WMU marks its place in international education

Kalamazoo, Mich. – Western Michigan University’s robust internationalization efforts will be on display throughout the United States in 2025, with students and staff presenting at major international education conferences. 

WMU student and Fulbright scholar Alimilson Pomba, a graduate student in the educational and global leadership program at the College of Education and Human Development, plans to present on inclusive global leadership at the Michigan Association of International Educators in March. 

The presentation, titled “The Importance of Global Leadership Perspectives and Strategies on Driving Internationalization in Higher Education,” details how to create a more diverse and equitable environment on college campuses, says Pomba, who is from Lubango, Angola, and who will graduate with a master’s from WMU this year.  

“I intend to work with international education organizations with the mission of developing and implementing effective international programs that enhance cross-cultural understanding and cooperation,” Pomba says.  

WMU’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education assists more than 1,500 international students and alumni like Pomba with degree completion and post-graduation job training. The university also supports nearly 1,000 degree-seeking students at partner institutions in China and Taiwan. It hosts over 80 study abroad programs in 30 countries around the world. 

WMU’s Virtual Global Network, a component of the university’s GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field course, will also be on display. Dr. Anezka Viskova-Robertson, global learning manager at The Haenicke Institute for Global Education, will present a poster on Western’s global networking model at the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo in San Diego, Calif., this May. 

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is one of the world’s largest professional groups dedicated to international education and exchange. 

GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field is a component of the WMU’s Global and International Studies program at the College of Arts and Sciences 

Students build a virtual global network as part of their coursework. This gives them exposure early in their career as to how their fields operate internationally, so they can begin to establish professional relationships. 

“Many students have secured internships and professional connections through this model, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Viskova-Robertson says. “It’s helping them develop a professional presence long before they graduate.” 

Viskova-Robertson will also present posters on AI integration in international offices and a rotating internship program for international students undergoing Optional Practical Training, or OPT. The internship program is being piloted at The Haenicke Institute this year. 

WMU and The Haenicke Institute for Global Education maintain a strong footprint in the international education community, says Dr. Ying Zeng, interim associate provost for global education and senior director of the Asian Initiatives at WMU.   

She returned from the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) conference in Houston, Texas, this month. “Attending the annual AIEA conference was a valuable experience, connecting with colleagues committed to advancing global engagement in higher education," Zeng says.  

“For Western Michigan University, it’s vital to stay involved in these efforts, ensuring we remain at the forefront of international education and build valuable global partnerships.” 

“Our involvement not only enhances our reputation but also strengthens our ability to provide diverse and enriching opportunities for both students and faculty.”