Asian Initiatives

ai_slideshow_5 — Asian Initiatives

Enhancing scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on WMU's campus and beyond.

Apply Now to WMU Asian Studies Minor

WMU Asian Initiatives, a unit of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, works to enhance scholarship and disseminate knowledge about East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan. We offer research, publication, funding and conference opportunities for interested faculty. We also partner with area K-12 schools, libraries, community centers and other locations to enhance our outreach. Two centers — The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies and The Soga Japan Center — support this work.

A guest lecture presentation hosted by WMU Asian Initiatives

Light Center for Chinese Studies

Established in fall 2010, the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies was created to enhance the work of faculty and graduate researchers at Western Michigan University who have expertise in some field of Sinology, or teaching or research interests in China.

The Soga Japan Center

The Soga Japan Center, established in 2005, supports advances in the knowledge of Japanese history; culture; business; science and technology. It also support research and community outreach in this area.

Featured Programs

Asian Forum

The Asian Forum at WMU brings together academics, artists, scholars and international education professionals from Asia and the West to engage in dialogue and explore issues related to Asia and the global community through a multidisciplinary conference.

Spring Gala

Supported by community groups, WMU faculty, staff and students, Spring Gala serves as a platform to honor and showcase Asia’s rich cultural traditions. Through mesmerizing dance routines, musical performances and theatrical presentations, the joyous occasion fosters cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.

Chinese Speech Contest

The annual High School Chinese Speech Contest provides a stage for Chinese language learners to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese and practice communicating with each other.

For more programs, academic and cultural events:

Asian Initiative Events

Additional Resources

Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

The Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) group promotes and provides programming to showcase the fascinating art, culture and intellectual achievements of the complex and diverse world region of Asia. Members host and attend art and cultural exhibitions; activities; workshops; lectures; tours; and community discussions.

Study Chinese or Japanese at WMU

The department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University is at the heart of the university’s commitment to global engagement and citizenship. Students have the opportunity to learn Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and classical Greek and Latin.

Study Abroad in Asia

WMU Study Abroad hosts short- and long-term programs throughout Asia. Travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and more. Experiences are designed for students to learn abroad with their WMU peers and faculty or to study as an independent traveller.

Global Innovation MBA Program in Taiwan

Western Michigan University's MBA program in Taiwan offers maximum flexibility, in-demand coursework and a valuable network of professional contacts. With a focus on global business strategy, including AI, big data, and environmental, social and governance frameworks, you will get the skills you need to reach your career goals.

A photo of Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, which offers its students the unique opportunity to earn a business degree from Western Michigan University.

Western Michigan Institute, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics

The Guizhou University of Finance and Economics in China offers its students a unique opportunity to earn a business bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. This B.B.A. degree program is taught by WMU professors at both Ghuizou University of Finance and Economics and Western Michigan University for select students studying accounting, financial, or electronic business marketing.

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.

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International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

WMU 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.

Faculty Engagement

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

English Languge Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers intensive English language study.

Global Learning

The Haenicke Institute facilitates a variety of large- and small-scale events, experiences and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on WMU's campus and beyond.

Learn More about Global Education at WMU

Global News

Greg Jasperse, associate professor of applied jazz voice, teaches a voice lesson at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards

Two Western Michigan University faculty received Fulbright Specialist Awards to support overseas consulting and advocacy work this summer.

Students receiving awards at a Global Engagement Program Awards ceremony in April 2025.

Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus

A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center this month to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students both at home and abroad.

Students and staff presenting on international education in 2025.

WMU marks its place in international education

Western Michigan University’s robust internationalization efforts will be on display throughout the United States in 2025, with students and staff presenting at major international education conferences.

Light Center for Chinese Studies launches Spring Guest Lecture Series

Western Michigan University’s Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies will begin its 2025 Spring Guest Lecture Series this month. All events are free and open to the public.

Spring Gala to return to Miller Auditorium

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces Spring Gala 2025. Join us March 22 at Miller Auditorium for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the beauty of Asian culture and champion diversity, peace and love in Kalamazoo.

Click below to read more news of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and Western Michigan University.

Global News

WMU Campus News