About

Western Michigan University's Global Learning unit facilitates regular and ongoing global engagement activities on campus, such as an International Festival and weekly Global Socials for international and U.S.-American students. Attending these events automatically grants students points toward rewards in the Global Engagement Program, which is also coordinated by the unit.

Our mission at the Global Learning Unit is to provide global engagement opportunities for all students, regardless of their sociocultural background. We strive to offer scholarships, programs, and initiatives that foster cross-cultural competency and independence. Additionally, we aim to integrate international students into the WMU community through targeted international programming.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

• Global Competency Development: Through the GEP, students engage in activities that enhance their ability to communicate across cultures, solve complex problems, and adapt to diverse environments.
• Peer-Driven Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Global Learning initiatives prioritize fostering meaningful connections between international and domestic students. Through structured events, courses, and informal interactions, students share lived experiences, exchange cultural perspectives, and build lasting relationships that enhance mutual understanding and respect.
• Community Engagement: By participating in globally focused research, internships, and study abroad programs, students learn about local and global community resources and develop a sense of social responsibility.
• The Global Engagement Program (GEP) is one of the key initiatives run by the Global Learning Unit. It is a no-cost program that automatically enrolls all WMU students, providing a flexible framework for students to earn points toward achieving the statuses of Global Bronco, Global Explorer, and Global Citizen. Each status comes with rewards that support continued global engagement, such as study abroad scholarships and letters of recommendation.