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. 

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 August 27 is a crucial part of your journey at WMU. You should arrive at WMU before August 27, so you are well-rested on orientation day. We will email you regular updates.

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

Virtual Modules for International Student Orientation

Start Today
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 Admitted International Students

Learn More

Here’s when you can expect to hear from us as you prepare for your global journey this fall. In addition to emails, updates will be posted regularly on our website.

  • June 24 - Welcome. Register for in-person orientation and begin virtual orientation modules.
  • July 8 - Key Information. Learn about class registration, housing, immigration and health insurance.
  • July 16 - Virtual Gathering. Meet the International Student and Scholar Services team.
  • July 22 - Prepare for Your Journey. Join the WhatsApp chat and secure your flight and transportation.
  • July 30 - Virtual Gathering. Get tips on travel and next steps as you prepare for departure.
  • August 12 - Final Check-In. Complete virtual modules and review information from our emails.
  • August 27 - In-Person Orientation in Kalamazoo!

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

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

Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University!

My name is Maddie Christians. I am a two-time Western alumna and the recruitment and outreach specialist here at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. I’ll be with you on this entire journey as you prepare to join us in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Western and our global community welcome you!

We are thrilled that you will be joining us on campus in just a few months. Here, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where learning empowers you, well-being strengthens you and an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Western is the place to become your best self.

International Student Orientation

Start your academic journey off right by completing mandatory International Student Orientation. Orientation is an essential part of your success at Western, and it has two parts: a series of virtual modules and in-person event on August 27. 

The virtual portion is designed to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic and professional transition to Western. You can complete the online tasks at your own pace, as long as you finish before you arrive in the United States. We encourage you to start working on your virtual orientation modules today.

The in-person orientation event on August 27 is a crucial and exciting part of becoming part of our Bronco campus family. There, you will meet your peers, learn key immigration information, discover campus resources and much more! Register early to save your space.

Register for in-person orientation

Your Next Steps

Here are the tasks you should complete this week: 

  • Activate your goWMU account and student email address
  • Begin your virtual orientation modules
  • Join the International Student Orientation Group on WhatsApp. This is a place for you to connect with fellow students, orientation leaders and staff. When you join, introduce yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Group standards are listed in the chat. If you’re having trouble joining,, contact us at @email.

Stay tuned for more updates. We look forward to meeting you! 

Maddie Christians
Recruitment and Outreach Specialist
Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
@email

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University 
1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5245 USA
Visit our website · WMU Notice of Non-Discrimination

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 Fall 2026:

  • Wednesday, August 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 27 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 August 27 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 August 26 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 @email. 

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