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 2,500 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.  

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

International student holding W hands at graduation time
WMU has prepared me to be a better version of myself.
— Esther Forson, International Student from Ghana, WMU Class of 2025
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express Advising for international students is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Advising for study abroad is available by appointment.
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Haenicke Institute for Global Education Programming

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

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 on campus

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 
Students studying

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Engagement

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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More about Global Education at WMU

1,050+

international students on campus representing 95 foreign countries

—Fall Enrollment Data, 2025

520+

students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year

—Study Abroad Enrollment Data, 2024-2025

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Global Engagement Program Participation Data, 2024-2025

Global Education News

Guatemala study abroad

Student produces short documentary on the impact of studying abroad

fulbright awardees

Three WMU faculty earn prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards

Timothy Light Center Fall 2025 Grant Award Recipients: Dr. Sophie Tang, Dr. Victor Cunrui Xion and Dr. Xiaojun Wang

Light Center for Chinese Studies funds a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online language studies platform in 2025

A group photo of CELCIS faculty and staff past and present

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Ciccantell and Lambert

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

A promotional image for International Education Week

Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

gilman scholarship

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

More Global Education News
More WMU Campus News

Global Events

Global Social

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Study Abroad Information Session

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Virtual with WMU Study Abroad
Discuss frequently asked questions and learn how to find study abroad programs that meet your academic needs.

OPT Workshops for International Students

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 — 11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 — 10 to 11 a.m.
3110 Faunce Student Services
Students with F-1 visas can learn how to apply for U.S. temporary employment authorization to gain field-related work experience.

Conversation Circle

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

International Education: Balancing Collaboration and Innovation with National Security

Feb. 19
3 to 6:30 p.m.
Student Center
This two-panel event brings together national and campus thought leaders to discuss the value and potential national security risks of hosting international students on American campuses. It will explore these topics, showcase the contributions international students make to WMU and beyond, and examine the changing landscape of global education. Open to both the campus and the community!

Mini Cultural Festival Spring 2026

Feb. 19
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
WMU Student Center
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.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 — 4 to 5 p.m.
Kalamazoo Public Library
Join us to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

Understanding China : A WMU Asian Initiatives Lecture Series

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sangren Hall, Western Michigan University
Join us for a three-part lecture series on "Understanding China." Learn about the Year of the Horse, the current education landscape and Chinese cultural life.
More Global Education Events
More WMU Campus Events