Haenicke Institute for Global Education

The Global Engagement Program (GEP) at Western Michigan University is a no cost initiative designed with maximum flexibility to accommodate all students—regardless of background, experience or major. You don’t need to be a seasoned traveler or cultural expert to benefit—GEP is where global learning begins. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, a commuter or residential student, an international student or someone new to cross-cultural learning, this program is for you. 

The Global Engagement Program: On Campus, In the Classroom and Beyond

Students earn status by engaging in campus events, completing approved courses and participating in globally oriented experiences. Each status can be earned independently and repeated as students continue their engagement.

International students pose with an award at International Bazaar in the Student Center. Flags from many countries hang behind them.

On Campus

Earn Global Bronco status to receive a $500 Global Engagement Program Study Abroad Scholarship 

Professor William McQuitty lectures in a classroom while students listen at nearby tables.

In the Classroom

Earn Global Explorer status to receive a $1,000 Global Engagement Program Study Abroad Scholarship

Three WMU students holding up "W" sign while on study abroad trip. They stand in front of a scenic landscape.

Beyond

Earn Global Citizen status to receive a personalized letter of recommendation and competitive, paid internship opportunities 

There is so much to learn at the global level, and if you get locked in on a certain thing or place, you miss out on so many opportunities and possibilities. The opportunity to go out into the world and meet people on a global scale is an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
— Megan Garrett, Transfer Student, '26

1,050+

international students on campus representing 95 foreign countries

—Fall Enrollment Data, 2025

520+

students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year

—Study Abroad Enrollment Data, 2024-2025

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Global Engagement Program Participation Data, 2024-2025

Global Engagement Program On Campus

Attend eight free on-campus events to earn your Global Bronco status. Students who earn this status will receive $500 toward studying abroad and be invited to a spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and a commemorative pin. 

This status is designed to be our most accessible and approachable pathway for students to engage in cross-cultural experiences. To earn Global Bronco, you must attend six featured Global Engagement Program events and complete two of the following: 

Flagship Events and Activities

The Global Engagement Program promotes a core set of annual events that foster global engagement and intercultural connection on campus. In addition to these flagship events, staff support a wide range of cross-cultural programming, including student-led initiatives and campus collaborations.

Two students at International Bazaar, smiling and wearing bright colors and traditional clothes to represent their home countries.

International Bazaar

International Bazaar is a showcase of the diversity of the student body at Western Michigan University. Students from around the world share their cultures, fashions and food with the Kalamazoo community.

Students sit across from each other and engage in lively conversation at a WMU Mini Cultural Festival

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 in a fast, fun, personalized way. 

Students laugh while talking about their study abroad journeys during an International Education Week event.

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.

Two students stand by a poster presentation to share their research on campus.

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 upcoming events.

A group of students stand holding certificates at a Global Engagement Awards Program ceremony.

Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony

The Global Engagement Program hosts an awards ceremony each spring to honors and celebrates the outstanding achievements of students, faculty and staff. The ceremony is followed by a casual reception.

Upcoming Global Engagement Program Events

Global Engagement Program in the Classroom

Professor William McQuitty lectures in a classroom while students listen at nearby tables.
Professor William McQuitty teaches GIST:3100 Global Studies in the Field. Students in the class earn credit toward Global Explorer status in the Global Engagement Program.

Complete cross-cultural coursework to earn your Global Explorer status. Students who earn this status will receive $1,000 toward studying abroad and be invited to a spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and a commemorative pin.

This status is designed for students who want to deepen their global understanding through academic and classroom-based experiences, building the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully with the world. 

To earn Global Explorer, take GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field and complete one of the following: 

Coursework Supporting Global Competence

Students can advance their Global Engagement Program (GEP) status by participating in globally focused academic courses offered by departments across campus. GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field is run by the College of Arts and Sciences' School of Environment, Geography and Sustainability in collaboration with Global Engagement Program. In this course, students:

  • Explore the culture, history, politics and social life of countries they hope to visit;
  • Learn how to adapt to new environments and communicate across cultures;
  • Build cultural awareness and confidence for travel;
  • Explore global internships and international careers; and
  • Connect classroom learning to real-life experiences abroad.

Taking GIST 3100 and continuing involvement in the GEP allows students to earn a $1,000 GEP Study Abroad Scholarship. GIST 3100 is open to all levels of students and satisfies the WMU Essential Studies Level 2: Exploration and Discovery, Societies and Cultures category. First-year students are encouraged to apply. 

In addition to GIST 3100, courses from various disciplines covering international content also qualify for Global Engagement Program credit. These academic offerings ensure students build global awareness and intercultural skills not only through events, but also through structured classroom learning. For a complete list of 100+ qualifying courses, contact @email. 

Career Outcomes

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

94%

of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

Global Engagement Program and the World Beyond

Complete global engagement experiences to earn your Global Citizen status. Students who earn this status will receive a personalized letter of recommendation, access to competitive, paid internship opportunities and be invited to the spring award ceremony, where they will receive a certificate and a commemorative pin. 

