Five Pathways to Global Engagement
Discover opportunities to expand your academic horizons through international collaboration, research, and cultural exchange programs designed for WMU faculty and emeriti.
Western Michigan University (WMU) maintains formal agreements with over 100 international partner institutions, creating opportunities for faculty to conduct research, teach, or offer expertise abroad. These pathways are supported by university-endorsed programs and travel protocols designed to enhance global engagement.
Key Resources
- Fulbright Grants: These include semester, academic year, and short-term opportunities in more than 135 countries. WMU provides institutional guidance such as proposal coaching and liaison support through its Fulbright Faculty and Scholar page.
- Short-Term Faculty Exchange: These reciprocal teaching and research residencies range from two to six weeks and are offered in partnership with select universities abroad. Learn more via the faculty exchange resource page.
- Timothy Light Faculty Research Grant: Offers up to $4,000 to support research, creative work, or field studies focused on Greater China. Details are available at the Light Center’s grant information page.
- Faculty Guest Lecture for Global Partners Abroad: Provides up to $8,000 in travel funding for short-term guest lecturing opportunities at key WMU partner institutions. Visit the guest lecture program page.
- Employee International Travel Guidelines: WMU-sponsored travel must be registered and follows university travel insurance and risk protocols. Access details on the employee travel information page.
Through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), WMU faculty can co-develop and co-teach courses with international peers, allowing students to engage in cross-cultural collaboration without leaving campus.
Key Resource
- Global Classrooms Collaborative Grant: Faculty can apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support course design and implementation. Application information and training schedules are listed on the Global Classrooms page.
Each year, WMU recognizes outstanding faculty and staff contributions to internationalization in teaching, research, creative activity, or service.
Key Resource
- Global Engagement Award: Nomination guidelines and past honorees can be found on the Global Engagement Award page.
WMU’s internationalization initiatives promote global thinking across academic programs, administrative processes, and student services.
Key Resources
Faculty may host international scholars and professionals on campus through WMU’s structured invitation process.
Key Resources
- Inviting International Visitors: Guidelines and required forms are listed on the inviting visitors page.
- Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund: This fund supports short-term visits by Fulbright Scholars. Learn more at the Outreach Lecturing Fund site.
- Timothy Light Chinese Studies Mini-Grant: Provides financial support for hosting experts in Chinese studies. Visit the Light Center mini-grant page.