International Student and Scholar Services

The mission of the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students at Western Michigan University, established in 1975, is to provide instruction in English as a second language for non-native speakers who will use English to study at an American college or university or in their workplace.

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

English Language Learning at WMU

About CELCIS

CELCIS provides comprehensive language instruction and cultural orientation through a year-round, intensive English language program. Through these offerings, CELCIS supports three key areas of service: international students, Western Michigan University and the broader southwestern Michigan community, helping learners build the language skills and cultural understanding needed for academic, professional and personal success.

CELCIS Program Options

study English as a second language - CELCIS

Study English as a Second Language

CELCIS offers an intensive English language program for non-native speakers who will use English to study at a college or university or in their workplaces.

Learn More and Apply
Study in a Pathway Program - CELCIS

Study in a Pathway Program (Dual Enrollment)

The Pathway Program (Dual Enrollment) enables international students to take English as a second language courses while also taking academic courses that count toward an academic degree program.

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Short ESL Programs (American University Experience)

Short ESL Programs (American University Experience)

Explore the exciting short-term study opportunities available at WMU. Our non-degree programs offer international students the chance to experience American culture, improve their English skills and engage in academic pursuits.

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Why study at CELCIS?

  • CELCIS is an established program – helping students succeed for over 50 years!
  • CELCIS was accredited by the Commission on English Language Programs (CEA) in 2000, 2005, 2015, and 2025 (one of the few programs in the world to receive CEA accreditation four times!).
  • Completing the CELCIS Advanced level satisfies WMU’s language requirements for admission; CELCIS graduates do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission to most programs.
  • The CELCIS Curriculum teaches you valuable skills (presentation, research, etc.) to help you succeed in the university.
  • All full-time CELCIS faculty have master’s degrees in TESOL or related fields and have many years of teaching experience. Most faculty have lived and taught overseas.
  • CELCIS can accommodate students with varying levels of language ability, including those at the beginner level, as well as students with disabilities.
  • CELCIS offers a direct route to admission to Western Michigan University, with no additional English language proficiency exams required.
    Route Option 1: completion of a Pathway Program II (students are eligible to enter the Pathway Program after completing the CELCIS Intermediate Level).
    Route Option 2: completion of the CELCIS Advanced level.
  • Help the local community by participating in volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in recreational and cultural activities such as visits to Lake Michigan, local festivals, sporting events, museums, and sledding.
  • Join a student organization—over 350 to choose from!
  • Have fun while practicing your conversation skills by participating in the Conversation Circles program.
  • Live in Kalamazoo — a vibrant, friendly, and safe community with a population of 75,000.
  • Kalamazoo is the best of both worlds – many of the dining and cultural events of a large city, with the safety, beauty, and affordability of a small town.
  • Enjoy the benefits of living in a state with four distinct seasons.  Winters are snowy and summers are sunny!
  • Visit big cities such as Chicago or Detroit – only 2 hours away.  Train transportation is available, with an AMTRAK train station downtown.
  • Visit beautiful Lake Michigan --- enjoy the beaches and the scenery!
  • Multiple housing options are available: on-campus residence halls, on-campus apartments, and off-campus housing.
  • Students can receive free airport pick-up upon arrival to the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport.
  • There is free bus transportation on campus and in Kalamazoo for WMU students.

Work with Us

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students occasionally seeks individuals to teach on a part-time basis.

Required Qualifications:

  • MA TESOL or Equivalent Degree
  • 1-Year ESL Teaching Expirence

If you are interested in being considered as a part-time instructor for our program, please contact the department chair, Eva Copija at eva.copija@wmich.edu. You must send a resume and cover letter.

You may also drop your application off at 0530 Ellsworth Hall, or send it to:

Eva Copija, Chair
Center for English Language and Culture for International Students
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5248 USA

More on the Professionals Instructors Organization

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. We assist more than 2,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  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.  

A young man making the Western W with his hands.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student holding a WMU flag at a foreign location.

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.
Students talking on campus

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 
Students studying

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Enrichment

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.
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More about Global Education at WMU

Global Education News

WMU students studying abroad with a faculty.

New study abroad experience for first-year students launches a WMU education in the Dominican Republic

Guatemala study abroad

Student produces short documentary on the impact of studying abroad

fulbright awardees

Three WMU faculty earn prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards

Timothy Light Center Fall 2025 Grant Award Recipients: Dr. Sophie Tang, Dr. Victor Cunrui Xion and Dr. Xiaojun Wang

Light Center for Chinese Studies funds a documentary, a biography and a multimedia online language studies platform in 2025

A group photo of CELCIS faculty and staff past and present

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Ciccantell and Lambert

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

A promotional image for International Education Week

Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

More WMU Campus News

Global Events

Global Social

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 2 to 4 p.m.
WMU Student Center
Part of WMU's Global Engagement Program, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches, and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Understanding China : A WMU Asian Initiatives Lecture Series

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sangren Hall, Western Michigan University
Join us for a three-part lecture series on "Understanding China." Learn about the Year of the Horse, the current education landscape and Chinese cultural life.

Conversation Circle

Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

Global Engagement Program Awards Ceremony

April 2
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
WMU’s Global Engagement Program (GEP) celebrates and honors students for their global engagement with an awards ceremony each spring.

International Bazaar 2026

April 4
4 to 9 p.m.
Student Center, Western Michigan University
Get ready for a night full of delicious food, cultural performances and amazing student booths at this global celebration. Bring your friends and experience the world in one place!

Light Center for Chinese Studies Brown Bag Talk

April 7
12 to 1 p.m.
Sangren Hall
Treasure Hill Manifestation: Sculptural Renderings from an Artist Village in Taipei by Prof. Patrick Wilson, Gwen Frostic School of Art, Western Michigan University

Spring Gala

April 12
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University
Spring Gala is a vibrant community celebration of Asian Pacific cultural heritage.
More WMU Campus Events