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.
Featured Events
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.
Academic Events
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.
Light Center Guest Lecture Series
The Light Center brings scholars from around the world to speak on Chinese history, culture, art and contemporary society.
Light Center Brown Bag Talks
Light Center Research Grant recipients present on their projects at our ongoing Light Center Brown Bag Talk series.
Soga Japan Center Lecture Events
The Soga Japan Center offers lecture events throughout the fall and spring semesters that promote the knowledge of Japan.
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
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.
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.
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)
September 13, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)
Relax and Meditate with Tai Chi
May 12, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Central)
May 3, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)
Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind
January 27, 2025, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)
January 17, 2025, Portage District Library
November 1, 2024, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)
Chinese Painting: Brush, Body and Mind
October 4, Kalamazoo Public Library (Oshtemo)
Tea and Etiquettes
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
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
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
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.
International Student and Scholar Services
International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
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.
Global Engagement Program
The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged.
English Language Learning
The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
Asian Initiatives
WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
Faculty Enrichment
The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.