International Student Orientation

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

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

Moving to a new country can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but international student orientation can help ease this transition by providing opportunities to learn about the local culture, customs, and expectations.

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

Yes! Your success at Western Michigan University (WMU) 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. 

International Student Orientation begins virtually 8 weeks prior to the first day of classes. 

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

1. Complete Golden Pathway online
2. Complete I3S modules and upload Immigration Documents (in Elearning)
3. Pass New Student Orientation Topics and gain a certificate of completion, attesting that you have completed important tasks each week 

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.

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

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

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

You should start uploading now and then can finish it with your I-94 when you arrive

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

• I-20
• Visa
• Passport
• Admissions letter

Thirty days

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

Health insurance can be purchased once you arrive before class starts.

Purchase GeoBlue insurance 

TB information 

WMU immunizations

CDC vaccination requirements

If you have questions before you arrive, please contact Residence Life at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing@wmich.edu. 

General Housing Information

Housing Sign Up Page

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 the two days before. Please refer to the graphic below for the current semester's schedule:

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.

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. 

Payment Options