Haenicke Institute for Global Education

The Global Engagement Program (GEP) at Western Michigan University is a no cost initiative designed with maximum flexibility to accommodate all students—regardless of background, experience or major. You don’t need to be a seasoned traveler or cultural expert to benefit—GEP is where global learning begins. 

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, a commuter or residential student, an international student or someone new to cross-cultural learning, this program is for you. 

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

GEP On Campus, In the Classroom, and Beyond

Students earn status by engaging in campus events, completing approved courses and participating in globally oriented experiences. Each status can be earned independently and repeated as students continue their engagement:

global bronco

On Campus

Earn Global Bronco Status to receive $500 GEP Study Abroad Scholarship 
global explorer

In the Classroom

Earn Global Explorer Status to receive $1000 GEP Study Abroad Scholarship
global citizen

Beyond

Earn Global Citizen Status to receive a Personalized Letter of Recommendation and Competitive, paid internship opportunities 

GEP On Campus

Attend eight FREE on-campus events to earn your Global Bronco Status.

After completing all eight approved events, you will be awarded 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!

GEP On Campus 

AND 

Complete two (2) of the following: 

  • Attend 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 

 

EARN: 

Global Bronco Status to receive 

$500 GEP Study Abroad Scholarship

 

Global Engagement Events and Activities

The Global Engagement Program at WMU organizes and delivers a core set of annual events that foster global engagement and intercultural connection. These events are fully coordinated by our team and take place each academic year—some in the fall, others in the spring. They serve as anchor experiences for internationalization on campus.

In addition to these flagship events, we actively support a wide range of cross-cultural programs, student-led initiatives, and partner events through the Global Engagement Program and campus collaborations.

International Bazaar

International Bazaar

International Bazaar is a showcase of the diversity of the student body at WMU. Students from around the world share their cultures, fashions and food with the Kalamazoo community.
Mini Cultural Festival

Mini Cultural Festival

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 in a one-on-one setting. Organized in a speed-networking format, participants engage in brief conversations to connect and exchange cultural insights.
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. This is a great opportunity to drop in to learn more and ask questions about GEP and study abroad. Global Socials take place during both the Spring and Fall semesters.
A thumbnail for IEW

International Education Week

International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Check our calendar in the Fall for International Education Week events!
GEP award ceremony

Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony

At the end of the Spring semester, the Global Engagement Program award ceremony honors and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our students who have earned statuses in the Global Engagement Program. The ceremony is followed by a casual reception where students can network and connect with other globally engaged students, staff and faculty.
Upcoming GEP Events

GEP 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.

GEP In the Classroom

AND 

Complete one (1) 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 

 

EARN: 

Global Explorer Status to receive

$1000 GEP Study Abroad Scholarship

 

 

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, an initiative of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. 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 GEP status. 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.

GEP 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 a 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.

GEP Beyond 

Fulfill two (2) 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 

EARN:

Global Citizen Status to receive 

Personalized Letter of Recommendation 

Competitive, paid internship opportunities 

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.
— Megan Garrett, Transfer Student, '26

Check Your Status

This video tutorial shows you how to check your Global Engagement Program status on Experience WMU.

Student Success and Awards

Students who earn any GEP status are honored each spring at the Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony. The ceremony recognizes student achievement and highlights the university’s commitment to global learning.

 

A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students. The Global Engagement Program (GEP) honors students with an awards ceremony each year. Through participation in global events and courses, students earn different statuses like Global Bronco, Global Explorer and Global Citizen. Each status comes with unique rewards, including scholarships for studying abroad. Nearly 180 students were recognized for earning a new GEP statuses this year.  

Photos by Libby Stefanich for the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

130+

events recognized by the Global Engagement Program

1,000+

international students on campus from 95 countries

80+

study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff

Frequently Asked Questions

No! Taking part in the GEP comes at no cost to students. In some cases, completion of specific requirements at the Global Explorer and Global Citizen level (including for-credit courses at WMU and study abroad trips) will have associated fees. However, participation in the GEP offers the opportunity for unique study abroad scholarships with low barriers to entry.

