via our School of Record. If you're interested in this option, please browse our program options or contact us at [email protected].
What kind of credits do you offer?
We have signed a School of Record agreement with The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Undergraduate student participants of our courses are generally eligible for U.S. credits via TCNJ. You can find more information in the following blog post: Academic Credits.
How much do credits cost?
Credits are not typically included in regular program fees. They typically cost an additional US $500 (4 credits), payable to us.
How long will it take to receive my transcript?
It can take up to 4 weeks for you or your home university to receive a transcript.

FAQs - General

Where are you located?
We are officially incorporated in New York and headquartered in Berlin. Our GEI Regional Study Centers are located in Kigali (Rwanda), Nairobi (Kenya), Cape Town (South Africa), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).We are officially incorporated in New York and headquartered in Berlin. Our GEI Regional Study Centers are located in Kigali (Rwanda), Nairobi (Kenya), Cape Town (South Africa), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
Where do you operate programs?
Our study abroad programs generally focus exclusively on our GEI Regional Study Centers in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Vietnam. That said, institutional affiliate partners regularly request that we provide their faculty-led and custom programs also in neighboring countries. As such, we have the operational capacity and experience to provide programs across our three regions – in East Africa (Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda), Southern Africa (Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe), and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).
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