There is so much to learn at the global level, and if you get locked in on a certain thing or place, you miss out on so many opportunities and possibilities. The opportunity to go out into the world and meet people on a global scale is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
1,050+
international students on campus representing 95 foreign countries
520+
students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year
11,000 +
globally engaged students on campus
Global Engagement Program On Campus
Attend eight free on-campus events to earn your Global Bronco status. Students who earn this status will receive $500 toward studying abroad and be invited to a spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and commemorative pin.
This status is designed to be our most accessible and approachable pathway for students to engage in cross-cultural experiences. Experience the world without leaving campus! To earn Global Bronco, you must attend six Global Engagement Program events and complete two of the following:
- Participate in Mini Cultural Festival
- Attend International Bazaar
- Attend International Education Week
- Attend Spring Gala
- Apply for a Gilman Scholarship
- Hold an international or cultural leadership role on campus
- Volunteer with GEP
Events and Activities
The Global Engagement Program promotes a core set of annual events that foster global engagement and intercultural connection on campus. In addition to these flagship events, staff support a wide range of cross-cultural programming, including student-led initiatives and campus collaborations.
Global Engagement Program in the Classroom
Complete cross-cultural coursework to earn your Global Explorer status. Students who earn this status will receive $1,000 toward studying abroad and be invited to a spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and commemorative pin.
This status is designed for students who want to deepen their global understanding through academic and classroom-based experiences, building the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully with the world.
To earn Global Explorer, take GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field and complete one of the
following:
- World Language and Literatures class at the 2000 level or above
- Global Learning in the USA
- Any of the 100+ GEP-recognized courses
- A Critical Language Scholarship application
- A Model UN activity
- A leadership conference
- A virtual global classroom experience
- A virtual study abroad program
Coursework Supporting Global Competence
Students can advance their GEP status by participating in globally focused academic courses offered by departments across campus. GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field is run by the College of Arts and Sciences' School of Environment, Geography and Sustainability in collaboration with Global Engagement Program. In this course, students:
- Explore the culture, history, politics and social life of countries they hope to visit;
- Learn how to adapt to new environments and communicate across cultures;
- Build cultural awareness and confidence for travel, global internships and international careers; and
- Connect classroom learning to real-life experiences abroad.
Taking GIST 3100 and continuing involvement in the GEP allows students to earn a $1,000 study abroad scholarship. GIST 3100 is open to all levels of students and satisfies the WMU Essential Studies Level 2: Exploration and Discovery, Societies and Cultures category. First-year students are encouraged to apply.
In addition to GIST 3100, courses from various disciplines covering international content also qualify for Global Engagement Program credit. For a complete list of 100+ qualifying courses, contact @email. These academic offerings ensure students build global awareness and intercultural skills not only through events, but also through structured classroom learning.
Global Engagement Program and the World Beyond
Complete global engagement experiences to earn your Global Citizen status. Students who earn this status will receive a personalized letter of recommendation, access to competitive, paid internship opportunities and be invited to the spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and commemorative pin.
This status is designed for students who want to extend their global engagement through advanced experiences, building leadership, professional skills, and real-world connections across cultures. To earn Global Citizen, fulfill two of the following:
- Study abroad
- Declare a World Language and Literatures major or minor
- Complete an international internship
- Apply to a Fulbright program
- Conduct research on a global topic
- Submit a Boren Award application
From Spanish Major to WMU Coordinator of International Student Events
"After returning from a semester-long study abroad experience in Costa Rica, I was eager to remain globally engaged in the Kalamazoo area and continue pursuing my passion for international experiences.
As a Global Engagement Program (GEP) intern, I had the privilege of engaging with peers while further developing my global competencies. I worked closely with fellow study abroad students, learning from their experiences and helping to ease their concerns as they prepared for or reflected on their time abroad.
"I also had the opportunity to work with international students at WMU, which broadened my international perspective and strengthened the professional competencies that ultimately helped launch my career working with international students in higher education after graduation. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a GEP intern and for the personal and professional growth it provided."
From Global and International Studies Major to WMU Study Abroad Specialist
"After participating in multiple study abroad programs and the Global Engagement Program myself, the internship with the Global Engagement Program was an incredible next step and launching pad for my professional career into global affairs.
It was also a great opportunity to start my professional career in a fun, supportive and diverse environment. The Global Learning team tasked me with hands-on, meaningful work that supported team goals while also aligning with my own interests and strengths.
Having the internship opportunity through completion of the Global Citizen status was truly invaluable and I urge any student interested in a career in a global field or wanting professional work experience to consider the GEP internship."
9 of 10
Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like
98%
of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning
94%
of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Advancing Global Learning: Global Engagement Program Conference Contributions
The Global Engagement Program at Western Michigan University actively contributes to the discourse on international education through participation in key conferences. Our presentations and posters highlight our commitment to global learning and collaboration.
NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo (2024)
The Global Engagement Program attended the NAFSA: Association of International Educators annual conference and expo.
NAFSA Region VI Conference (2024)
In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Global Engagement Program shared insights on fostering institutional partnerships to enhance global learning experiences.
NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo (2025)
A Virtual Networking Model designed to prepare students for global interactions online was presented at NAFSA 2025 and is an integral component of GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field.
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 more than 2,000 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.
