Haenicke Institute for Global Education

 

Asian Initiatives of Haenicke Institute for global Education of WMU oversees and helps to support university community outreach efforts, collaborated international academic programs, and scholarly conferences.

Our community outreach efforts bring Chinese and Japanese language and culture programs into area schools, libraries, and other community center. We also offer community classes for the public including Taichi. We are proud to annually host Chinese Speech contests and major cultural events such as the Spring Gala and High School Summer Camp.

Academic Events

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Asian Forum

The purpose of the Asian Forum at WMU is to bring together academicians, artists, scholars and international education professionals from Asia and the West to dialogue and explore various aspects and issues related to Asia and the global community through a multidisciplinary and multi-faceted conference.
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Light Center Guest Lecture Series

The Light Center brings scholars from around the world to speak on Chinese history, culture, art and contemporary society.
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Light Center Brown Bag Talks

Light Center Research Grant recipients present on their projects at our ongoing Light Center Brown Bag Talk series.
Students share research on Japan at an event of the Soga Japan Center.

Soga Japan Center Lecture Events

The Soga Japan Center offers lecture events throughout the fall and spring semesters that promote the knowledge of Japan. 
A headshot of Dr. Ming Li standing in front of a building.

International Forum in Chinese

In order to strengthen the relationship between Western Michigan University and its international partners in Chinese-speaking countries and regions, and to enhance the relationship and connection between WMU and its alumni and visiting scholars from Chinese-speaking countries and regions, Dr. Ming Li and Dr. Ying Zeng initiated the WMU International Forum in Chinese.  

Cultural Events

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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 Chinese Speech Contest provides a stage for outstanding middle school and high school Chinese language students to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese and communicate with each other.
International dress

Japanese Events

Soga Japan Center proudly organizes a variety of cultural events, offering students, parents, and the local community meaningful opportunities to explore and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
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Summer Camp in China

Join us for an amazing two-week Chinese language and cultural immersion experience, featuring a range of curricular and extracurricular activities. Selected students will receive scholarships to cover all expenses in China.

Community Events

We host various community events, including Chinese and Japanese cultural activities. Each event offers a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in Asian culture, learn new skills, and connect with the community.

2026 Events

November 8, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Relax and Meditate with Tai Chi

January 2026, Portage District Library

Tai Chi and Meditation

February 2026, Kalamazoo Public Library

Lunar New Year Celebration

February 2026, Portage District Library

Family Lunar New Year Celebration

March 2026, Portage District Library

Chinese Calligraphy and Self Reflection

October 27, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Chinese Calligraphy and Self-Reflection

October 11, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Relax and Meditate with Tai Chi

September 30, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Mid-Autumn Festival

September 13, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Relax and Meditate with Tai Chi

May 12, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Central)

Dragon Boat Festival

May 3, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind

January 27, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Lunar New Year Celebration

January 17, 2025, Portage District Library

Introduction to Tai Chi

November 1, 2024, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo) 

Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind

October 4, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Tea and Etiquettes

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September 17, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

August 21, Bronson Park

Workout Wednesdays - Tai Chi Beginner

June 23, JAFAX in Grand Rapids

Panels at JAFAX in Grand Rapids

May 25, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Encounter Tai Chi

May 20, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration

May 3, Online

Japanese Children's Day Virtual Celebration

April 18, Portage District Library

Tea Ceremony Workshop

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March 19, Portage District Library

Elementary Chinese Painting/Calligraphy Workshop

March 4, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

March 2, Portage District Library

Chinese Painting Workshop for Adults

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February 20, Portage District Library

Chinese Painting/Calligraphy Workshop

February 7, Portage District Library

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

February 6, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

October 30, This Is a Bookstore

Godzilla event

September 29, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

August 16, Bronson Park

Workout Wednesdays - Tai Chi Beginner

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July 20, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Sushi making workshop

June 23, JAFAX in Grand Rapids

Panels at JAFAX in Grand Rapids

May 12-July 28, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center

Cross Currents: East/West Woodblock prints exhibition

May 5, Online

Japanese Children's Day Virtual Celebration

April 20, Kalamazoo College

Night of Rakugo with KATSURA Sunshine

March 3, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

January 27, Portage Zhang Senior Center

Tai Chi Fitness Sampler

September 17, Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center

Destination Series of Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center - "How to Make Sushi-roll" workshops

September 9, Portage Zhang Senior Center

Moon Festival Celebration

March 3, Online

Virtual Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) Celebration

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. We assist more than 2,000 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.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

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.
Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 
Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

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