International Education Week

KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education hosted International Education Week: Internationalization on Campus and Beyond in 2024. Several events were scheduled from November 18 to 22 to celebrate global diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. All events were free and open to the public.

Highlights included:

• A Glimpse into Global Cultures on Monday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m., the Student Center, Room 2211. Students from around the world will present their customs, traditions and individual experiences as they share their journey to Kalamazoo. Get a glimpse into the global perspectives on WMU’s campus as you hear firsthand accounts of international students hailing from Angola, Pakistan and Portugal.  
• Engineers Without Borders: Local and international student projects on Monday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2211. WMU’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter is helping to design a water system for the San Antonio de Upa community in Nicaragua. This system is expected to impact about 500 lives and bring water to the village for generations to come. Join us to hear how WMU students are transcending oceans to make the world a better place.
• Tips from International Professionals on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 4:00 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2213. This session will focus on how to thrive in a globalized and multicultural world. Get tips for working in an international environment from WMU scholars. Topics include recognizing cultural dynamics, effective communication strategies and appreciating the personal journeys of the individuals around us. Speakers include Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Dr. Irma Lopez, dean of the Lee Honors College; Dr. Pablo Pastrana-Pérez, chair of the Department of Spanish; and Dr. Elizabeth Isidro, director of the McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic.
• Addressing International Conflict: Strategies for effectively managing disputes on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5:00 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2213. Speakers will provide insights into how diverse cultures approach conflict resolution and share strategies for effectively managing disputes. Speakers include Cheng Kidd Sun, a Chinese Malaysian graduate student studying international development, who also manages external partnerships at WMU, and Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations at the university.

Other sessions were designed to support the more than 1,170 international students on campus and WMU’s 460 study abroad participants. All events were free and open to the public. Thank you for helping us foster a more globally engaged and inclusive Kalamazoo. 

The Haenicke Institute’s global learning unit supports campus events and activities aimed at fostering a more globally engaged community. This includes offering support for international students and scholars, as well as providing opportunities for American students to gain global perspectives. Learn more about the Institute and its offerings here.