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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University will offer numerous global engagement opportunities this month for members of the campus and surrounding communities.

Highlights include welcoming international students to campus through English-language practice and winter outings, exploring study abroad through short-term faculty-led programs, and the grand opening of the Global Lounge in the Bernhard Center on WMU's main campus.

Global Engagement at WMU

WMU prepares its students to thrive as global citizens and professionals in a diverse workplace by encouraging them to be locally oriented and globally competent, culturally aware, and ready to contribute to world knowledge and discovery. To support these efforts, WMU offers global engagement opportunities on campus and in the greater Kalamazoo area. Events are published weekly at wmich.edu/global/events by WMU's Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

January 2017 opportunities

Monday, Jan. 9

• WMU Study Abroad Classroom Presentation Initiative—ongoing, hosted by WMU Study Abroad. The beginning of the spring 2017 semester means a return to the WMU Study Abroad classroom outreach initiative. WMU is a partner of the Generation Study Abroad national initiative, which aims to double the number of students studying abroad by 2020. Reaching students through classroom presentations is one of the most successful outreach strategies in working toward this goal.
  

• Call for CELCIS Conversation Circle Leaders—Jan. 9-13, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. CELCIS conversation circles are designed to help international students make connections with other students and practice conversational English. Conversation Circle leaders meet weekly with a group of international and domestic students to facilitate discussions on dynamic topics. These paid positions are open to the public. Email thomas.marks@wmich.edu to apply.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

• —11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Brown Hall, hosted by WMU Study Abroad and the College of Arts and Sciences. The 2017 College of Arts and Sciences Study Abroad Expo will highlight short-term faculty-led programs before the Summer I application deadline Jan. 31 and the Summer II application deadline Feb. 28. Free and open to the public.

Monday, Jan. 16

• Martin Luther King Day Teach-In global sessions—"Addressing Threats to Justice, the Climate, and Civil Rights," 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 208-210 Bernhard Center, hosted by Drs. Allen Webb and Lewis Pyenson, WMU. Sessions combine short inspirational speeches, focused discussion, action plans, and connections to students, faculty and community organizations. Topics include immigration and citizenship, Islamophobia, and supporting refugees in Kalamazoo. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

• —11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Sangren Hall Atrium, hosted by WMU Study Abroad and the College of Education and Human Development. The 2017 College of Education and Human Development Study Abroad Expo will highlight short-term faculty-led programs before the Summer I application deadline Jan. 31 and the Summer II application deadline Feb. 28. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

• —11 a.m. to 2 p.m in the Health and Human Services Building Atrium, hosted by WMU Study Abroad and the College of Health and Human Services. The 2017 College of Health and Human Services Study Abroad Expo will highlight short-term faculty-led programs before the Summer I application deadline Jan. 31 and the Summer II application deadline Feb. 28. Free and open to the public.

Friday, Jan. 20

• Rafiki: Night of Friendship—6 to 9 p.m. in the Bernhard Center, hosted by WMU International Student Activities and the Western Student Association. This night offers a chance for international and domestic students to get to know one another, create friendships, and welcome each other to campus through a fun game night. The event includes crafts, music and snacks. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, Jan. 21

• Winter Fun at Echo Valley with CELCIS students—day event at Echo Valley in Kalamazoo, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join CELCIS students for a day of skiing and sledding at Echo Valley. Open to the public; charge.

Saturday, Jan. 28

• Ski Trip with international students—day event, location to be determined, hosted by WMU International Student Activities. Join international students for a day of skiing. Open to the public, transportation provided; charge.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

• Grand opening of the WMU Global Lounge—3 to 5 p.m. in the Bernhard Center, hosted by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and the Bernhard Center. A grand opening of the Global Lounge space in the lower level of the Bernhard Center. The event will feature live student performances, raffles and free food. Free and open to the public.

For more information on the events listed above or to learn more about global engagement opportunities at WMU, visit wmich.edu/global or contact Korey Force at korey.force@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3993.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.