WMU welcomes 242 new international students
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University welcomed 242 new international students this fall. Students from around the world gathered in the WMU Student Center at International Student Orientation, waving Bronco flags and the flags of their home countries.
The students were welcomed by fellow international students, Dr. Rosemary Max, associate vice president of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, and Dr. Reetha Raveendran, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. The event was hosted by International Student and Scholar Services.
Max encouraged students to remember that life is filled with stories, that there will be moments of delight and despair, villains and heroes, challenges and opportunities.
She told students to think of their time at Western as the next chapter in their personal story. It starts today and ends when you walk across the graduation stage, she said.
Max reminded students to ask for help when they needed it and to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available to them, including campus activities, academic support services and programs meant to support physical and emotional well-being.
“I want to thank you for choosing Western," she told the room of weary-eyed travelers. "We are very, very happy that you’re here, and we look forward to helping you during your time here.”
Building Relationships for Success
Raveendran, who was once an international student herself, greeted students in multiple languages before sharing her advice for success.
“This journey is all about relationships, and the way for you to be successful is to make as many relationships as you can—with each other, with the person sitting next to you, across from you, your professors, university staff members, everyone you meet.”
She encouraged students to recognize both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with studying abroad.
“This is an opportunity for you to share how great you are, how amazing a person you are, what challenges you overcame to get here. This is a special seat that you occupy—someone else did not have that chance.”
“Be proud that you made it here.”
Abdul Basit, a graduate student from Lahore, Pakistan, pursuing a master's degree in mathematics education, said he is looking forward to building relationships that will help him continue his academic journey.
“I'm looking forward to meeting new people, making connections with the right kind of faculty members to pursue my goals further to the Ph.D. level,” he said. “I am enjoying my time at WMU so far.”
Enaah Sandra Badjassem, a graduate student from Lome, Togo, studying applied economics on a Fulbright scholarship, said she was immediately impressed by WMU.
“This is a great opportunity for me," she said. “On campus, I find it's really wonderful, it's really beautiful."
“WMU is really impressive, with a lot of resources to help students achieve their goals.”
Western Michigan University is home to a robust international student community, with more than 850 international students from 94 countries on campus. Nearly 720 additional international students are pursuing WMU degrees through unique programs abroad.
Finding Community at Western
At the event, current international students welcomed new arrivals by sharing advice, experiences and camaraderie.
They danced, sang, played games and discussed topics ranging from the best study spots on campus to making friends, finding local restaurants and succeeding in the classroom.
They also talked about adjusting to life in Michigan, navigating public transportation and balancing their home cultures with their experiences in the United States.
“Here in America, it's a more individualistic system and you will find a lot of people doing things by themselves,” said Gideon Kipkemoi, an aviation student from Kenya who served as a student orientation leader and is the president of the International Student Council at Western Michigan University.
“That's something that was culture shock to me, but also I needed to adjust to that and realize it's okay to sit next to someone in the classroom and just say hello."
Kipkemoi encouraged new students to approach their experience with curiosity and openness.
"It goes back to you to learn the culture, adjust to it and also accept that people are different. Everyone is on their own journey. You need to create opportunities and engage."
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western community. Its offices support more than 850 international students from 94 countries on campus and an additional 720 international students pursuing WMU degrees through unique programs abroad. Staff support admissions, immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff, and hosts a variety of global learning initiatives to encourage a more globally engaged Kalamazoo. This includes providing scholarship and academic opportunities; K-12 outreach; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. Learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.