What is the Global Engagement Program?
By attending events, taking classes, and going on special trips in the USA and abroad, you earn points towards Global Bronco then Global Explorer then Global Citizen status. Each status comes with unique rewards, including study abroad scholarships, that set yourself apart from your peers! You'll gain global competence, the ability to confidently work and engage with cultures around the world, a skill in high demand for employers and graduate school advisors.
You may already have earned some points without realizing it! You can check your status any time in WMU's event platform, ExperienceWMU, located in your student portal or by going here.
Background
In support of Western Michigan University's goal of global engagement for all, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education offers Global Engagement Program (GEP).
The program was created to give our students the knowledge and skills they need to lead in their chosen disciplines and become global citizens. Students can widen their horizons, hone their cross-cultural communication abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of global challenges by interacting with various cultures and societies. The program structure provides a wide array of globally engaged opportunities at no cost!
WMU students have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain significant global experience while pursuing their academic goals through the Global Engagement Program. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of global activities through this program, including studying abroad, conducting research, internships, and earning $1000+ in scholarships for taking part in learning initiatives in different parts of the world.
Program Overview
By attending on-campus events, enrolling GEP-approved courses, and engaging in a variety of international activities, undergraduate students earn points toward the Global Bronco, Global Explorer, and Global Citizen status!
Each status comes with unique rewards and can be earned either sequentially or all at once. It all depends on how YOU want to engage with the world. Most students will likely progress from Global Bronco to Global Explorer to Global Citizen while at WMU. The program was designed for maximum flexibility for all types of students, including those who work and run student organizations.
Each spring, there will be a ceremony where students in each status will be recognized for their efforts!
Status | Award | |
---|---|---|
Global Bronco | Attend any six "Global Engagement" events and choose from any two core Global Bronco requirements (almost all are free to attend, details below). | $500 study abroad or virtual study abroad scholarship* |
Global Explorer | Complete GIST 3100 "Global Topics in the Field" (satisfies WES Level 2) plus one of 100+ GEP-approved courses (most of which satisfy either WES, major, or minor requirements). | $1000 study abroad or virtual study abroad scholarship* |
Global Citizen | Meet two Global Citizen Requirements such as studying abroad, engaging in research or internships abroad, applying for Fulbright or Boren scholarships, declare a language major/minor, and more. | Letter of recommendation from the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and paid internship opportunities |
*GEP-scholarships are repeatable toward multiple study abroad and virtual study abroad trips but not stackable into one trip. However, GEP-scholarships can be combined with additional study abroad scholarships. After being awarded the scholarship, students are free to choose when to use them before graduation.