Partnerships Spotlight
The International Partnerships Database displays information about the many different partnerships Western Michigan University has formally established around the world. You can search for information on existing academic and research agreements using the search tool.
Developing an International Partnership
115+
international agreements
1,200+
international students on campus from more than 90 countries
80+
study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff
Propose an International Partnership
Follow this step-by-step guide to initiating and formalizing a new international partnership agreement:
Types of Agreements
Learn about the various agreement types that support our international collaborations.
Criteria for International Partnerships
Explore the standards and goals that guide WMU's selection of international partners.

Alignment with WMU vision and goals
- Strength of alignment with WMU/HIGE’s goals, and specific college/department goals
- Compatibility of WMU with potential partner: similar areas of excellence (building synergy), complementary areas of excellence (filling gaps)
- Clear learning, academic, and/or research objectives to be achieved through the potential partnership

Quality and integrity of potential partner
- Ranking and accreditation of the international institution

Sustainability
- Fiscal resources available to engage in this international partnership
- Strength of interest and recruitment methods to support levels of participation
- Evaluation mechanisms to determine the success of the partnership
- Faculty and programs already have connections with potential partner
- Partnership will be of mutual benefit to both institutions
- Partnership would fit a range of constituencies at WMU

Fit with range of WMU's existing partnerships
- Build on areas of strength
- Fill in identified gaps (location, new or different opportunities)

Academic requirements
- Strength of pairing between existing WMU undergraduate or master degrees and those of the international institution
- Strength of pairing between existing WMU academic requirements and those of the international institution
Partnerships Request Forms
Access the forms needed to propose, renew or amend international partnership agreements.
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. 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.
Global News

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education
Dr. Rosemary Max began her work July 14 as the new associate vice president of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Max brings more than two decades of leadership experience in international education and global engagement to Western.

Experience-Driven Learning Spans Borders: International alumnus reflects on journey home
Many of WMU’s 1,200 international students seek post-graduation job training before returning to their home countries. Currently, around 400 international alumni are enrolled in various federal occupational practice and academic training programs, supported by Western in partnership with employers nationwide.

WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards
Two Western Michigan University faculty received Fulbright Specialist Awards to support overseas consulting and advocacy work this summer.

From China to the Midwest, WMU trustee finds a home in Kalamazoo
In the summer of 1989, Lynn Chen-Zhang left China two months earlier than planned due to rising political tensions. She was 22 years old. Today, Chen-Zhang calls Kalamazoo her home. She and her husband, Charles, have donated millions to Western Michigan University and organizations throughout southwestern Michigan.

WMU marks its place in international education
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.