Global Engagement Program Hero Image

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.

Events Happening this Semester!

SPRING 2025 CALENDAR

EventLocationDate
International Student Orientation: Undergraduate and Graduate StudentsStudent Center

January 3rd 

Global SocialStudent Center

January 15th 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

January 22nd 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

January 29th 

 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

February 5th 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

February 19th 

 

Mini Cultural FestivalStudent Center Ballroom A

February 20th 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

February 26th 

 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

March 12th 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

March 19th 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

March 26th 

International BazaarStudent Center

March 29th 

GEP Award CeremonyStudent Center Ballroom B

April 2nd 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

April 9th 

 

Global SocialStudent Center Room 2207

April 16th 

 

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

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.

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.