Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech

🌍 Rwanda Study Abroad Program Spotlight

Founded by ISyEs Anderson-Interface Chair of Natural Systems and Professor Valerie Thomas in 2020, the Rwanda Study Abroad program continues to grow, reaching its largest cohort yet this year. Now co‑led by Tony Giarrusso (City and Regional Planning) and Chris Ippolito (Modern Languages), the program reflects a truly interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development education.

While the experience has primarily served undergraduate students, this year marks an exciting expansion with the addition of a concurrent graduate opportunity: the MBA International Practicum at the Scheller College of Business, initiated by Michael Oxman.

Pictured here is the 2026 combined cohort during a visit to the Rwanda Energy Group, engaging firsthand with leaders and organizations shaping energy and development solutions on the ground.