Haenicke Institute for Global Education

The Global Engagement Program (GEP) at Western Michigan University is a no-cost initiative open to all WMU students. There is no application required—students are automatically included and may participate as they choose. GEP supports student engagement in campus events, curriculum with embedded global perspectives and international programs. Through these activities, students build cross-cultural competencies and earn one of three Global Engagement status levels: Global Bronco, Global Explorer, or Global Citizen. Each status reflects a student’s level of global engagement and is recognized annually by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. The Global Engagement Program directly supports WMU’s internationalization efforts by embedding global and intercultural learning into both academic and co-curricular experiences. Whether you are new to campus or preparing for graduation, GEP helps you build skills valued by global employers and graduate schools. Students can track eligible activities and monitor their status through ExperienceWMU, the campus engagement platform.

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

Flexible. Inclusive. Global.

The GEP was designed with maximum flexibility to accommodate all students—regardless of background, experience or major. You don’t need to be a seasoned traveler or cultural expert to benefit—GEP is where global learning begins.

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, a commuter or residential student, an international student or someone new to cross-cultural learning, this program is for you.

GEP reflects WMU’s commitment to global engagement for all—helping students expand their horizons, strengthen cross-cultural communication and develop cultural humility. All opportunities are provided at no cost to students.

GEP Status Pathways

Students earn status by engaging in campus events, completing approved courses and participating in globally oriented experiences. Each status can be earned independently and repeated as students continue their engagement:

global bronco

Global Bronco

$500 study abroad scholarship for attending any six "Global Engagement" events and choose from any two core Global Bronco requirements
global explorer

Global Explorer

$1,000 study abroad scholarship for completing any of the 100+ GEP-approved courses AND GIST 3100
global citizen

Global Citizen

Letter of recommendation for meeting two Global Citizen requirements such as studying abroad, applying for a Fulbright scholarship or declaring a world language major or minor
GEP Overview

GEP Study abroad scholarships are repeatable – you can re-earn any of the statuses as well as the scholarships. However, scholarships are not stackable. Students can only redeem one GEP scholarship per study abroad experience. GEP scholarships can be combined with additional study abroad scholarships from HIGE and throughout WMU.

There is so much to learn at the global level, and if you get locked in on a certain thing or place, you miss out on so many opportunities and possibilities. The opportunity to go out into the world and meet people on a global scale is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
— Megan Garrett, Transfer Student, '26

Coursework Supporting Global Competence

advisor

The Global Engagement Program includes both co-curricular and academic pathways. The integration of curricular and co-curricular learning strengthens students' ability to engage across cultures in academic, professional, and personal contexts. Students can advance their GEP status by participating in globally focused academic courses offered by departments across campus. Approved GEP courses include: Courses developed and taught by Global Learning at WMU. Current list for fall 2025: GIST 3100, CRN: 44283 and 44897. Courses with international content from various disciplines. For a complete list of 100+ qualifying courses, please reach out to us at hige-globalengagement@wmich.edu. These academic offerings ensure students build global awareness and intercultural skills not only through events, but also through structured classroom learning.

Student Success and Awards

Students who earn any GEP status are honored each spring at the Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony. The ceremony recognizes student achievement and highlights the university’s commitment to global learning.

 

A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students. The Global Engagement Program (GEP) honors students with an awards ceremony each year. Through participation in global events and courses, students earn different statuses like Global Bronco, Global Explorer and Global Citizen. Each status comes with unique rewards, including scholarships for studying abroad. Nearly 180 students were recognized for earning a new GEP statuses this year.  

Photos by Libby Stefanich for the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Events and Activities

Global Learning at WMU organizes and delivers a core set of annual events that foster global engagement and intercultural connection. These events are fully coordinated by our team and take place each academic year—some in the fall, others in the spring. They serve as anchor experiences for internationalization on campus.

In addition to these flagship events, we actively support a wide range of cross-cultural programs, student-led initiatives, and partner events through the Global Engagement Program and campus collaborations.

Students can find many more opportunities to stay globally engaged throughout the year by exploring the ExperienceWMU platform.

