global learning dearborn trip

Events and Activities

The Haenicke Institute’s Global Engagement Program supports campus events and activities designed to foster a more globally engaged community. This includes providing support and integration opportunities for international students and scholars, as well as creating avenues for American students to gain global perspectives.

CEHD 2000: Visit the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan

Sign up today for the CEHD 2000 course. During this 1-day trip, students will be able to build cultural competencies by engaging with the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan 

Some highlights include:

  • A private tour of the Arab American National Museum
  • Arab art and dancing demonstrations
  • A Lebanese bakery tasting 
  • Guided cultural dialogue and discussion circles

Scholarship money is available for students already participating in the Global Engagement Program.  

Promotional flier for Dearborn trip.

Remember, these events can earn you GEP credit. Check your status any time in Experience WMU, accessible through your student portal or using the above link. 

Yearly Events

The Global Learning Unit hosts the following events annually. For details on these and other events, please check our calendar, updated at the start of each semester.

Fall Semester

  • International Student Orientation: Western Michigan University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
  • International Festival: International Festival 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: 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.
  • 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!
  • 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. 

Spring Semester

  • International Student OrientationWestern Michigan University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
  • Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony: During the award ceremony, we will be honoring and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students who have achieved 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

Summer Semester

  • International Student OrientationWestern Michigan University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
  • International Socials: Hosted weekly throughout the summer, International Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow international students.

Events Happening this Semester!

FALL 2024 CALENDAR

EventLocationDate
International Student Orientation Day 1: Undergraduate and Graduate StudentsStudent CenterAugust 22nd
International Student Orientation Day 2: Graduate StudentsStudent CenterAugust 23rd
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207September 11th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207September 18th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207September 25th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207October 2nd
International FestivalMiller AuditoriumOctober 5th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207October 9th
Mini Cultural FestivalStudent Center Ballroom AOctober 10th
Global Social with Public Safety Student Center Fireplace LoungeOctober 23rd
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207October 30th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207November 6th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207November 13th
International Education Week eventStudent CenterNovember 19th
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207November 20th
International Education Week eventStudent CenterNovember 21st
Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207December 4th

For more information about locations and times, check Experience WMU

Global Engagement Program

These events can earn you GEP credit! You can check your status anytime in ExperienceWMU, which is accessible through your student portal or via this link

More information about the Global Engagement Program