International Student and Scholar Services

International AUE Apply -Hero

Welcome to Short Term Non-Degree Programs at Western Michigan University!

Explore the exciting short-term study opportunities available at WMU. Our non-degree programs offer international students the chance to experience American culture, improve their English skills and engage in academic pursuits.

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

American University Experience 1-2 Semesters

I3S AUE Program
The American University Experience is a short-term option for international students to enroll at WMU for one or two consecutive semesters to study in English. Students from international partner institutions receive a discounted program rate. 

 

Benefits of American University Experience   (1-2 semesters)

American University Experience students can explore the campus, culture and community of Western Michigan University for one to two consecutive semesters.

Eligibility requirements

American University Experience students with TOEFL scores between 52 and 70 iBT can enroll in the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) and regular academic classes concurrently.

  • Undergraduate students—Cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Graduate students—Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • TOEFL score of 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in at least some WMU academic courses.
  • TOEFL score of below 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in WMU's Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) (ESL classes).
  • Exceptions can only be made with prior approval from the WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Review the specifics of English language requirements for study at WMU.

Program Fees Per Semester

Estimated program fees for undergraduate and graduate study are based on full-time status and do not include home-institution rates. 

Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: 2024-2025
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway:
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only
(12-15 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		71 or higher
6.0 or higher
100 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$5,507$7,489$8,207$9,361
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,310$6,310$6,310$6,310
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$1,500$1,500$1,500$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,517$16,499$17,217$18,371
Estimated Graduate Program Fee: 2024 - 2025
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only 
(6 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		80 or higher
6.5 or higher
115 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$5,507$9,012$7,591$7,716
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,310$6,310$6,310$6,310
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$1,500$1,500$1,500$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,517$18,022$16,601$16,726

*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.

Eligibility requirements

American University Experience students with TOEFL scores between 52 and 70 iBT can enroll in the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) and regular academic classes concurrently.

  • Undergraduate students—Cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Graduate students—Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • TOEFL score of 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in at least some WMU academic courses.
  • TOEFL score of below 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in WMU's Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) (ESL classes).
  • Exceptions can only be made with prior approval from the WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Review the specifics of English language requirements for study at WMU.

Program Fees Per Semester

Estimated program fees for undergraduate and graduate study are based on full-time status and do not include home-institution rates. 

Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: 2025-2026
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway:
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only
(12-15 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		71 or higher
6.0 or higher
100 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$5,510$7,590$8,400$9,740
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$700$700$700$700
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,030$16,110$16,920$18260
Estimated Graduate Program Fee: 2025 - 2026
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only 
(6 credits)		University Coursework Only 
(9 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		80 or higher
6.5 or higher
115 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$5,510$9,160$7,740$8,000$11,400
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$700$700$700$700$700
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,030$17,680$16,260$16,520$19,920

*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.

Eligibility requirements

  • Undergraduate students—Cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Graduate students—Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • TOEFL score of 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in at least some WMU academic courses.
  • TOEFL score of below 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in WMU's Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) (ESL classes).
  • Exceptions can only be made with prior approval from the WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Review the specifics of English language requirements for study at WMU.

Program Fees Per Semester

Estimated program fees for undergraduate and graduate study are based on full-time status and do not include home-institution rates. 

Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: 2024-2025
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway:
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only
(12-15 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		71 or higher
6.0 or higher
100 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$6,075$7,726$8,683$10,312
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,310$6,310$6,310$6,310
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$1,500$1,500$1,500$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester$15,085$16,736$17,693$19,322
Estimated Graduate Program Fee: 2024 - 2025
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only 
(9 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		80 or higher
6.5 or higher
115 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$6,075$9,373$7,952$8,439
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,310$6,310$6,310$6,310
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$1,500$1,500$1,500$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester$15,085$18,383$16,962$17,449

*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.

Eligibility requirements

  • Undergraduate students—Cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Graduate students—Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • TOEFL score of 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in at least some WMU academic courses.
  • TOEFL score of below 52 iBT (undergraduates) or 80 iBT (graduates) to enroll in WMU's Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) (ESL classes).
  • Exceptions can only be made with prior approval from the WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

Review the specifics of English language requirements for study at WMU.

Program Fees Per Semester

Estimated program fees for undergraduate and graduate study are based on full-time status and do not include home-institution rates. 

Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: 2025-2026
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway:
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only
(12-15 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		71 or higher
6.0 or higher
100 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$6080$7,830$8,890$10,730
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$700$700$700$700
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,600$16,350$17,410$19,250
Estimated Graduate Program Fee: 2025 - 2026
 ESL (CELCIS) OnlyDual Enrollment Pathway
(ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))		University Coursework Only 
(6 credits)		University Coursework Only 
(9 credits)
TOEFL iBT:
IELTS:
Duolingo:		Below 52
Below 5.5
Below 80		52 - 60
5.5*
85		61 - 70
5.5*
95		80 or higher
6.5 or higher
115 or higher
Tuition and program fees*
(Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition)		$6080$9,540$8,110$8,760$12,530
On-campus housing and meals (required)$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620$6,620
Books and incidentals$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200$1,200
Health insurance$700$700$700$700$700
Estimated program fee for one semester$14,600$18,060$16,630$17,280$21,050

*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate American University Experience students are required to live on campus. Students should apply online for campus housing as soon as they have been accepted to Western Michigan University and have received their Bronco NetID and password. 
Please visit the WMU Housing and Residence Life site to apply for on-campus housing. Students may wish to read more about the housing options before submitting their application. 

WMU's residence halls are home to nearly 5,000 students who enjoy the friendships, living-learning focus, and diversity of campus life. Residents can take advantage of hall activities, leadership opportunities, high-speed Internet, staff available 24 hours a day, close proximity to the dining halls, and many other campus conveniences designed to support busy college students.

Graduate

Graduate AUE students are strongly encouraged to live in University-sponsored (on-campus) housing during the program period. Although on-campus residency is not mandatory for graduate exchange students, please be advised that graduate students who opt to reside off campus bear sole responsibility for finding off-campus housing, contracting with private management companies and others, and abiding by conditions and terms. 

They may also find it difficult to lease an off-campus apartment for one or two semesters since most off-campus apartment leases are for a one-year (12-month) period. Breaking a lease is costly.

Please see above for more information on on-campus housing. 

If graduate AUE students wish to live off-campus, they are encouraged to visit the website below for private apartment communities for more information: https://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Michigan/Western-Michigan-University/ .

WMU room and board rates

American University Experience 2-8 weeks

AUE 2-8 weeks hero
The WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education offers a variety of short-term program options — less than eight weeks in length — that enable international students and professionals to explore Western Michigan University. 

 

Benefits of American University Experience (2-8 weeks)

  • Explore U.S. American language and culture at Western Michigan University. 
  • Short term: two to eight weeks!
  • Recreational and social activities on the WMU campus and in the Southwest Michigan community.
  • Virtual options available.
  • Free airport pickup from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. 
  • Located in the Midwest. 
  • Reasonable program fee.
  • Custom programming available!

Program Dates (options): 

  • Summer I: May 2, 2025 (arrival) - June 25, 2025 (departure)
  • Summer I & II: May 2, 2025 (arrival) - August 10, 2025 (departure)
  • Summer II: June 25, 2025 (arrival) - August 10, 2025 (departure)

Location: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.*

*Students interested in attending virtually should select this option in the pre-application form.

Accommodations: On campus in a residence hall.

Visa Requirement: Student visa, or a visa waiver for eligible countries for programs 2-7 weeks in length.

Program Fee: varies depending on program.

Program Fee Details
IncludesDoes NOT Include
  • Airport transportation
  • Orientation and welcome event
  • Class fees 
  • On-campus activities and local excursions
  • WMU Student Recreation Center passes
  • Airfare
  • Visa expenses
  • Health insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Books

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • High school graduate
  • Completed some English language training

Application: Interested students should complete the online application for English as a Second Language.

This virtual workshop series provides English-language instruction and practice to refresh the language skills of graduate students. Participants will attend a series of four workshops to review language skills, gain tools for success, build confidence and connect with other incoming international graduate students. Participants may attend synchronously (live) or attend asynchronously (recorded) via WMU’s Elearning course management system. 

Meeting Dates (virtual):

August 4, 2025
August 11, 2025
August 18, 2025
August 25, 2025

Location: Webex (WMU provides accounts for students).

Program Fee: $300 (scholarship and assistantship funds do not apply).

Custom programs are available upon request for groups of at least 10 participants. Programs can be designed for study, professional development or English language and culture. In-person and virtual program options available. Contact intl-explore@wmich.edu to begin developing a customized program.