International Education Week 2024: Internationalization on campus and beyond
Several events are scheduled from November 18-22 to celebrate global diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. All events are free and open to the public. Highlights include:
- A Glimpse into Global Cultures on Monday, Nov. 18. Students from around the world will present their customs, traditions and individual experiences as they share their journeys to Kalamazoo. Get a glimpse into the global perspectives on WMU’s campus as you hear firsthand accounts of international students hailing from Angola, Pakistan and Portugal.
- Addressing International Conflict: Strategies for effectively managing disputes on Thursday, Nov. 21. Speakers will provide insights into how diverse cultures approach conflict resolution and share strategies for effectively managing disputes. Presenters include Cheng Kidd Sun, a Chinese Malaysian graduate student studying international development, who also manages external partnerships at WMU, and Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations at the university.
- Engineers Without Borders: Local and international student projects on Monday, Nov. 18. WMU’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter is helping to design a water system for the San Antonio de Upa community in Nicaragua. This system is expected to impact about 500 lives and provide water to the village for generations to come. Join us to hear how WMU students are transcending oceans to make the world a better place.
- Tips from International Professionals on Thursday, Nov. 21. This session will focus on how to thrive in a globalized and multicultural world. Get tips for working in an international environment from WMU scholars. Topics include recognizing cultural dynamics, effective communication strategies and appreciating the personal journeys of the individuals around us. Speakers include Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Dr. Irma Lopez, dean of the Lee Honors College; Dr. Pablo Pastrana-Pérez, chair of the Department of Spanish; and Dr. Elizabeth Isidro, director of the McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic.
Other sessions are designed to support the more than 1,170 international students on campus and WMU’s 460 study abroad participants.
International Education Week 2024: Internationalization on campus and beyond Organized by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education's Global Learning Unit | |
| Topic | Date, Time, Location |
A Glimpse into Global Cultures: International student presentations Students from around the world will present their customs, traditions and individual experiences as they share their journeys to Kalamazoo. Get a glimpse into the global perspectives on WMU’s campus as you hear firsthand accounts of international students hailing from Angola, Pakistan and Portugal. | Monday, Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m. Student Center, Room 2211
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Engineers Without Borders: Local and international student projects WMU’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter is helping to design a water system for the San Antonio de Upa community in Nicaragua. This system is expected to impact about 500 lives and provide water to the village for generations to come. Join us to hear how WMU students are transcending oceans to make the world a better place. | Monday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m.
Student Center, Room 2211 |
International Student Support Systems: Financial support, mental health services and essential resources Living and studying in a foreign country can be a life-changing and demanding experience. This session focuses on the shared challenges many WMU international students face and how to best support them during their stay in the United States. Topics include financial stress and support, accessing mental health services and navigating campus resources. Speakers include Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, international student advocate and associate director of external scholarships and faculty development; Amanda Jeppesen, student employment specialist; and Wayne Bond, assistant director of campus engagement. | Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4:00 p.m. Student Center, Room 2213 |
Fulbright at WMU: Staff and Student Information Sessions Learn about Fulbright opportunities for faculty with WMU Scholar Liaison, Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland at 1 p.m. in Dunbar Hall. The Scholar Program allows faculty to spend 4 to 12 months teaching or researching abroad. The Specialist Program sends faculty to consult on short term projects lasting 2-6 weeks. Information about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program will be presented at 2 p.m. Spend a fully funded year abroad researching, studying or teaching English in one of 140+ countries. WMU Fulbright Program Advisor, Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, will talk about the application process and how to put together a strong proposal. | Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m. (faculty informational session); 2 p.m. (student informational session) Dunbar Hall, Seminar Room 2503 |
Global Social: Study Abroad Alumni Panel, Experiences, stories and advice from WMU study abroad students Join us at this month’s Global Social, where WMU students will share their studying abroad testimonials. Conversation topics will include adaptation, culture shock and how studying abroad led to academic and personal growth. Students will share memorable moments, obstacles and practical advice from their journeys around the world. | Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m. Student Center, Room 2207 |
Tips from International Professionals: Thrive in a globalized and multicultural world This session will focus on how to thrive in a globalized and multicultural world. Get tips for working in an international environment from WMU scholars. Topics include recognizing cultural dynamics, effective communication strategies and appreciating the personal journeys of the individuals around us. Speakers include Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Dr. Irma Lopez, dean of the Lee Honors College; Dr. Pablo Pastrana-Pérez, chair of the Department of Spanish; and Dr. Elizabeth Isidro, director of the McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic. | Thursday, Nov. 21, 4:00 p.m.
Student Center, Room 2213 |
Addressing International Conflict: Strategies for effectively managing disputes Understanding how to address international conflict is critical for navigating multicultural settings. In this session, speakers will provide insights into how diverse cultures approach conflict resolution and share strategies for effectively managing disputes. Speakers include Cheng Kidd Sun, a Chinese Malaysian graduate student studying international development, who also manages external partnerships at WMU, and Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations at the university. | Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:00 p.m. Student Center, Room 2213 |
Culture Shock, Adaptation, Friendship and Navigating Bureaucracies: Global experiences and stories from WMU faculty, staff and students During our final event of the week, panelists will highlight insights and shared experiences on the challenges and rewards of studying abroad—whether as a U.S. student going to another country or as an international student coming to the United States. Speakers will share stories of culture shock, international friendships and navigating immigration bureaucracies. | Friday, Nov. 22, 11:00 a.m. Sangren Hall, Room 4310 |
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 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!
- 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 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 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 | ||
| Event | Location | Date |
| International Student Orientation Day 1: Undergraduate and Graduate Students | Student Center | August 22nd |
| International Student Orientation Day 2: Graduate Students | Student Center | August 23rd |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | September 11th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | September 18th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | September 25th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | October 2nd |
| International Festival | Miller Auditorium | October 5th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | October 9th |
| Mini Cultural Festival | Student Center Ballroom A | October 10th |
| Global Social with Public Safety | Student Center Fireplace Lounge | October 23rd |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | October 30th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | November 6th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | November 13th |
| International Education Week event | Student Center | November 19th |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | November 20th |
| International Education Week event | Student Center | November 21st |
| Global Social | Student Center Room 2207 | December 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.