International Festival

International Festival

International Festival is a showcase of the diversity of the student body at WMU. Students from around the world share their cultures, fashions and food with the Kalamazoo community.
Mini Cultural Festival

Mini Cultural Festival

The Mini Cultural Festival is an opportunity to learn more about cultures from around the world and to share your own cultural heritage, customs, and traditions in a one-on-one setting. Organized in a speed-networking format, participants engage in brief conversations to connect and exchange cultural insights.
global social

Global Socials

Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students. This is a great opportunity to drop in to learn more and ask questions about GEP and study abroad. Global Socials take place during both the Spring and Fall semesters.
International Education Week

International Education Week

International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Check our calendar in the Fall for International Education Week events!
GEP award ceremony

Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony

At the end of the Spring semester, the Global Engagement Program award ceremony honors and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our students who have earned statuses in the Global Engagement Program. The ceremony is followed by a casual reception where students can network and connect with other globally engaged students, staff and faculty.
Upcoming GEP Events

130+

Global Engagement events

1,200+

international students on campus from more than 90 countries

80+

study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff

Frequently Asked Questions

No! Taking part in the GEP comes at no cost to students. In some cases, completion of specific requirements at the Global Explorer and Global Citizen level (including for-credit courses at WMU and study abroad trips) will have associated fees. However, participation in the GEP offers the opportunity for unique study abroad scholarships with low barriers to entry.

Students are not able to "stack" multiple scholarships for one trip. However, students could use the $1,000 scholarship for one study abroad trip and the $500 scholarship for a different one. GEP scholarships can be combined with another study abroad scholarships issued through WMU, including Pell Grant Scholarships.

The best way to track your progress is through ExperienceWMU. Log in to view your progress in the Global Bronco, Global Explorer, and Global Citizen categories. This is also where you can self-report certain requirements. This instructional video guides you through the Global Engagement Pathway in ExperienceWMU.

Yes! Students are welcome to earn any status more than once. Suppose you earn a Global Bronco status and use the $500 study abroad scholarship reward. In that case, you can repeat the Global Bronco category and use another $500 scholarship for a second study abroad experience.

Yes! Both graduate and undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Global Engagement Program at WMU and can view their paths in ExperienceWMU. At this time, graduate students are only eligible for the statuses and scholarships associated with Global Bronco and Global Citizen.

Yes! Any student attending WMU is automatically a part of the Global Engagement Program and can participate, earn rewards, and enjoy globally engaging activities on and off campus. 

Most events, including ones organized by the Haenicke Institute or Global Engagement Program, will be tracked by swiping Bronco IDs upon entry. Please bring and swipe your Bronco ID to receive credit for events. 

Contact the Haenicke Institute for Global Education at @email or schedule an appointment with a member of the Global Engagement Team.

Contact the Haenicke Institute for Global Education at hige-globalengagement@wmich.edu or schedule an appointment with a member of the Global Engagement Team.
Schedule an Appointment

Global Engagement Program: Conference Contributions

Advancing Global Learning: The Global Engagement Program (GEP) at Western Michigan University actively contributes to the discourse on international education through participation in key conferences. Our presentations and posters highlight our commitment to global learning and collaboration.

gep 2023 presentation

Assessment Institute at IUPUI (2023)

GEP presented on integrating assessment strategies within global engagement initiatives.
hige poster 2024

NAFSA Region VI Conference (2024)

In Cincinnati, Ohio, GEP shared insights on fostering institutional partnerships to enhance global learning experiences.
nasfa 2025 poster

NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo (2025)

The Virtual Networking Model was presented at NAFSA 2025 and is an integral component of the GEP course GIST 3100, designed to prepare students for global interactions. It is supported by a LinkedIn Profile Guide, which is distributed to students during class.
how to use linkedin

How to Use LinkedIn (2025)

This guide was created with the latest LinkedIn platform recommendations on building an effective profile, adapted to help students successfully complete the Virtual Networking Model activity.

About the 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. 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.
—
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

The Haenicke Institute's study abroad unit hosts more than 80 programs in 30 countries around the world.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute enjoys formal 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 intensive English language courses online and in-person.
Students talking on campus

Global Learning

The Global Engagement Program supports campus events and activities designed to foster a more globally engaged community.
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia. The unit provides language and culture opportunities on campus and in the greater Southwest Michigan community.

Support Global Education

Thank you for considering investing in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will help support increased global engagement of Western Michigan University's students, faculty, and staff and internationalization efforts across campus. Visit the WMU Office of Development and Alumni Relations to make your gift.
Make a Donation