This status is designed for students who want to extend their global engagement through advanced experiences, building leadership, professional skills, and real-world connections across cultures. To earn Global Citizen, fulfill two of the following:

Intern Testimonials

Global Engagement Program Intern, Cai Hesse, talking to students

Business Major Plans to Pursue Dreams in Grad School

As a Global Engagement Program Intern, I connect with students to share a simple, powerful truth: studying abroad reshapes your world. My own journey, from a summer in Portugal to a full semester in Italy, moved me beyond postcard views to a deeper understanding of culture and community.
—Cai Hesse, B.B.A., Human Resource Management, Spring 2026
More from Cai
Molly GEP intern

Spanish Major to Coordinator of International Student Events

After returning from a semester-long study abroad experience in Costa Rica, I was eager to remain globally engaged in the Kalamazoo area and continue pursuing my passion for international experiences.
—-Molly Dixon, B.A. Spanish, Spring 2025
More from Molly
A GEP intern talks to students at an outside event.

Global and International Studies Major to Study Abroad Specialist

After participating in multiple study abroad programs and the Global Engagement Program myself, the internship with the Global Engagement Program was an incredible next step and launching pad for my professional career into global affairs.
—Eden Latham, B.A. Global and International Studies, Spring 2023
More from Eden

"It was an unparalleled lesson in adaptability and perspective.

"Now, I channel that transformation into my work. Drawing on both my experience and the support of the GEP network, my role helps open students' minds from curiosity to confidence, helping them see that these opportunities are not just trips, but pivotal chapters in their own stories. 

"I love seeing the transformation of taking a dream of studying abroad and turning it into a tangible, achievable plan. That moment of 'I can do this' is where every great adventure begins."

"As a Global Engagement Program (GEP) intern, I had the privilege of engaging with peers while further developing my global competencies. I worked closely with fellow study abroad students, learning from their experiences and helping to ease their concerns as they prepared for or reflected on their time abroad.

"I also had the opportunity to work with international students at WMU, which broadened my international perspective and strengthened the professional competencies that ultimately helped launch my career working with international students in higher education after graduation. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a GEP intern and for the personal and professional growth it provided."

Molly was also featured by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education for her post graduation success and involvement with the GEP. Read her story. 

"It was also a great opportunity to start my professional career in a fun, supportive and diverse environment. The Global Learning team tasked me with hands-on, meaningful work that supported team goals while also aligning with my own interests and strengths. 

"Having the internship opportunity through completion of the Global Citizen status was truly invaluable and I urge any student interested in a career in a global field or wanting professional work experience to consider the GEP internship."

Frequently Asked Questions

No! Taking part in the GEP comes at no cost to students. While some requirements of Global Explorer and Global Citizen will have associated fees, such as WMU tuition or study abroad trip fees, participation in the GEP is free. In fact, the program offers the opportunity for unique study abroad scholarships with low barriers to entry.

Students are not able to "stack" multiple scholarships for one trip. However, students could use the $1,000 scholarship for one study abroad trip and the $500 scholarship for a different one. Global Engagement Program scholarships can be combined with other scholarships issued through WMU, including the Pell Grant.

The best way to track your progress is through ExperienceWMU. Log in to view your progress in the Global Bronco, Global Explorer and Global Citizen categories. This is also where you can self-report certain requirements. 

Yes! Students are welcome to earn any status more than once. Suppose you earn a Global Bronco status and use the $500 study abroad scholarship reward. In that case, you can repeat the Global Bronco category and use another $500 scholarship for a second study abroad experience.

Yes! Both graduate and undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Global Engagement Program at WMU and can view their pathway in ExperienceWMU. At this time, graduate students are only eligible for the statuses and scholarships associated with Global Bronco and Global Citizen.

Yes! Any student attending WMU is automatically a part of the Global Engagement Program and can participate, earn rewards and enjoy globally engaging activities on and off campus. 

Most events, including ones organized by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and its Global Engagement Program, will be tracked by swiping Bronco IDs upon entry. Please bring and swipe your Bronco ID to receive credit for events. 

Contact Global Engagement Program staff at @email or schedule an appointment with a member of the Global Engagement Program team.

Schedule an Appointment
Email Program Staff

Advancing Global Learning: Global Engagement Program Conference Contributions

The Global Engagement Program at Western Michigan University actively contributes to the discourse on international education through participation in key conferences. Our presentations and posters highlight our commitment to global learning and collaboration.

Two staff members of the Global Engagement Program stand next to giant letters, a sign spelling N-A-F-S-A.

NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo (2024)

The Global Engagement Program attended the NAFSA: Association of International Educators annual conference and expo. 

A GEP staff member stands next to a poster presentation at international education conference.

NAFSA Region VI Conference (2024)

In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Global Engagement Program shared insights on fostering institutional partnerships to enhance global learning experiences. 

Two staff members of the GEP program stand next to giant letters, a sign spelling N-A-F-S-A

NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo (2025)

A Virtual Networking Model designed to prepare students for global interactions online was presented at NAFSA 2025 and is an integral component of GIST 3100: Global Studies in the Field.

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. We assist over 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  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.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.

Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.

Sign Up for the Monthly WMU Global Education Newsletter
More about Global Education at WMU