Spotlight: International Education Week

A thumbnail for IEW

Several events are scheduled from Nov. 3 to 7. All are free and open to the public. 

The International Experience: Panel Discussions, Nov. 3, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Student Center Ballroom A is one of the week's highlights.  Hear from WMU’s global community at two different panel discussions. Study Abroad alumni will speak about their journeys around the world from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. After, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., members of WMU’s international faculty will discuss their journey to Kalamazoo.  

Another highlight of the week is the International Research Exhibition, Reception and Presentation of Posters, Nov. 5, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Student Center. While you can browse the displays at any time, join us on Wednesday for a special viewing with our Global Social and Conversation Circle groups. A Reception and Presentation of Posters will be from 2 to 4 p.m. 

There will also be two guest lectures hosted by Asian Initiatives, a unit of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

  • "When AI Meets Chinese Language Teaching: How Teachers Can Thrive in the New Era will be Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. in Brown Hall, Room 3030. Dr. Zhongqi Shi, senior lecturer in Chinese at Columbia University, will present.
  • "Streaming Samurai: Historical Japan in Contemporary Media" will be Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. in Brown Hall, Room 3025. Dr. Ethan Segal, associate professor in the department of history at Michigan State University, will present.

Campus and community partners are invited to plan events to celebrate international education. For a full listing, and to learn about other ways to engage, visit the International Education Week events page.

Haenicke Institute Regular Programming

Students talking on campus

Conversation Circles

Help international students make connections and practice conversational English. The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) hosts Conversation Circles most Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Students learning at an OPT workshop

OPT Workshops for International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a service provided by International Student and Scholar Services to assist recently graduated international students in obtaining real-world work experience during their stay in the United States.

Global Social

Global Socials

Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students. All are welcome!

Birthday celebration image of cupcake and Western logo

International Birthday Celebration

On the last Thursday of every month, The Haenicke Institute hosts a special celebration for international students and scholars who have a birthday during that month!

Major Events

A photo from the 2025 Spring Gala

Spring Gala

Join us on March 22 for the Spring Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of Asian culture and championing diversity, peace and love in Kalamazoo. The theater doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 6 p.m. Hands-on cultural activities for all ages will start at 4:30 p.m.

International Education Week photo study abroad session

International Education Week

Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education hosted International Education Week: Internationalization on Campus and Beyond in 2024. Several events were scheduled to celebrate global diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.

International Education Week 2024

International Festival

A popular event since 1989, WMU's International Festival showcases the diverse student body at WMU. Students from around the world share their cultures, dance and fashion with the Kalamazoo community.

International Bazaar

International Bazaar

Hosted by International Student Council in partnership with the Haenicke Institute, International Bazaar brings students and the Kalamazoo community around the world without leaving Western Michigan University's campus. Last year's inaugural event featured international cuisine, handmade crafts, performances and fun activities like face painting and games.

Classes & Other Activities

Guest Lecture Images

Light Center for Chinese Studies Lecture Series

WMU's Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies hosts a guest lecture series every year to enhance the work of faculty and graduate researchers specializing in Sinology, as well as those with teaching or research interests in China.

Mini Cultural Festival

Mini Cultural Festival

Part of the Global Engagement Program, 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. It happens twice a year.

Career

International Student Career Fair Preparation Event

Hosted by International Student Council with support from International Student and Scholar Services, as well as WMU's Career and Student Employment office, this event provides support to international students preparing for career fairs in the United States.

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration

We welcomed the Year of the Snake with the  Kalamazoo Public Library. This family event featured dancing, crafts and more.

Spirit of Japan

Spirit of Japan

Join the WMU Soga Japan Center to learn about the language, culture and calligraphy of Japan.

Participants at a Soga Joan Center Special Talk

Soga Japan Center Special Talks

The WMU Soga Japan Center hosts an ongoing Special Talk series to highlight research and scholarship on Japan.