Western Michigan University became home to a Confucius Institute this fall, a development that will provide new Chinese language and cultural studies options for WMU students and faculty and dramatically expand international opportunities for area K-12 schools and local businesses.

Being author co-author of more than 20 volumes of frequently used textbooks, worldwide, for Chinese language and culture instruction has keenly positioned Dr. Xiaojun Wang, professor of foreign languages and head of Western Michigan University's Chinese language program, to serve as director of the University's new Confucius Institute.

An international festival, a Parade of Nations, game night at the student recreation center and a year-end formal ball are just a few of the exciting activities planned each year for Western Michigan University international students by the International Programming Office in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

David Parker, a faculty specialist in Western Michigan University's Career English Language Center for International Students, was visiting Michigan during the 2007 holiday break that followed completion of his graduate degree in Vermont when his dream job landed in his lap.

In December 2007, after Parker graduated with an MA in TESOL from St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt. and had earned a Vermont public school teaching license, he returned to his hometown, Hastings, Mich. to visit family and look for a teaching position.