International Student and Scholar Services

The mission of the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) 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.

International students pose together at a Conversation Circle held by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students

Students of the Center for English Language and Culture pose after a Conversation Circle on WMU's campus.

“The finance field requires fluent English skills, so that’s why I came here. When I entered university, my goal was to challenge myself."
— Yusung Chae from South Korea

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (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

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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 to the Center for English Language
Four international students pose at international student orientation

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.

Learn More and Apply to a Pathway Program (Dual Enrollment)
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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.

Learn More and Apply to a Short-Term Program

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 Conversation Circles.
  • Discover 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.

CELCIS Academics and Policies

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Academic Curriculum, Schedule and Resources

CELCIS classes emphasize a holistic approach to language learning. Students participate in activities that simulate those that they will experience in their future academic or professional environments. 

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Policies

To be successful in the Western Michigan University CELCIS program, it is important that students understand the policies and expectations of the program. CELCIS policies are outlined on this page and in the CELCIS student handbook.

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

Learn More about 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 student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

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 to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

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

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English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

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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