Haenicke Institute for Global Education

International Student Orientation

Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University!

Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University! Western Michigan University's 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 the semester. During this event, you will receive a university welcome, meet immigration advisors, make new friends and more. Please note, all orientation events are mandatory for incoming international students.

Upcoming International Student Orientation Dates

Meet your International (I3S) Advisor: This virtual event is on Wednesday, November 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. EST (timezone converter). No pre-registration is required; simply click the WebEx link to join that morning. Topics covered include: university introductions, immigration, health insurance, document submission, academic advising and travel and housing tips.
Travel Talk and Preparation: This virtual event is on Thursday, December 12 from 9 to 10 a.m. EST (timezone converter). This is a virtual event via WebEx. No pre-registration is required; simply click the WebEx link to join that morning. Topics covered include: packing, travel to the United States, winter closure and emergency protocols.
In-person International Student Orientation: This campus event on January 3 is mandatory for all international students. Breakfast and check-in starts at 8 a.m. at the WMU Student Center. A campus map is available here. At this event, you will receive a university welcome, meet immigration advisors, make new friends, and more. Please register ahead of time and bring a laptop, copy of your passport, and copies of your immigration documents to the event. We look forward to meeting you!

International Student Orientation will provide you with:

Information and Resources

International Student Orientation (ISO) is standard practice at American universities. ISO provides a wealth of information and resources to help international students navigate their new environment, including details about the university's policies and procedures, academic programs and local resources.

Networking Opportunities

Orientation offers a great opportunity for international students to meet their peers and make new friends from diverse countries and cultures.

Cultural Adjustment

Moving to a new country can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, International Student Orientation can help ease this transition by providing opportunities to learn about the local culture, customs and expectations.

Support Systems

International student orientation also serves as an introduction to the support systems available to students, such as student services, counseling, and advising.

Orientation Timeline

International Student Orientation is a multiweek series of Online Modules via WMU Elearning, WebEx and social media designed to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic and professional transition to WMU. In each session, you will learn about the University and accomplish important tasks before you begin classes.

You will receive instructions on accessing International Student Orientation via email.

Spring 2025 in-Person Orientation Schedule

ISO Schedule Spring 2025 | International Student Schedule

Friday, January 3, 2025
MORNING SESSION
Location and Event	Time
Student Center Lobby: Check-in & Breakfast	9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Student Center Ballroom A: Welcome to Western Michigan University!	10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Student Center Ballroom A: I3S Informational Presentations	11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Student Center Ballroom A: Title IX Presentation	12:05 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.
Student Center Ballroom A: Lunch & GEP Presentation	12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Student Center: Resource Fair	1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Student Center: Bronco ID & Grocery Trip	3:00 p.m.

Official Orientation WhatsApp Group

A WhatsApp s group has been created specifically for international students to facilitate communication regarding orientation and on campus activities.

You will find the link to join the official orientation WhatsApp group in your orientation welcome emails. The group's primary objective is to ensure a smooth orientation for international students.

Below are guidelines for participation. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the group. Let's maintain a positive and helpful environment for all.

Be Respectful: Everyone comes from different cultural, educational, and personal backgrounds. Respect differences and avoid making inappropriate or offensive remarks.
Privacy: Do not share your personal details or of any member of this group within this chat.
No Spam: Refrain from sending irrelevant or harmful messages, advertisements, or any content that is not related to the orientation.

ELEARNING AND W-EXCHANGE, YOUR WMU EMAIL

You will receive instructions on accessing International Student Orientation and Elearning via email.

Or, follow the instructions or video below.

Link to start: go.wmich.edu

Find your Bronco NetID and temporary password on your admission letter. It is useful to memorize this as it is your username for Elearning and W-Exchange, your WMU email.
You may need to install the 2-factor authentication app Duo Mobile on your smartphone (Android, iPhone). More information can be found here.
Navigate to GoWMU. This is your portal for all WMU student services, including Elearning, W-Exchange, course registration, campus events, and more.
Enter your Bronco NetID and password. Upon your first login, you will be required to change your password.
Once logged in, you will see the GoWMU homepage. Navigate to the Quick Links drop-down list to find the link to Elearning and W-Exchange, your WMU email.
For Elearning, you will be asked to log in again. You can also bookmark this login page for quick access later.
For W-Exchange, you will be taken to the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) homepage. To access your email, simply click "Outlook" on the bar on the left side of your screen.

