Check out what current students have to say about Global Engagement Programs at Western Michigan University! Sign-up today to reserve your spot in the Global Collaboration Program (2-years) or Global Leadership Program (4-years).
The processes of globalization have irreversibly changed the world into one that is more integrated and interdependent. This is as true in Southwest Michigan as it is in far-flung reaches of the globe. Now, more than ever, the ability to understand and thrive in that environment is essential for today's graduates.
The Haenicke Institute's WMU Global Engagement Programs (formally known as the Global Education Program) are innovative, two- and four-year programs that prepare undergraduates to succeed in and tackle the problems of our increasingly globalized world within their chosen fields of study. Students in the WMU Global Engagement Programs explore global topics and develop leadership skills through coursework, study abroad and international community involvement.
- Benefits of Global Engagement Programs
- Two- & Four-Year Program Structure
- Program Eligibility
- Costs and Scholarships
- Learn More and Sign Up!
Benefits of WMU Global Engagement Programs
The WMU Global Engagement Programs guide students through an exploration of global topics and the development of the skills necessary to succeed in and solve the problems of an increasingly globalized world.
Through the programs, students will:
- Become informed, open-minded and responsible individuals who are attentive to diversity across a spectrum of differences
- Explore how their actions affect both local and global communities
- Address a global issue by collaborating with an international organization
- Develop intercultural communication and leadership skills relevant to their fields of expertise
- Serve as Western Michigan University representatives abroad
- Gain academic and professional international experience
Two- & Four-Year Program Structure
The WMU Global Engagement Programs offers a two- and four-year structure:
The Haenicke Institute for Global Education is closely monitoring the impact COVID-19 has on the study abroad component of the Global Engagement Programs.
Global Collaboration Program (2 years)
|
Year 1 "Global Challenges" |
|
|
Year 2 "Collaborative Strategies" |
|
Global Leadership Program (4 years)
|
Year 1 "Global Challenges" |
|
|
Year 2 "Global Leadership" |
|
|
Year 3 "Beyond the Classroom" |
|
|
Year 4 "Global Collaboration Project" |
|
Program Eligibility
| Global Collaboration Program (2 years) | Global Leadership Program (4 years) |
|
|
The number of credits you transfer to your undergraduate degree at WMU affects the length and sequence of your degree planning, which might impact your eligibility for the four-year Global Leadership Program. Nevertheless, we will work with you on assessing your case and offering suggestions of possible accommodations within the WMU Global Engagement Programs.
Costs & Scholarships
"I was able to take extra credits each semester and travel, all of which would have cost me way more out of pocket if I tried to do it on my own." -- Sierra Olson, Business Major, Global Leadership Program (2019)
Global Collaboration Program (2-year)
$2,200 per semester (fall and spring).
The program cost includes all program components (tuition, course materials, travel, retreats, etc.). No out-of-pocket expenses required. Participants of the WMU Global Engagement Program are eligible to apply for scholarship funding from WMU Study Abroad and other University sources during semesters that include study abroad components.
Global Leadership Program (4-year)
YEAR 1: $2,200 per semester (fall and spring)
YEARS 2-4: $2,500 per semester (fall and spring).
The program cost includes all program components (tuition, course materials, travel, retreats, etc.) with the exception of year 3. In year 3, "Beyond the Classroom," the program fee is applied directly to the cost of each student's chosen study abroad program. Participants of the Global Engagement Program are eligible to apply for scholarship funding from WMU Study Abroad and other University sources during semesters that include study abroad components.
Learn More and Apply!
"I was exposed to how race relations differed in Portugal compared to the United States. Racism and racial pressure is something I experience on a daily basis in the United States and that pressure was not as present in Portugal. I wrote a column about it if you want to check it out!" -- Aya Miller, Film, Video & Media Studies Major, Global Leadership Program (2019)
The WMU Global Engagement Programs are intended for all students across disciplines: admission to the programs are offered on a first-come-first-served basis until maximum capacity is reached.
Obtaining a position in the program requires the following:
- Complete the sign-up form, starting May 15.
- Follow the directions provided by email to create a profile in Broncos Abroad. Review the details and policies of the program within Broncos Abroad.
- Complete all registration components, then commit to the program.
Contact the Haenicke Institute for Global Education with additional questions at wmu-international@wmich.edu.