Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and Experience-Driven Learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist more than 2,500 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.  

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

International student holding W hands at graduation time
WMU has prepared me to be a better version of myself.
— Esther Forson, International Student from Ghana, WMU Class of 2025
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express Advising for international students is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Advising for study abroad is available by appointment.
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Haenicke Institute for Global Education Programming

A young man making the Western W with his hands.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student holding a WMU flag at a foreign location.

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.
Students studying

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
Students talking on campus

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
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More about Global Education at WMU

2,100+

international students on campus and abroad from more than 90 countries

—Common Data Set '24-'25

450+

students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year

—Common Data Set '24-'25

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Common Data Set '24-'25

Global Education News

More Global Education News
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Global Events

Conversation Circle

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

Global Social

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Halloween Bash

Oct. 31
5 to 7 p.m.
Britton/Hadley Hall
Join us on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a fun Halloween Bash to help international students celebrate this uniquely American holiday.

International Education Week

Nov. 3, 2025 — midnight to Nov. 7, 2025 — 11:59 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Join us as we celebrate global diversity and explore cross-cultural connections through guest lectures, panel discussions, research presentations and more.

Light Center for Chinese Studies Guest Lecture Series

Nov. 3
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Brown Hall, Western Michigan University
“When AI Meets Chinese Language Teaching: How Teachers Can Thrive in the New Era" by Dr. Zhongqi Shi, a senior lecturer in Chinese at Columbia University.
More Global Education Events
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