Haenicke Institute for Global Education

global learning hero
Every student deserves a global experience. At WMU, Global Learning creates opportunities that connect you to the world.
Global Events Global Engagement Program

Global Learning

Global Learning at WMU leads campus internationalization by bridging gaps and building connections between domestic and international students. We believe that every student brings valuable knowledge, perspectives, and lived experience—and that these should be exchanged meaningfully across cultures. We facilitate a variety of large and small-scale events, experiences, and academic courses catering to both domestic and international students. Our mission is to integrate international students seamlessly into campus life while providing domestic students with exposure to global perspectives.

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

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

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.

130+

Global Engagement events

1,200+

international students on campus from more than 90 countries

80+

study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff

Interested in partnering with us?

Your event can count towards Global Engagement Program credit! We also provide resources, funding, staff and promotion to globally engaged programs across campus.

Event Partnership Form

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.
More About Global Education at WMU
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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

Meet Our Partners

At Global Learning at WMU, we believe that collaboration is essential to building a truly global campus. To amplify our impact, we work alongside internationally engaged faculty, staff, and students across campus.

Our partners include academic units, student organizations, and cultural institutions that share our mission of global engagement. Together, we co-create programs, events, and initiatives that connect students across backgrounds and disciplines.

global engagement partners