Global Education Marketing

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education (HIGE) creates and sustains an environment which facilitates the global engagement of the WMU community. Our work includes:

Contact Beth Walton Braaksma, marketing manager, for materials related to the recruitment of international students and scholars to Western Michigan University, as well as for information about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education's campus and community outreach.

We rely on WMU faculty, students and alumni to help recruit and tell WMU's global story. Get involved today.
More than anything, WMU gave me the chance to grow—personally and professionally. From supportive professors to campus mentors, I’ve had a network that challenged me to think critically and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I now feel ready to take on what comes next.
— Elfriede, a 2025 International Student Graduate from Indonesia

1,050+

international students on campus representing 95 foreign countries

—Fall Enrollment Data, 2025

520+

students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year

—Study Abroad Enrollment Data, 2024-2025

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Global Engagement Program Participation Data, 2024-2025

WMU Travel and International Recruitment

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education seeks to partner with faculty and staff who travel overseas for their work and who need international student recruitment marketing materials. Your work is incredibly valuable in helping us bring new students to campus, as well as raising the global profile of the University. Notify us of your upcoming travel and request materials using this online form. Thank you for your support.

Materials Available:

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

94%

of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

Campus and Community Outreach

Whether it's to promote WMU Study Abroad and the Global Engagement Program, or to support cultural events on campus and in the community, our staff wants to help. Contact Maddie Christians, recruitment and outreach specialist, to discuss tabling or event support. These promotional items are available for distribution.

  • International Student Express Advising Postcard
  • Study Abroad Flyer
  • Global Engagement Program Trifold
  • Asian Initiatives Trifold
  • GIST3100: Global Studies in the Field Promotion

Building the WMU Brand

Our logo represents all of Western Michigan University. It unifies our brand and brings together all aspects of the University. The more consistently and correctly we use our logo and visual identity, the greater the positive impact it will have in strengthening our brand. More on the WMU brand and its presentation:

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 education, 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.