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.

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 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 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

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

94%

of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

Global Education News

A performer on stage at the 2025 Spring Gala. She holds an Asian fan and dances with the spotlight and shadow.

A celebration of Asian arts and community coming to Miller Auditorium

International students pose together at International Bazaar in WMU's Student Center.

Experience the world’s food, music and culture at WMU’s International Bazaar

WMU students posing for a photo with a faculty member in the Dominican Republic.

New study abroad experience for first-year students launches a WMU education in the Dominican Republic

Dr. Lisa Paulius and Dr. Clement Burns, both professors of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Igor Fedotov, professor of viola in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

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 at an anniversary party held at WMU.

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Dr. Paul Ciccantell, professor of sociology at WMU, and Dr. Priscilla Lambert, professor of political science.

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

Dr. Anna Popkova and her Mexican colleague, Dr. Tania Gómez Zapata, in a colorful room inPuebla, Mexico.

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

A student standing in front of a large globe sculpture.

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

A student in Pairs studying abroad standing in front of a famous glass pyramid outside the Louvre.

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

More WMU Campus News

Global Events

Global Social

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Part of WMU's Global Engagement Program, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Understanding China: A WMU Asian Initiatives Lecture Series

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.

Study Abroad Virtual Information Session

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 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, April 2, 2026 — 11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, April 8, 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, April 2, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

Global Engagement Program Awards Ceremony

April 2
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
WMU’s Global Engagement Program (GEP) celebrates and honors students for their global engagement with an awards ceremony each spring.

Study Abroad and Global Engagement Table

Friday, April 3, 2026 — 12 to 3 a.m.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Learn more about WMU study abroad and the Global Engagement Program by speaking with program alumni.

International Bazaar 2026

April 4
4 to 9 p.m.
Student Center, Western Michigan University
Get ready for a night full of delicious food, cultural performances and amazing student booths at this global celebration. Bring your friends and experience the world in one place!

Light Center for Chinese Studies Brown Bag Talk

April 7
12 to 1 p.m.
Sangren Hall
Treasure Hill Manifestation: Sculptural Renderings from an Artist Village in Taipei by Prof. Patrick Wilson, Gwen Frostic School of Art, Western Michigan University

Holi Hai

April 12
12 to 5 p.m.
Soccer Intramural Fields
Join the Indian Student Association in celebrating Holi, the vibrant Indian festival that brings people together in a joyous explosion of colors, music and culture!

Spring Gala

April 12
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University
Hosted by Western Michigan University’s Asian Initiatives, this year’s Spring Gala promises a vibrant showcase of Asian artistry, cultural traditions and community spirit.
More WMU Campus Events