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. Spring orientation is set for January 9. Check back soon for a detailed schedule of events. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at @email with additional questions or concerns.
1,050+
international students on campus, representing 95 foreign countries
530+
recent international graduates undergoing optional practical or academic training
820+
international students in unique programs abroad
Ongoing Updates
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 January 9 is a crucial part of your journey at WMU. You should arrive at WMU before January 9, so you are well-rested on orientation day. See our suggested timeline on the roadmap graphic above.
We will email you regular updates. Find the archived messages below.
Guides for Accessing WMU Networks and Accounts and Setting Up a U.S. SIM
A WhatsApp 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.
A few weeks after orientation, this group will be closed and students will be encouraged to join a WhatsApp group run by International Student Council.
Below are guidelines for participation on our ISO WhatsApp group. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal. Please help 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 the personal details 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.
- To access your WMU accounts, you must first 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. Video and pictorial tutorials are below. Note: 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 homepage. To access your email, simply click "Outlook" on the bar on the left side of your screen.
Students attending in-person orientation will be provided with a free SIM card and one free month of 5G cell phone service with unlimited phone and SMS texting via campusSIM and T-Mobile. Most Americans use SMS texting instead of WhatsApp or another messaging service, so this may prove valuable as you connect with new people and make friends in Kalamazoo.
- eSIMs: If your phone supports eSIMs, you can get set up before you even leave home. We recommend visiting this WMU-specific link to choose a plan, pay and receive your U.S. phone number. You can then delay activation until you arrive in the United States. Note: eSIMs do not include a free month of service.
- Physical SIMs: These include one free month of service and are compatible with most phones. You can pick one up at International Student Orientation.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
95%
of Haworth College of Business graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their bachelor's degree
100%
of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
97%
of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning
Benefits of International Student Orientation
"More than anything, WMU gave me the chance to grow—personally and professionally. From supportive professors to campus mentors, I’ve had a network that challenged me to think critically and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I now feel ready to take on what comes next, even if I’m still figuring out the exact path. I know that the foundation I built here will help guide me forward."
Schedule and Events, Fall 2025
This information is from International Student Orientation in the fall of 2025. Spring orientation is set for January 9, 2026. A virtual orientation and email series will start Oct. 29. Stay tuned for updated information.
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 Learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist more than 2,000 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.
