Three Western Michigan University students hold a school flag while smiling.
Western Michigan University is proud to host more than 1,000 international students from 95 foreign countries. You are welcome here.

International Student Resources

WMU's International Student and Scholar Services assists international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. Find resources for current international students on this page.

A student in the Indian Student Association interacts with a family at International Bazaar 2026.

WMU International

Our campus is global because of students like you. See how we're celebrating international student success and find ways to get involved. 

student talking to advisor

Advising Services

Express Advising for international students is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. 

Maruj Jamal and Buster Bronco at her graduation.

Immigration Support

Learn about maintaining status, program extensions, reinstatement, working as an international student and more.

Sindecuse Health Center.

International Student Heath Insurance

Learn more about your health insurance plan and how to receive your benefits.

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

Celebrating and Supporting International Students

Celebrating you and sharing stories of international student success is one of our favorite things. WMU's international student population is what keeps our campus global. We celebrate you!

A smiling student preparing to shake Dr. Montgomery's hand and receive a diploma during commencement

International Graduates

Each year we celebrate our international graduates online and in-person with graduation stories and a reception. Meet our graduates, get recognized and join the festivities. 

Happy Birthday decorated cake

International Birthday Parties

On the last Wednesday of every month, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education hosts a special celebration for international students and scholars who have a birthday during that month.

International students at orientation holding their hands up like W symbols. There is also a Welcome Here promotion image, showing a hand pointing to Michigan on another hand and the word "welcome" in many different languages.

Welcome at Western

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education launched a Welcome Here campaign in 2017 and revived it in 2025. Hear from other international students welcoming you to campus and receive a free poster, button or sticker. 

A student looking at the Eiffel tower in Paris, France

International Education Week

Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education will host International Education Week 2026 Nov. 8-15. Join us as we celebrate global diversity and explore cross-cultural connections.

Students smiling and taking photos at International Bazaar, a campus wide global education event.

International Bazaar

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education celebrates International Bazaar, hosted by the International Student Council in collaboration with other student groups.

A group diverse men and women sitting in a circle, laughing, hanging out and holding a volleyball.

Conversation Circles

Help international students make connections and practice conversational English. Conversation Circles are open to all WMU students, faculty and staff, as well as the general community. Learn about different cultures while having fun with people from around the world.

global social

Global Socials

Hosted weekly, Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Additional Campus Support for International Students

From financial support to housing advice and international student scholarships, there are many resources to explore upon admission to WMU.

Students sort through flags from around the world at International Student Orientation.

International Student Orientation

Our International Student Orientation is designed to help you make a smooth transition academically, socially, geographically and professionally to WMU.

Arcadia Flats is one of the newer options for student housing on Western Michigan’s main campus. A group of students relax and hang out in one of the apartments.

Housing

Students who choose campus housing are part of active, social communities living in close proximity to dining, classes, campus events and resources.

Two students in the Student Center with Buster Bronco showing the Western W on their hands.

Scholarships and Funding

Our Global Education Merit Scholarship, valued up to $10,000 per academic year, can be applied to your WMU tuition throughout the duration of your program.  

  • University Libraries Book an appointment with a subject librarian trained specifically to help students in your department. University Libraries also has microcourses, guides and workshops to help students with graduate level work.  
  • The Graduate College offers in person and virtual writing circles during the academic year, as well as other events tailored to graduate students.  
  • The Writing Center offers one-on-one writing support to help you in every stage of the writing process.   
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities uses an equitable and supportive approach to educate and partner with WMU students, faculty, staff and community members in order to develop a civil, ethical and safe campus environment. 

WMU Career and Student Engagement Services offers one-on-one appointments and drop in hours to help you write your resume or CV, practice interviewing, or get general career advice. 

  • Bronco Food Pantry offers a free, on-campus food pantry for registered WMU students. Shop as often as every other week!
  • Western Outfitters provides free, high-quality professional attire to support student career development. It ensures that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to the clothing they need for key professional opportunities.
  • S.H.E. Shed advances sustainability at Western Michigan University by reducing waste, promoting resource conservation and supporting student well-being. The S.H.E. Shed collects gently used household items, cleans and repairs them and redistributes them to WMU students.
  • Broncos. Period. provides menstrual hygiene products for any menstruating WMU student. This includes single-use, long-term, and sustainable options, when possible at low or no cost.
  • Montgomery Essential Needs supports other essential needs on campus including textbook help, support or graduation regalia and other services.

Disability Services for Students (DSS) at Western Michigan University strives to make education accessible and remove barriers to student success. DSS is located in room 2080 of the Seibert Administration Building. Accommodations updates, course issues, syllabus breakdown, time management and other general questions can be discussed.
 

  • Financial Aid Information on how to apply for student loans and find scholarships and funding within the university.  
  • The Graduate College has information on scholarships, assistantships, grants and other funding opportunities for graduate students.   
  • Books For Broncos works to assist students with accessing free or low-cost options for course materials, including textbooks.

WMU Campus Housing offers a variety of apartment options for graduate students.   

WMU’s Sindecuse Health Center provides evaluation and treatment for a variety of illnesses and injuries, preventive health check-ups, periodic health monitoring, and opportunities that enhance individual and community health.  

  • WMU Centers for Counseling and Psychological Services Trained graduate student counselors offer free counseling and psychological services to children, adolescents and adults in Southwest Michigan. Appointments available in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
  • WMU Behavioral Health Services is a licensed and accredited outpatient substance use and behavioral health disorder treatment provider. 
  • WMU Health and Wellbeing is an online collection of campus resources. Being healthy requires a holistic approach—one that balances both the physical and emotional aspects of your being. At Western, our goal is to help you maintain your wellness and manage growth so you can truly thrive.

Multicultural Affairs for Students focuses on the transition and success of multicultural students at WMU. The ultimate goal is for our multicultural students to retain and graduate on time. Support includes online tutoring, academic monitoring, employment and internship exploration, events and programs that promote cultural awareness, networking opportunities, peer mentoring, scholarship information and student organization support.

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.