Video Guide to Logging in to Elearning:

Video Guide to Logging in to W-Exchange, your WMU email:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is International Student Orientation mandatory?

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 is a crucial academic, professional, and social introduction to the University. Plus, you will accomplish many important things during International Student Orientation, including registering for classes, learning about math placement, registering for housing, and making friends.

When does International Student Orientation begin?

International Student Orientation begins virtually approximately two months prior to the first day of classes.

What do I need to do for International Student Orientation?

Successfully completing International Student Orientation is easy! You will be expected to:

Complete new student orientation session topics and gain a certificate of completion, attesting that you have worked your way through the all the modules.
Attend virtual and in-person events.
Upload relevant immigration documents via Elearning.

What can I expect during the in-person orientation?

In-person orientation will be held on campus. This will be a chance to connect with incoming students and talk with faculty who are here to support your academic journey at Western.

What if I missed the "Meet your International Student & Scholar Services (I3S) Advisor" meeting?

Look for a presentation link on your I3S ELearning homepage. It includes important information regarding immigration status, classes, and uploading visa documents.

What immigration documents do I upload to the I3S Elearning dropbox?

You should upload your:

Immigration Registration Forms
Passport
Visa
I-20 or DS-2019
I-94 (after arrival)

Do we need to upload our documents now or after arrival?

Your Passport, Visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 should be uploaded before arrival.

Can I upload a copy of my visa in Elearning after arrival in the United States?

You should start uploading your documents now, but can finish the process with your I-94 when you arrive.

My country has trouble accessing Elearning, can I upload the documents on the Elearning page after arriving?

Yes, if you cannot upload prior to arrival then upload your documents as soon as you arrive. Do not forget.

What are the documents we need to carry with us to the border?

Please make sure you have the following documents with you at the border:

I-20
Visa
Passport
Admissions letter

How many days prior can we arrive in the U.S.A.?

You may arrive 30 days before the semester begins.

What if I am going to arrive late?

Late arrival concerns need to be discussed with the immigration office as well as with academic departments.

Do we need to have an insurance plan now or can we decide that once we arrive?

Health insurance must be purchased once you arrive and before classes start. Below are some helpful links about immigration, health and wellness in the United States:

Where can I find housing information and move-in dates?

If you have questions before you arrive, please contact Residence Life at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing@wmich.edu. Residential Life maintains a General Housing Information page with additional details.

How to sign up for housing?

Visit Residential Life's Housing Sign Up Page for more information.

What should I do about transportation to campus?

Transportation from the Kalamazoo Airport and the Kalamazoo Train Station is provided for Fall and Spring orientations on the day of in-person orientation and one or two days before. Please refer to the graphic below for the current semester's schedule:

Schedule coming soon

Otherwise, please consult the airport's transportation page for regional taxi and bus information. If you have any other questions about transportation, please reach out in the WhatsApp Group: The WhatsApp Group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.

When can we pay our tuition fees?

You should pay tuition by the end of the 1st week of classes to avoid any late fees. The university does have a payment plan option that may be right for some students.

How can we pay our tuition fees?

Visit Accounting Service's Payment Options page for information on how to pay.

Is there banking available on campus?

Yes. There is a PNC Bank located in the Student Center, as well as PNC ATMs located around campus. Please visit PNC's website for more information.

FURTHER SUPPORT

For questions related to international student orientation, please first ask them in the WhatsApp group. If you do not find an answer, you can email us at @email. The WhatsApp group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.

For questions regarding immigration, enrollment, advising, housing, healthcare, or anything outside of orientation, start by reviewing frequently asked questions for admitted students page. Please send additional questions to @email.

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