International Student Orientation

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. 

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

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

ISO also serves as an introduction to the support systems available to students at Western Michigan University, such as student services, counseling and advising.

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. 

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

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 Elearning.

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.

You should upload your:

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

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

You should start uploading your documents now, but can finish the process 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.

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

• I-20
• Visa
• Passport
• Admissions letter

You may arrive 30 days before the semester begins. 

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

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:

• 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. Residential Life maintains a General Housing Information page with additional details. 

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

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.

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. 

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