Western Michigan University (WMU) is proud to be recognized among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. As a globally engaged institution, we are committed to promoting international scholarship and cultural exchange through our longstanding partnership with the Fulbright Program.

Whether you are a faculty member exploring international teaching opportunities, an administrator seeking to enhance institutional collaboration, or a visiting scholar preparing to join WMU, there is a Fulbright opportunity for you.

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WMU is recognized among top ten Fulbright producers among research intensive universities in the nation.

Fulbright U.S Scholar Program

Each year, more than 800 U.S. scholars and professionals engage in international research and lecturing through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. These awards are open to academics at all career stages, including emeriti faculty.

Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards
Over 400 awards are available each year in over 135 countries. Scholars can teach, conduct research, or engage in a combination of both.

  • Application opens: February 1
  • National deadline: September 15

 

 

The Fulbright Specialist Program, a short-term complement to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as expert consultants on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning, and related subjects at overseas academic institutions for two to six weeks.

  •  Applications for the Fulbright Specialist Program are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed several times yearly.

For more information on either the Scholar or Specialist awards, faculty may contact Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, Fulbright Scholar Liaison, by email at: michelle.metro-roland@wmich.edu

IEA Seminars are intensive two-week experiences designed for international education professionals and senior university administrators. Participants engage in site visits, policy briefings, and networking to strengthen their institutional global engagement.

Activities include:

  • Campus and cultural site visits
  • Meetings with faculty, government officials, and education experts
  • Exploration of foreign education systems and policies

Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.)
  • Role as international education administrator (e.g., study abroad advisors, admissions officers) or senior-level university administrator (e.g., deans, provosts)

Since the 1980s, WMU has hosted Fulbright Scholars and Fellows from around the world. These visiting academics contribute to our global learning environment by conducting research, engaging with students, and sharing their cultures.

Through programs like the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Program, scholars participate in:

  • Campus and community events
  • Cultural excursions throughout Michigan
  • Interdisciplinary academic exchanges

Fulbright Fellow Anna Kharchenko discusses her experiences coming to Kalamazoo.

The Outreach Lecturing Fund enables institutions to invite Fulbright Visiting Scholars currently in the U.S. for guest lectures, panel discussions, and workshops. This initiative enriches campus dialogue and fosters cross-cultural learning.

WMU offers robust support for international scholars and fellows through orientation programs, community integration, and academic guidance.

Our Campus Community

  • Students from 100+ countries
  • Nearly 25,000 students, 20% in graduate programs
  • Faculty trained at top global institutions

About Kalamazoo

Located two hours from Chicago, Kalamazoo offers big-city resources in a welcoming small-town environment. From vibrant downtown life to lakeside recreation, it’s an ideal place to live and learn.

Fulbright Fellow Djibril Sano talks about WMU.

Health & Resources

All Fulbright participants are required to carry health insurance during their stay.
Visit the WMU International Student Orientation page to prepare for your arrival.

Questions?

For inquiries about Fulbright programs or support for visiting scholars, please contact
Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland
Fulbright Scholar Liaison
michelle.metro-roland@wmich.edu