Flexible. Inclusive. Global.
The GEP was 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.
GEP reflects WMU’s commitment to global engagement for all—helping students expand their horizons, strengthen cross-cultural communication and develop cultural humility. All opportunities are provided at no cost to students.
GEP Status Pathways
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:
GEP Study abroad scholarships are repeatable – you can re-earn any of the statuses as well as the scholarships. However, scholarships are not stackable. Students can only redeem one GEP scholarship per study abroad experience. GEP scholarships can be combined with additional study abroad scholarships from HIGE and throughout WMU.
Coursework Supporting Global Competence
Student Success and Awards
Students who earn any GEP status are honored each spring at the Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony. The ceremony recognizes student achievement and highlights the university’s commitment to global learning.
A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students. The Global Engagement Program (GEP) honors students with an awards ceremony each year. Through participation in global events and courses, students earn different statuses like Global Bronco, Global Explorer and Global Citizen. Each status comes with unique rewards, including scholarships for studying abroad. Nearly 180 students were recognized for earning a new GEP statuses this year.
Photos by Libby Stefanich for the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
Events and Activities
Global Learning at WMU organizes and delivers a core set of annual events that foster global engagement and intercultural connection. These events are fully coordinated by our team and take place each academic year—some in the fall, others in the spring. They serve as anchor experiences for internationalization on campus.
In addition to these flagship events, we actively support a wide range of cross-cultural programs, student-led initiatives, and partner events through the Global Engagement Program and campus collaborations.
Students can find many more opportunities to stay globally engaged throughout the year by exploring the ExperienceWMU platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Global Engagement Program: Conference Contributions
Advancing Global Learning: The Global Engagement Program (GEP) 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.
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. 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.
Support Global Education
Global News
Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus
A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center this month to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students both at home and abroad.
From China to the Midwest, WMU trustee finds a home in Kalamazoo
In the summer of 1989, Lynn Chen-Zhang left China two months earlier than planned due to rising political tensions. She was 22 years old. Today, Chen-Zhang calls Kalamazoo her home. She and her husband, Charles, have donated millions to Western Michigan University and organizations throughout southwestern Michigan.
WMU marks its place in international education
Western Michigan University’s robust internationalization efforts will be on display throughout the United States in 2025, with students and staff presenting at major international education conferences.
WMU Study Abroad celebrates new, nationally competitive Gilman award winners
WMU Study Abroad is proud to announce three new Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipients. The newcomers join a group of eight Western Michigan University students who were awarded the prestigious federal study abroad scholarship this fall.
Faculty-led India trip is interdisciplinary, international by design
The two-week trip, run by WMU Study Abroad in collaboration with the Haworth College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Health and Human Services, fuses social entrepreneurship, justice and sustainable development.
Film major takes passion, career to Cannes Film Festival with WMU Study Abroad
With the assistance of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, Sean Knowles, an undergraduate student at WMU, travelled to France in February for a semester abroad in the seaside town of Cannes. There, he will study French culture and communication while also completing an internship at what has become one of the most recognized film events in the world: The Cannes Film Festival.