Students are not able to "stack" multiple scholarships for one trip. However, students could use the $1,000 scholarship for one study abroad trip and the $500 scholarship for a different one. GEP scholarships can be combined with another study abroad scholarships issued through WMU, including Pell Grant Scholarships.

The best way to track your progress is through ExperienceWMU. Log in to view your progress in the Global Bronco, Global Explorer, and Global Citizen categories. This is also where you can self-report certain requirements. This instructional video guides you through the Global Engagement Pathway in ExperienceWMU.

Yes! Students are welcome to earn any status more than once. Suppose you earn a Global Bronco status and use the $500 study abroad scholarship reward. In that case, you can repeat the Global Bronco category and use another $500 scholarship for a second study abroad experience.

Yes! Both graduate and undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Global Engagement Program at WMU and can view their paths in ExperienceWMU. At this time, graduate students are only eligible for the statuses and scholarships associated with Global Bronco and Global Citizen.

Yes! Any student attending WMU is automatically a part of the Global Engagement Program and can participate, earn rewards, and enjoy globally engaging activities on and off campus. 

Most events, including ones organized by the Haenicke Institute or Global Engagement Program, will be tracked by swiping Bronco IDs upon entry. Please bring and swipe your Bronco ID to receive credit for events. 

Contact the Haenicke Institute for Global Education at @email or schedule an appointment with a member of the Global Engagement Team.

Contact the Haenicke Institute for Global Education at hige-globalengagement@wmich.edu or schedule an appointment with a member of the Global Engagement Team.
Schedule an Appointment

Global Engagement Program: Conference Contributions

Advancing Global Learning: The Global Engagement Program (GEP) 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.

gep 2023 presentation

Assessment Institute at IUPUI (2023)

GEP presented on integrating assessment strategies within global engagement initiatives.
hige poster 2024

NAFSA Region VI Conference (2024)

In Cincinnati, Ohio, GEP shared insights on fostering institutional partnerships to enhance global learning experiences.
nasfa 2025 poster

NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo (2025)

The Virtual Networking Model was presented at NAFSA 2025 and is an integral component of the GEP course GIST 3100, designed to prepare students for global interactions. It is supported by a LinkedIn Profile Guide, which is distributed to students during class.
how to use linkedin

How to Use LinkedIn (2025)

This guide was created with the latest LinkedIn platform recommendations on building an effective profile, adapted to help students successfully complete the Virtual Networking Model activity.

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.  

A young man making the Western W with his hands.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student holding a WMU flag at a foreign location.

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 on campus

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 
Students studying

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

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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More about Global Education at WMU

Global Education News

Timothy Light Center Fall 2025 Grant Award Recipients: Dr. Sophie Tang, Dr. Victor Cunrui Xion and Dr. Xiaojun Wang

Light Center for Chinese Studies funds a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online language studies platform in 2025

A group photo of CELCIS faculty and staff past and present

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Ciccantell and Lambert

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

A promotional image for International Education Week

Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

gilman scholarship

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

germany presley

WMU's Haenicke Institute recognizes 47 faculty, staff and student leaders for transformative study abroad programs

Dr. Rosemary Max 6x4

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education

Greg Jasperse, associate professor of applied jazz voice, teaches a voice lesson at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards

CAS Magazine Cover

Learning across the globe in WMU's College of Arts and Sciences

More Global Education News
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Global Events

Boren Awards - WMU Campus Deadline

Jan. 12
All day
Boren Awards are a set of merit-based scholarships and fellowships funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) that encourage U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security.

Study Abroad Fair 2026 | College of Arts and Sciences

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 — 12 to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 — 12 to 2 p.m.
Jan 20: Dunbar Hall Lobby, Jan 22: Wood Hall Lower Level
Join the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education for our annual Study Abroad Fairs! 

Global Social

Jan. 21
2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Conversation Circle

Jan. 22
2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

2026 Japan Twang: A shamisen concert

Jan. 22
5 to 6 p.m.
Light Fine Arts Building, Kalamazoo College
Japan Twang! Is an hour-long performance of “Tsugaru-jamisen” by Sato Michiyoshi. Tsugaru-jamisen is a modern, improvisatory, and often highly technical Japanese musical style performed on a three-stringed spike lute called a shamisen.
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