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. 

Three WMU international students smile for a picture at international student orientation in the WMU Student Center. More international students converse and browse behind them.

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. 

A WMU student sitting in front of her laptop while smiling in her apartment.

Virtual Modules for International Student Orientation

See our suggested timeline on the roadmap graphic below. Continue on and complete topics early if you wish. 

Two WMU international student walking through the Student Center at International Student Orientation. Other international students converse and browse tables in the background.

Additional Resources for International Students

Read on for more international student resources at WMU. 

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 May 9 is a crucial part of your journey at WMU. You should arrive at WMU before May 9, so you are well-rested on orientation day. We will email you regular updates.

Greetings from Western Michigan University! Congratulations on your admission. We are happy to have you joining us on campus in just a few months. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where you're empowered to learn, and where an Experience-Driven Education leads to a meaningful career. Western is the place where you can become your best self. 

Start your academic journey at WMU right by completing mandatory International Student Orientation. Orientation is an essential part of your success at WMU. Orientation contains two parts: a series of virtual orientation modules and an in-person orientation on May 9. 

The virtual portion includes a series of online modules designed to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic and professional transition to WMU. Students can complete the online tasks at their own pace, so long as they are finished before your arrival in the United States. Start working on your virtual modules today. 

The in-person event on May 9 is a crucial part of your journey at WMU. At orientation, you will meet your peers, learn key immigration information, discover resources offered at WMU and more! Register for in-person orientation. 

Here are the two steps you need to complete this first week to be a successful Bronco: 

  1. Begin virtual orientation, activate your GoWMU student account and email address, and familiarize yourself with WMU. 
  1. Join the Summer 2026 Orientation WhatsApp group. Here you can connect with fellow students, orientation leaders and WMU staff. Introduce yourself when you join, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in the chat. Group standards are listed in the chat. If you’re having trouble joining, contact us at hige-orientation@wmich.edu 

Stay tuned for more updates from our office. Remember, it is your responsibility to stay informed. 

We look forward to meeting you! 

Email @email for more information. 

Greetings from Western Michigan University!  

Welcome to International Student Orientation. Orientation contains two mandatory parts: a virtual portion, which students complete at their own pace and finish prior to their arrival in the U.S. and an in-person event on WMU’s main campus May 9. Students should begin the virtual orientation modules this week and register for in-person orientation. Join the Summer 2026 Orientation WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow students and WMU staff.  

Save the Date! Meet your International Student and Scholar Services Team 

Mark your calendars now for a virtual event on March 26 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. EST (timezone converter) via WebEx where you will meet the International Student and Scholar Services Team at WMU. No pre-registration is required; simply use the WebEx virtual event link to join. Discussion topics will include: 

  • Immigration Requirements; 
  • Health Insurance; 
  • Document Submission; 
  • Academic Advising; 
  • Travel and Housing Tips; 
  • Next Steps. 

Read on for key information on Course Registration, Housing, Immigration and Health Insurance. 

Course Registration: 

Undergraduate international students must schedule an appointment with their academic advisor to enroll in courses. This is to ensure you are taking the right classes and that you maintain good standing with the university. You may use the link in the “Academic Advising for Undergraduate Students" in the virtual orientation module to schedule an appointment. 

Graduate international students will self-register via GoWMU. Before you register, we highly recommend you connect with your advisor. Check out the “Registration and Advising for Graduate Students” module for more information. Please remember, at the graduate level 3.0 credit hours is considered half-time or part-time, and 6.0 credit hours is considered full-time.  

Students of the Center for English Language and Culture (CELCIS) must attend English language placement testing before registering for classes. CELCIS staff will contact you about online placement testing a few weeks prior to your arrival.  

Housing: 

Information about your move to campus is in the “On Campus Living and Dining” module. New international students living in residence halls can move-in on May 8. Information and move-in dates for those living in campus apartments or in Spindler Hall will be emailed to your student accounts. Visit the Housing and Residence Life website for information about Summer 2026 on-campus housing. 

Additional housing information, including a glossary of key terms, can be found in the “Housing Options” module.  

For temporary accommodations, students can find a list of hotels in the Kalamazoo area. 

Students who are having trouble finding accommodations can ask for help in the WhatsApp chat. 

Immigration: 

There are two primary immigration requirements for incoming international students.   

  1. Prior to arrival, all international students must log into their Terra Dotta portal to access the Immigration Responsibilities Assessment request to review important information related to the maintenance of their immigration status. to access the Immigration Responsibilities Assessment Request to review important information related to the maintenance of their immigration status.  
  1. Upon arrival, all international students must complete a Check-In Request on the Terra Dotta portal. This request will ask you to acknowledge your obligation to maintain your immigration status and walk you through the upload of your immigration documents (signed Form I-20 or DS-2019, most recent I-94, visa stamp and passport). International Student and Scholar Services will use this information to register your SEVIS record. 

Health Insurance: 

Western Michigan University automatically enrolls all international students in the international student health insurance plan. The plan is specifically designed to meet the health care needs of international students. 

