Western Michigan Institute, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics

English Language Proficiency

Male student smiling and standing in front of the entrance to CELCIS.

Western Michigan University recognizes that acclimating to a new environment can be challenging. To help you adapt to new surroundings and new challenges when you arrive in Kalamazoo, we offer opportunities for you to learn more about the English language and United States culture. Our goal is to help you succeed.

REQUIREMENTS

Each year, Western Michigan University holds a proficiency testing session in Guizhou exclusively for students planning to study at WMU's U.S. campus in Kalamazoo. For information about a testing session on the campus of Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, contact Dr. Mike Tarn, associate dean of Western Michigan Institute. Your scores will be automatically sent to WMU. The minimum English proficiency test scores are:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 61 iBT undergraduate; 80 iBT graduate (WMU Institutional Code: 1902)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 undergraduate; 6.5 graduate
Pearson Test of English: 46 undergraduate, 54 graduate

Additional information about English language proficiency requirements is available from the WMU international admissions and services office.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency to enter a degree-seeking program at Western Michigan University. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements to begin academic coursework may begin in the WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS).

English Language and Culture Orientation Workshop

Group photo of WMU faculty with WMI students — Faculty and WMI students celebrate the completion of orientation and the start of the semester with a photo and dinner at a popular Kalamazoo restaurant.

To assist WMI students in transition to studying in the United States, Western Michigan University holds a one-week English language and culture orientation workshop prior to the start of the fall semester. This workshop focuses on language and culture considerations in the classroom. Some topics include:

Understanding U.S. Culture
Business Writing and Oral Communication
Cultural Transitions
WMU Counseling Services
U.S. Accounting Systems
U.S. Political and Legal System
WMU Library Resources
Kalamazoo Tour

Center for English Language and Culture for International Students

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) offers intensive English language courses at Western Michigan University. The CELCIS curriculum teaches students valuable skills such as research, writing and presenting that will help students succeed in the University. Western Michigan Institute, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics students who complete CELCIS are admitted directly into the university and are not required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for admission.

Enrolling in CELCIS

Benefits of studying English at CELCIS

Experienced faculty
Small class sizes
Accommodations for students with disabilities
Additional help in a dedicated language lab
Conversation practice
Service learning, recreational and cultural activities
CELCIS grads admitted to WMU without TOEFL/IELTS
Presentation, research and study skill instruction

"Students who study at CELCIS make noticeable progress, particularly with respect to improving their English proficiency, understanding research skills necessary for success at WMU, and gaining confidence and being better-prepared to take their academic courses."

—Eva Copija, Master Faculty Specialist, CELCIS