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 more than 2,500 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.  

International student holding W hands at graduation time
WMU has prepared me to be a better version of myself.
— Esther Forson, International Student from Ghana, WMU Class of 2025
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express Advising for international students is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Advising for study abroad is available by appointment.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education Programming

2,100+

international students on campus and abroad from more than 90 countries

—Common Data Set '24-'25

450+

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

—Common Data Set '24-'25

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Common Data Set '24-'25

Global Education News

Ciccantell and Lambert

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

A promotional image for International Education Week

Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

gilman scholarship

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

Luis Jacobo Meija in Floyd Hall

Mechanical and aerospace engineering student finds possibility around every corner

germany presley

WMU's Haenicke Institute recognizes 47 faculty, staff and student leaders for transformative study abroad programs

Dr. Rosemary Max 6x4

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education

Aus Al Rasbi

Cybersecurity student is unlocking opportunities and finding success

A student who won the Fulbright Foreign Student award to study at WMU

Experience-Driven Learning Spans Borders: International alumnus reflects on journey home

Greg Jasperse, associate professor of applied jazz voice, teaches a voice lesson at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards

CAS Magazine Cover

Learning across the globe in WMU's College of Arts and Sciences

Students in GIST 3100 discuss personal objects and their meaning.

Global Studies in the Field course connects students to global careers and study abroad scholarships

Students receiving awards at a Global Engagement Program Awards ceremony in April 2025.

Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus

 WMU Trustee Lynn Chen-Zhang

From China to the Midwest, WMU trustee finds a home in Kalamazoo

Students and staff presenting on international education in 2025.

WMU marks its place in international education

jeffrey gilman

WMU Study Abroad celebrates new, nationally competitive Gilman award winners

india sa 3

Faculty-led India trip is interdisciplinary, international by design

A group of WMU students studying in Ecuador.

Study abroad at Western yields higher student success