Insurance premium costs will be incorporated into your WMU tuition and fees. Health insurance coverage in the U.S. is often complex and specific to your situation. To better understand your plan and how to use your health insurance effectively, visit our international student health insurance information webpage. 

Virtual Orientation Continues: 

Good luck as you continue working on your virtual orientation modules and TerraDotta assignments. Stay on track to make your arrival as smooth and easy as possible. See our suggested timeline on the roadmap graphic. Continue on and complete topics early if you wish. 

We look forward to meeting you! 

Email @email for more information. 

Greetings from Western Michigan University!  

We can’t wait to see you at the “Meet your International Student and Scholar Services Team” virtual event tomorrow, March 26, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. EST (timezone converter) via WebEx. No pre-registration is required; simply click on the WebEx virtual event link to join. Discussion topics will include: 

  • Immigration Requirements; 
  • Health Insurance; 
  • Document Submission; 
  • Academic Advising; 
  • Travel and Housing Tips; 
  • Next Steps. 

Register for in-person Orientation.  

Important Reminders: 

Students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the following topics: 

  • Course Registration and how to register for classes; 
  • Housing and how to secure your accommodations; 
  • Immigration and how to upload your immigration documents; 
  • Health Insurance and how to understand your health insurance plan at WMU. 

For detailed instructions on these topics, please refer to our second email. Emails are regularly archived on our orientation website. 

Virtual Orientation Continues: 

Good luck as you continue working on your virtual orientation modules and TerraDotta assignments. Stay on track to make your arrival as smooth and easy as possible. See our suggested timeline on the roadmap graphic. Continue on and complete topics early if you wish. 

We look forward to meeting you! 

Greetings from Western Michigan University!  

Thank you to everyone who made it to this great virtual gathering! It was a pleasure to meet some of you and answer your questions. At International Student and Scholar Services (I3S), we are committed to helping you succeed at WMU. For any questions, please contact us at @email or (269) 387-5865. 

As you prepare for your journey to the United States, keep the following notes in mind. 

Join the Summer 2026 International Student Orientation WhatsApp Chat 

Make sure to join our WhatsApp chat to connect with incoming and current students at WMU! This is a key resource for your success. 

Register for International Student Orientation 

Make sure to register for in-person orientation on May 9, 2026. Orientation is a key part of your transition to WMU and a great opportunity to make friends, connect with WMU staff and faculty, and learn more about Kalamazoo! Those who attend orientation get the following perks: 

  • Free Breakfast and Lunch; 
  • A Campus Tour. 

Transportation  

It is recommended that you fly directly to Kalamazoo. 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: 

  • Amtrak Train (Detroit to Kalamazoo, Chicago to Kalamazoo). 

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

Virtual Orientation Continues 

Don’t forget, students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the following topics: 

  • Course Registration and How to Register for classes; 
  • Housing and How to Secure your housing; 
  • Immigration and How to Upload your Immigration Documents; 
  • Health Insurance and How to Understand your Health Insurance plan at WMU. 

For detailed instructions on these topics, please refer to our second email. Emails are regularly archived on our orientation website. 

Good luck as you continue working on your virtual orientation modules and TerraDotta assignments. Stay on track to make your arrival as smooth and easy as possible. See our suggested timeline on the roadmap graphic. Continue on and complete topics early if you wish. 

We look forward to meeting you!  

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
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97%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report
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"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 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.

Sign Up for the Monthly WMU Global Education Newsletter
More about Global Education at WMU

Global Education News

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A celebration of Asian arts and community coming to Miller Auditorium

International students pose together at International Bazaar in WMU's Student Center.

Experience the world’s food, music and culture at WMU’s International Bazaar

WMU students posing for a photo with a faculty member in the Dominican Republic.

New study abroad experience for first-year students launches a WMU education in the Dominican Republic

Dr. Lisa Paulius and Dr. Clement Burns, both professors of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Igor Fedotov, professor of viola in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music

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 at an anniversary party held at WMU.

Celebrating five decades of English language learning at Western Michigan University

Dr. Paul Ciccantell, professor of sociology at WMU, and Dr. Priscilla Lambert, professor of political science.

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

Dr. Anna Popkova and her Mexican colleague, Dr. Tania Gómez Zapata, in a colorful room inPuebla, Mexico.

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

A student standing in front of a large globe sculpture.

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

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WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

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Global Events

Conversation Circle

Thursday, April 9, 2026 — 2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

Fireside Chat with Chef Abang Brian

April 9
4 to 5 p.m.
Student Center
From auditor to apron, Abang Brian, of MasterChef Malaysia fame, will visit WMU April 9.

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.
Western Michigan University
Hosted by Western Michigan University’s Asian Initiatives, this year’s Spring Gala promises a vibrant showcase of Asian artistry, cultural traditions and community spirit.

Relax and Meditate with Tai Chi

April 25
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Public Library, Oshtemo Branch
Join us for an introduction to Tai Chi, presented by Asian Initiatives of Western Michigan University.

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. This year's theme is "East Asian Perspectives on Aging and the Seasons of Life."
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