An international admissions counselor helping a student at International Student Orientation. They look at a laptop together.

International Student and Scholar Advising

Express Advising for international students is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m., except on University-recognized holidays.

Meet Our Advisors

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays, for scheduled in-person or virtual visits. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly.  If you are in an emergency, call 911 immediately. For border issues, such as detainment, contact Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch at (269) 488-8911 and ask to be directed to a WMU Public Safety officer.

Tara Severino of Immigration Support

PDSO/RO, Int'l Faculty Hiring and J-1 Immigration Advisor

Tara Severino, Associate Director of Immigration Services, tara.severino@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5657

Immigration Advisor - Lessly O'Leary

F-1 Immigration Advisor (Last Names A-M)

Lessly O'Leary, Immigration Advisor, lessly.oleary@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5878

Svetlana Stone, Immigration Advisor

F-1 Immigration Advisor (Last Names N-Z)

Svetlana Stone, Immigration Advisor Senior, svetlana.stone@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5876

Express Advising is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except holidays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Meet with counselors on duty for topics and questions that can be addressed during a brief five- to ten-minute conversation.

Direct Service for form drop-off and pick-up, service inquires or scheduling is available daily. The office is closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.

International Admissions

At times you may need to contact our international admissions staff. Use the drop down menu for more information about who to contact. If you are unsure who to call, or if you have a general question, you may reach out to International Student and Scholar Services by phone at (269) 387-5865 or by email at @email.

Kim Cho supports:

  • Undergraduate students from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria
  • Undergraduate and  graduate students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
  • Students of the Center for English Language and Culture
  • Undergraduate students from all other countries not listed

Dr. Randall Janes supports:

  • Fulbright students and scholars
  • Undergraduate and graduate students from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman and Saudi Arabia
  • Graduate students from Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria
  • Graduate students from all other countries not listed

Keegan Teichert supports:

  • WMU international athletes
  • Undergraduate and graduate students from Canada
Kim Cho, International Admissions

International Admissions

Kim Cho, International Admissions Counselor

kim.cho@wmich.edu 

(269) 387-5898

Dr. Randall Janes, International Admissions Advisor

International Admissions

Dr. Randall Janes, International Admissions Counselor

randall.a.janes@wmich.edu

(269) 387-3938

Health Insurance

Tiedra Robertson, International Student Insurance Coordinator

International Health Insurance

Tiedra Robertson, Insurance Coordinator

ias-insurance@wmich.edu / (269) 387-5804

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers. Check out our frequently asked questions lists to learn more.

Students at an international event, standing above flags from around the world and making W symbols with their hands.

Common questions from prospective international students and scholars. 

A student at international student orientation pinning his home country on the map.

Common questions from admitted international students and scholars.

ISO Graphic

Common questions about International Student Orientation. 

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.