International student orientation covers a lot of ground
Aug. 26, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- For one group of incoming students, orientation includes negotiating the aisles of a giant discount department store and spending a day at the beach. These activities are all part of the weeklong orientation program for international students that runs from Monday, Aug. 26, through Friday, Aug. 30.
The program offers a conference-like format that includes optional interest sessions as well as mandatory informational sessions. As a result, students not only obtain practical information necessary for a successful transition to WMU, but also are able to tailor their orientation experience to meet their individual needs. The orientation sessions cover everything from phone registration and grading policies to immigration regulations relevant to higher education and "daily life" issues such as how to obtain health insurance and Michigan ID cards.
The students also have a chance to venture off campus and learn more about the local area and amenities of everyday life in the United States. Excursions scheduled include a shopping trip to Meijer on Monday, Aug. 26, and a daylong outing in Saugatuck, Mich., on Friday, Aug. 30.
For more information, contact Jin Abe in the Office of International Student Services at (269) 387-5859 or (269) 387-5865.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu