Three Western Michigan University students hold a school flag while smiling.
Western Michigan University is proud to host more than 1,000 international students from 95 foreign countries. You are welcome here.

International Student Resources

WMU's International Student and Scholar Services assists international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. Find resources for current international students on this page.

A student in the Indian Student Association interacts with a family at International Bazaar 2026.

WMU International

Our campus is global because of students like you. See how we're celebrating international student success and find ways to get involved. 

student talking to advisor

Advising Services

Express Advising for international students is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. 

Maruj Jamal and Buster Bronco at her graduation.

Immigration Support

Learn about maintaining status, program extensions, reinstatement, working as an international student and more.

Sindecuse Health Center.

International Student Heath Insurance

Learn more about your health insurance plan and how to receive your benefits.

1,050+

international students on campus, representing 95 foreign countries

—2025 Fall Enrollment Data

530+

recent international graduates undergoing optional practical or academic training

—Fall 2025 Open Doors Report

820+

international students in unique programs abroad

—Fall 2025 Enrollment Data

Celebrating and Supporting International Students

Celebrating you and sharing stories of international student success is one of our favorite things. WMU's international student population is what keeps our campus global. We celebrate you!

A smiling student preparing to shake Dr. Montgomery's hand and receive a diploma during commencement

International Graduates

Each year we celebrate our international graduates online and in-person with graduation stories and a reception. Meet our graduates, get recognized and join the festivities. 

Happy Birthday decorated cake

International Birthday Parties

On the last Wednesday of every month, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education hosts a special celebration for international students and scholars who have a birthday during that month.

International students at orientation holding their hands up like W symbols. There is also a Welcome Here promotion image, showing a hand pointing to Michigan on another hand and the word "welcome" in many different languages.

Welcome at Western

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education launched a Welcome Here campaign in 2017 and revived it in 2025. Hear from other international students welcoming you to campus and receive a free poster, button or sticker. 

A student looking at the Eiffel tower in Paris, France

International Education Week

Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education will host International Education Week 2026 Nov. 8-15. Join us as we celebrate global diversity and explore cross-cultural connections.

Students smiling and taking photos at International Bazaar, a campus wide global education event.

International Bazaar

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education celebrates International Bazaar, hosted by the International Student Council in collaboration with other student groups.

A group diverse men and women sitting in a circle, laughing, hanging out and holding a volleyball.

Conversation Circles

Help international students make connections and practice conversational English. Conversation Circles are open to all WMU students, faculty and staff, as well as the general community. Learn about different cultures while having fun with people from around the world.

global social

Global Socials

Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

1,050+

international students on campus representing 95 foreign countries

—Fall Enrollment Data, 2025

520+

students studying abroad in 30 countries, on average, each year

—Study Abroad Enrollment Data, 2024-2025

11,000 +

globally engaged students on campus

—Global Engagement Program Participation Data, 2024-2025

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 education, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist over 1,000 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. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

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.