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. 

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.  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 oiss-info@wmich.edu 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 Admitted International Students

Read on for more admitted international student resources at WMU. 

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
An informational graphic of international sites showing the timeline of orientation. Extended alt text online. https://wmich.edu/international/orientation#roadmap-description

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. 

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

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 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.