Study sustainable development through immersive, ethically grounded programs that examine environmental, economic, and social change across Africa and Southeast Asia.
GEI’s Sustainable Development track is offered through a small number of structured program formats, each available in multiple destinations. Choose the format that fits your goals, then explore where you can study.
GLOBAL FIELD ENGAGEMENT
An intensive introduction to sustainable development focused on environmental systems, livelihoods, and community-based approaches. Students explore how development initiatives are shaped by local context, policy, and partnership.
GLOBAL PRACTICUM
A focused, applied program for students seeking deeper engagement with sustainability practice. The practicum emphasizes learning from local organizations, field-based inquiry, and critical reflection on development models.
SUMMER
A combined academic experience bringing together short-term field engagement and practicum-style learning. Designed for students seeking sustained immersion in sustainability and development themes.
SEMESTER
A full-semester program offering in-depth academic study and experiential learning focused on sustainable development challenges and locally grounded solutions.
INTERNSHIPS
Customized internship placements aligned with sustainability and development interests, designed in collaboration with community partners, NGOs, and social enterprises.
GEI’s Sustainable Development track examines how communities, institutions, and ecosystems navigate economic, environmental, and social change. Programs emphasize understanding development as a complex, context-driven process rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Learning takes place through ethically grounded engagement with local organizations and practitioners. Students are encouraged to critically examine development models, power dynamics, and sustainability trade-offs while learning alongside community partners.
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Regional expertise: Long-standing presence and partnerships across Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Ethical & reciprocal engagement: Programs emphasize collaboration, mutual learning, and long-term partnership.
- Experiential, field-based learning: Academic study is integrated with site visits, applied projects, and reflection.
- Academic rigor & credit support: Credit-bearing programs supported by GEI’s U.S.-based school of record.
- Sustainable livelihoods and economic development
- Environmental sustainability and resource management
- Climate change and adaptation
- Urbanization and infrastructure
- Social equity and inclusive development
- Ethics, power, and responsibility in development practice
Sustainable Development programs are offered in multiple countries, each providing a distinct learning context shaped by local environments, economies, and development priorities.
- Ghana: Community-based development initiatives and sustainability practice in West African contexts
- Kenya: Community development initiatives and urban–rural sustainability dynamics
- Rwanda: Health systems strengthening and post-conflict public health development
- South Africa: Inequality, policy, and sustainable urban development
- Thailand: Environmental sustainability and community-based development models
- Vietnam: Rapid development, urbanization, and environmental change
The Sustainable Development track is well-suited for students interested in development studies, environmental science, public policy, international relations, urban planning, or related fields. Many participants use these programs to deepen academic interests, build global competencies, and prepare for future study or work in sustainability-focused sectors.
