Western Michigan University (WMU) maintains formal agreements with over 100 international partner institutions, creating opportunities for faculty to conduct research, teach, or offer expertise abroad. These pathways are supported by university-endorsed programs and travel protocols designed to enhance global engagement.

Key Resources

• Fulbright Grants: These include semester, academic year, and short-term opportunities in more than 135 countries. WMU provides institutional guidance such as proposal coaching and liaison support through its Fulbright Faculty and Scholar page.
• Short-Term Faculty Exchange: These reciprocal teaching and research residencies range from two to six weeks and are offered in partnership with select universities abroad. Learn more via the faculty exchange resource page.
• Timothy Light Faculty Research Grant: Offers up to $4,000 to support research, creative work, or field studies focused on Greater China. Details are available at the Light Center’s grant information page.
• Employee International Travel Guidelines: WMU-sponsored travel must be registered and follows university travel insurance and risk protocols. Access details on the employee travel information page.

The Haenicke Institute provides and administers international travel funding through the IEFDF (International Education Faculty Development Fund), the International Collaboration Seed Grant (ICSG), and the Fulbright Pre-Application Seed Grant. 

https://wmich.edu/global/faculty/grants

Through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), WMU faculty can co-develop and co-teach courses with international peers, allowing students to engage in cross-cultural collaboration without leaving campus.

Key Resource

• Global Classrooms Collaborative Grant: (GCC) Faculty can apply for funding to join a semester long facilitator lead learning community to learn about how to design and implement a COIL. 

• Global Classrooms Curriculum Development Grant (GCCDG) Faculty can apply for funding to redesign their existing course to include a COIL component. 

  Application details for both grants are available on the Faculty Grants Page. 

Each year, WMU recognizes outstanding faculty and staff contributions to internationalization in teaching, research, creative activity, or service.

Key Resource

• Global Engagement Award: Nomination guidelines and past honorees can be found on the Global Engagement Award page.

WMU’s internationalization initiatives promote global thinking across academic programs, administrative processes, and student services.

Key Resources

• Internationalization Initiative
• Global Learning Outcomes
• Welcome Initiatives
• International Education Council

Faculty may host international scholars and professionals on campus through WMU’s structured invitation process.

Key Resources

• Inviting International Visitors: Guidelines and required forms are listed on the inviting visitors page.
• Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund: This fund supports short-term visits by Fulbright Scholars. Learn more at the Outreach Lecturing Fund site.
• Timothy Light Chinese Studies Mini-Grant: Provides financial support for hosting experts in Chinese studies. Visit the Light Center mini-grant page.