Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives, a unit of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, works to enhance scholarship and disseminate knowledge about East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan. We offer research, publication, funding and conference opportunities for interested faculty. We also partner with area K-12 schools, libraries, community centers and other locations to enhance our outreach.  Two centers — The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies and The Soga Japan Center — support this work.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-3951

Featured Programs

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Asian Forum

The Asian Forum at WMU brings together academics, artists, scholars and international education professionals from Asia and the West to engage in dialogue and explore issues related to Asia and the global community through a multidisciplinary conference.
A photo from the Spring Gala stage

Spring Gala

Supported by community groups, WMU faculty, staff and students, Spring Gala serves as a platform to honor and showcase Asia’s rich cultural traditions. Through mesmerizing dance routines, musical performances and theatrical presentations, the joyous occasion fosters cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.
Participants at a high school Chinese speech contest

Chinese Speech Contest

The annual High School Chinese Speech Contest provides a stage for Chinese language learners to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese and practice communicating with each other.

Additional Resources

Friends of Asian Arts and Culture

Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures

The Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures (FAAC) group promotes and provides programming to showcase the fascinating art, culture and intellectual achievements of the complex and diverse world region of Asia. Members host and attend art and cultural exhibitions; activities; workshops; lectures; tours; and community discussions.

 
World language faculty

Study Chinese or Japanese at WMU

The department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University is at the heart of the university’s commitment to global engagement and citizenship. Students have the opportunity to learn Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and classical Greek and Latin.
A study abroad trip

Study Abroad in Asia

WMU Study Abroad hosts short- and long-term programs throughout Asia. Travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and more. Experiences are designed for students to learn abroad with their WMU peers and faculty or to study as an independent traveller.

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.
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A student holding up the W

International Student and Scholar Services

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

WMU 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.
A classroom at WMU

Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collabroation and exchange. 
A student on campus

English Languge Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers intensive English language study.
Students on campus

Global Learning

The Haenicke Institute facilitates a variety of large- and small-scale events, experiences and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.
Community outreach

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on WMU's campus and beyond.
Learn More about Global Education at WMU
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