Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Western Michigan University (WMU) is proud to be recognized among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. As a globally engaged institution, we are committed to promoting international scholarship and cultural exchange through our longstanding partnership with the Fulbright Program.

Whether you are a faculty member exploring international teaching opportunities, an administrator seeking to enhance institutional collaboration or a visiting scholar preparing to join WMU, there is a Fulbright opportunity for you.

Fulbright U.S Scholar Program

Each year, more than 800 U.S. scholars and professionals engage in international research and lecturing through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. These awards are open to academics at all career stages, including emeriti faculty.

Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards

Over 400 awards are available each year in over 135 countries. Scholars can teach, conduct research or engage in a combination of both.

  • Application opens: February 1
  • National deadline: September 15

The Fulbright Specialist Program, a short-term complement to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as expert consultants on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning and related subjects at overseas academic institutions for two to six weeks.

Applications for the Fulbright Specialist Program are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed several times yearly. For more information on the Scholar or Specialist awards, contact Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, WMU Fulbright Scholar Liaison at: @email.

International Education Administrators (IEA )Seminars are intensive two-week experiences designed for international education professionals and senior university administrators. Participants engage in site visits, policy briefings, and networking to strengthen their institutional global engagement.

Activities include:

  • Campus and cultural site visits;
  • Meetings with faculty, government officials and education experts; and
  • Exploration of foreign education systems and policies.

Eligibility:

  • U.S. citizenship;
  • Terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D.); or
  • Role as international education administrator (e.g., study abroad advisors, admissions officers) or senior-level university administrator (e.g., deans, provosts).
More About International Education Administrators Seminars

Since the 1980s, WMU has hosted Fulbright Scholars and Fellows from around the world. These visiting academics contribute to our global learning environment by conducting research, engaging with students, and sharing their cultures.

Through programs like the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Program, scholars participate in:

  • Campus and community events;
  • Cultural excursions throughout Michigan; and
  • Interdisciplinary academic exchanges

The Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) enables institutions to invite Fulbright Visiting Scholars currently in the U.S. for guest lectures, panel discussions and workshops. This initiative enriches campus dialogue and fosters cross-cultural learning.

More About the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund

WMU offers robust support for international scholars and fellows through orientation programs, community integration and academic guidance.

Our Campus Community

  • Students from 95 countries
  • Nearly 21 percent of WMU students are studying at the graduate level
  • Faculty trained at top global institutions

About Kalamazoo

Located two hours from Chicago, Kalamazoo offers big-city resources in a welcoming small-town environment. From vibrant downtown life to lakeside recreation, it’s an ideal place to live and learn.

Discover Kalamazoo

Health & Resources

All Fulbright participants are required to carry health insurance during their stay. Visit the WMU International Student Orientation page to prepare for your arrival. The International Student Insurance Information page is also a helpful resource. 

Questions?

For inquiries about Fulbright programs or support for visiting scholars, please contact
Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, Fulbright Scholar Liaison, at @email.

About the 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 over 1,000 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.  

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 Enrichment

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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