INTERNSHIP ABROAD PROGRAM

GLOBAL CUSTOM INTERNSHIP

A 4-credit multidisciplinary custom internship in Vietnam

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Internship Program
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Intern Abroad Destination: Vietnam
  • Dates: Flexible (Year-Round)
  • Credit: 4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain Hands-On Experience in a Global Work Environment
Embark on a transformative international internship that goes beyond traditional work experience. The Global Custom Internship program places students and early-career professionals in highly engaging, multi-disciplinary roles with vetted local organizations, offering a unique opportunity to develop professional skills while driving meaningful change.

Participants are matched with a host organization based on their field of study, skills, and career goals, ensuring a personalized and relevant experience. Internship placements span diverse sectors such as business, social innovation, global studies, communications, public health, education, sustainability, engineering, and natural resource management. In collaboration with local colleagues, interns gain hands-on experience, intercultural competencies, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Beyond the placement, GEI provides a structured learning environment that includes professional mentoring, peer engagement, and leadership development opportunities. The program is worth 4 U.S. undergraduate credit hours and includes key academic components such as a digital portfolio and formal supervisory meetings.

Custom placements are available year-round, with flexible durations (minimum 4 weeks).
Program Highlights
  • Industry-relevant experience: Gain hands-on exposure in your field while contributing to projects with real impact.
  • Global perspective & networking: Work alongside local colleagues, broaden your professional network, and develop intercultural communication skills.
  • Mentorship & structured learning: Benefit from expert guidance, leadership training, and reflective learning modules.
  • Tailored placement & flexibility: Intern in one of five destinations in Africa and Southeast Asia, with placements customized to your interests and schedule.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Custom Internship is a professional placement spanning a minimum of four weeks, plus pre-program eLearning. It provides students and early-career professionals with the opportunity to develop and apply their skills in a real-world international work environment.

Participants are placed with a vetted local organization in one of various fields, including, but not limited to, business, social innovation, global studies, communications, public health, education, sustainability, engineering, and natural resource management. Interns are matched based on their level of study, skills, and career goals, with a customized placement plan developed in advance.

Students benefit from a pre-placement orientation, a weekly classroom or field session with interdisciplinary training, and a weekly formal supervisory meeting.
Learning Outcomes
  • Professional competence in a global setting – Gain hands-on experience in your field by working with local organizations, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, and enhancing your technical and professional skills in an international work environment.
  • Cultural adaptability and communication – Develop the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, improving intercultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in a global professional setting.
  • Integration of global perspectives with professional practice – Connect your internship experience to broader global challenges, understanding how industries, social innovation, and sustainable development intersect in different cultural and economic contexts.
Further Details
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PROGRAM LOCATION: VIETNAM

The Asian Dragon is undergoing some of the fastest socio-economic changes any country in the world has seen. It is a major development success story with remarkable rates of economic growth since the start of massive political and economic reforms in 1986. But the lure of modern living has a deep impact on the traditional networks of family and community that continue to play a pivotal role in society.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Vietnam is a highly inspiring Asian leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.


As part of the program, you will experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic cities. In Ho Chi Minh City, take an innovative walking exploration of the traditional Binh Quoi area, visit key historical sites in Old Saigon, and learn about the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels.


Vietnam is also incredibly diverse in landscapes and traditions. Enjoy floating markets in the Mekong Delta, row boat rides along river estuaries, and bike through local villages.

Visit workshops for rice paper, coconut candy, and puffed rice, and learn to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes. Spend weekends exploring Hanoi, the ancient towns of Hue and Hoi An, or the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay. Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to Angkor Wat, is also just a quick trip away.

Vietnam’s café culture is thriving, and you’ll get to experience egg coffee in Hanoi or a strong Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Try traditional street food like banh mi (baguette sandwiches) and pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), and witness the art of water puppet theater, a centuries-old performance tradition.

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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 4+ weeks in Vietnam. For this time, GEI Vietnam 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

Year-round (4+ weeks)

3 months prior to program start

US $2,850 (4 weeks)
US $550 per additional week

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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