WMU welcomes more than 50 new international students this January
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan University (WMU) welcomed 53 new international students from around the world this month. The incoming class joined 264 international students who began at WMU in August. For many of the weary-eyed travelers, International Student Orientation on Jan. 3 was their first introduction to higher education in the United States.
Fazeleh Shafie Pour, 35, travelled 39 hours from Iran to pursue doctoral studies in chemistry at WMU. She chose Western because of its impressive research offerings, especially in the areas of biochemistry and medicine.
This was her first time going abroad. “This is a really new experience for me,” said Shafie Pour. “I’m very far from my home.”
One-by-one the new students shouted the names of their home country as Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, welcomed them to campus.
Bangladesh, Iran, India, the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), some yelled aloud. Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Australia, Nepal and South Korea, others continued. New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, China and Malaysia, more went on to say.
Raveendran, originally from Singapore, greeted them in multiple languages.
The dean reminded the students to take care of themselves as they navigate this new international journey. She told them to make sure they were safe, fed and clothed. Wear socks in the winter and walk slowly on the icy sidewalks, she said, as snow cascaded down the windows of the Student Center.
Don’t lose contact with loved ones at home, the dean continued. Challenge yourself. Don’t be complacent or get too comfortable. Stay focused on why you are here.
“Achieve that goal and dream that you want to achieve—to be a graduate," Raveendran said.
Of the 53 newcomers, approximately 40% are entering a graduate program at WMU, while 45% are pursuing undergraduate studies.
The remaining 15% are undertaking intensive English language instruction at WMU's Center for English Language and Culture for International Students to communicate at a level necessary to pursue a university degree.
The spring 2025 international class represents 25 different countries. Students come from nearby nations like Canada and from remote, far-off locales like Kazakhstan.
The Haenicke Institute for Global Education supports more than 1,170 international students on WMU’s campus, as well as more than 400 recent graduates undergoing post-graduation job training. More than 90 countries are represented.
The Haenicke Institute’s International Student and Scholar Services unit is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support. The office works in collaboration with various university departments, such as academics, student affairs and housing, to promote international student success.
At orientation students received information about the visa and immigration process, insurance requirements and other campus resources.
“You are not alone,” Dr. Ying Zeng, interim associate provost for global education, told the crowd of students and families in attendance. “We are here for you. Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We are committed to providing you with support, resources and opportunities to help you thrive academically, personally and socially."
Daphne Mariano Mesa, 20, came to Western from the Dominican Republic as an undergraduate transfer student from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo. She plans to study engineering.
Her parents and brother came with her to orientation to help her get settled and move her things to the United States.
"This is a wonderful experience,” said her father, Gregorio Mariano Mesa. "To know she is safe here, that she has everything she needs, there is a community for her here.”
He smiled as he pointed out his daughter, who was sitting at a nearby table already chatting with other incoming international students.
As she looked at the snow outside, Daphne Mariano said she was most excited to live in a new climate; she has lived in hot, tropical environments her whole life.
She admitted she was a bit nervous about her math and science courses as she entered her third year of undergraduate studies, but knew the opportunity for an American education would be life-changing.
"The education system here is more interactive,” she said. “There are going to be new friends, new knowledge and new experiences. It’s going to open my mind to a new future.”