International Student and Scholar Services

International Student Orientation

Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University! Our International Student Orientation is designed to help you make a smooth transition academically, socially, geographically and professionally to WMU. Orientation consists of two parts: a virtual portion to complete before your arrival in the United States, and an in-person campus event at the beginning of your first semester. There, you will receive a university welcome, meet immigration advisors, make new friends and more. 

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

We are happy to have you join us on campus. Start your journey at WMU right by participating in International Student Orientation (ISO). All orientation events are mandatory for incoming international students. 

Mark your calendar now. 

  • Summer I 2026 orientation is set for May 9.  
  • Fall 2026 Orientation is set for August 27. 

Check back soon for a detailed schedule of events. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at @email with additional questions or concerns. 

An informational graphic of international sites showing the timeline of orientation.

Roadmap to International Student Orientation graphic. Summer 2026 International Student Orientation is underway - check your email for pre-departure tasks and information. Read the full description of the Roadmap to International Student Orientation infographic. 

Summer 2026 | Suggested Pre-Arrival Timeline

  • March 11 - Orientation Introduction: Register for in-person orientation and begin virtual orientation modules.
  • March 16 - Key Information: Learn more about class registration, housing, immigration documents and health insurance.
  • March 26 - Virtual Gathering via Webex: Meet the International Student and Scholar Services team and ask us questions.
  • March 30 - Prepare for Your Journey: Join our WhatsApp chat for new students and secure your flight and transportation.
  • April 6 - Complete Virtual Orientation: Complete virtual orientation modules and review information from our emails.
  • May 9 - Orientation in Kalamazoo: Attend in-person orientation at Western Michigan University. 

Summer 2026 International Student Orientation is underway - check your email for pre-departure tasks and information. Email communications begin on March 11. Email updates will be posted on our website at wmich.edu/international/orientation#emails each Monday. Contact us at @email if you are not receiving our emails. 

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

Ongoing Email Updates, Virtual Orientation

Start your academic journey at WMU right by completing mandatory International Student Orientation. You can complete the online tasks at your own pace, so long as you are finished before your arrival in the United States. The in-person event on January 9 is a crucial part of your journey at WMU. You should arrive at WMU before January 9, so you are well-rested on orientation day. We will email you regular updates.

A Welcome Message from WMU's International Student and Scholar Services.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Student Orientation

Yes! Your success at Western Michigan University is our top priority. Orientation starts with virtual online topics and ends with an in-person orientation event. International Student Orientation (ISO) is a crucial academic, professional and social introduction to the University. Plus, you will accomplish many important things during ISO, including registering for classes, learning about math placement, registering for housing and making friends. 

International Student Orientation begins virtually approximately two months prior to the first day of classes. In-person orientation will be held on campus within days of your arrival. This event gives you a chance to connect with incoming students and talk with faculty who are here to support your academic journey at Western.

WMU will provide transportation pickup services from the Kalamazoo Battle Creek Airport (AZO) and the Kalamazoo Transit Station on the following dates for Spring 2026:

  • Thursday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, January 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To secure your ride on these days, simply join our WhatsApp chat and message when you arrive using the free Airport or Transit Station Wi-Fi. Our drivers will be close by and on the lookout for your message. The transportation service is meant to assist students with arriving to housing accommodations, WMU's campus, and even local shops and grocery stores!

Students who need transportation assistance to arrive at orientation on January 9 should message in the WhatsApp chat the night before orientation. Students who need transportation assistance getting home from orientation will be identified once orientation is over. 

If you are arriving to Kalamazoo Battle Creek Airport (AZO) outside of these dates and times, you can consult the AZO transportation page for regional taxi and bus information. 

If you are arriving to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) or Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), check out the following resources for travel to Kalamazoo: 

If you have any other questions about transportation, please reach out in the WhatsApp group or email @email.

*The WhatsApp group link is available in the email communications you receive about orientation.

Successfully completing International Student Orientation is easy! You will be expected to: 

  1. Complete new student orientation session topics and gain a certificate of completion, attesting that you have worked your way through the all the modules.
  2. Attend virtual and in-person events.
  3. Upload relevant immigration documents via your Terra Dotta portal.
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • I-94 (after arrival). 

New international students living in residence halls can move-in on January 8 starting at 9 a.m. Information and move-in dates for those living in campus apartments or in Spindler Hall will be emailed to your student accounts. Find more information at Housing and Residence Life.

Do you have additional questions about orientation or your travel to the United States? You may ask them in the ISO WhatsApp group or contact us at hige-orientation@wmich.edu. You can also connect with our International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) staff for your queries on immigration, enrollment, housing, healthcare and more. A good first step is to review our "Frequently Asked Questions for Admitted International Students" page.

Frequently Asked Questions for Admitted International Students
Contact International Student and Scholar Services

95%

of Haworth College of Business graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their bachelor's degree

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

100%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

97%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data
"More than anything, WMU gave me the chance to grow—personally and professionally. From supportive professors to campus mentors, I’ve had a network that challenged me to think critically and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I now feel ready to take on what comes next, even if I’m still figuring out the exact path. I know that the foundation I built here will help guide me forward."
— Elfriede Rumaseuw, 2025 Graduate from Indonesia

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.
Sign Up for the Monthly WMU Global Education Newsletter
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

Study Abroad and Global Engagement Table

Monday, March 16, 2026 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Western Michigan University
Learn more about WMU study abroad and the Global Engagement Program by speaking with program alumni.

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.

Fulbright Information Table

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stop by our table to learn more about the Fulbright program and its suite of fellowships and scholarships in more than 160 countries.

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

Holi Hai

April 12
12 to 5 p.m.
Soccer Intramural Fields
Join the Indian Student Association in celebrating Holi, the vibrant Indian festival that brings people together in a joyous explosion of colors, music and culture!

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.

Asian Forum at Western Michigan University

May 1, 2026 — midnight
Western Michigan University
Asian Forum brings together academics, artists, scholars and international education professionals from around the world.
More WMU Campus Events