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Several events are scheduled from November 18-22 to celebrate global diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. All events are free and open to the public. Highlights include:

• A Glimpse into Global Cultures on Monday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m., the Student Center, Room 2211. Students from around the world will present their customs, traditions and individual experiences as they share their journey to Kalamazoo. Get a glimpse into the global perspectives on WMU’s campus as you hear firsthand accounts of international students hailing from Angola, Pakistan and Portugal.  
• Engineers Without Borders: Local and international student projects on Monday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2211. WMU’s Engineers Without Borders student chapter is helping to design a water system for the San Antonio de Upa community in Nicaragua. This system is expected to impact about 500 lives and bring water to the village for generations to come. Join us to hear how WMU students are transcending oceans to make the world a better place.
• Tips from International Professionals on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 4:00 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2213. This session will focus on how to thrive in a globalized and multicultural world. Get tips for working in an international environment from WMU scholars. Topics include recognizing cultural dynamics, effective communication strategies and appreciating the personal journeys of the individuals around us. Speakers include Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Dr. Irma Lopez, dean of the Lee Honors College; Dr. Pablo Pastrana-Pérez, chair of the Department of Spanish; and Dr. Elizabeth Isidro, director of the McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic.
• Addressing International Conflict: Strategies for effectively managing disputes on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5:00 p.m., in the Student Center, Room 2213. Speakers will provide insights into how diverse cultures approach conflict resolution and share strategies for effectively managing disputes. Speakers include Cheng Kidd Sun, a Chinese Malaysian graduate student studying international development, who also manages external partnerships at WMU, and Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations at the university.

Other sessions are designed to support the more than 1,170 international students on campus and WMU’s 460 study abroad participants.  

The Global Learning Unit hosts the following events annually. For details on these and other events, please check our calendar, updated at the start of each semester.

Fall Semester

• International Student Orientation: Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
• International Festival: International Festival is a showcase of the diversity of the student body at WMU. Students from around the world share their cultures, fashions and food with the Kalamazoo community. 
• Mini Cultural Festival: The Mini Cultural Festival is an opportunity to learn more about cultures from around the world and to share your own cultural heritage, customs, and traditions.
• International Education Week: International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Check our calendar in the fall for international education week events!
• Global Socials: Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students. This is a great opportunity to drop in to learn more and ask questions about GEP and study abroad. 

Spring Semester

• International Student Orientation: Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
• Global Engagement Program Award Ceremony: During the award ceremony, we will be honoring and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students who have achieved in the Global Engagement Program. The ceremony is followed by a casual reception where students can network and connect with other globally engaged students, staff, and faculty.
• Mini Cultural Festival: The Mini Cultural Festival is an opportunity to learn more about cultures from around the world and to share your own cultural heritage, customs, and traditions.
• Global Socials: Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students. This is a great opportunity to drop in to learn more and ask questions about GEP and study abroad. 

Summer Semester

• International Student Orientation: Western Â鶹´«Ã½Ó¦Óà University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help newly admitted international students make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students!
• International Socials: Hosted weekly throughout the summer, International Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow international students.

For more information about locations and times, check

Global Engagement Program

These events can earn you GEP credit! You can check your status anytime in , which is accessible through your student portal or via . 

More information about the Global Engagement Program