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 for these key events:
Summer Orientation is set for May 1.
Fall Orientation is set for August 21 to 22.
"Western is really inclusive and very welcoming to international students, and we're just excited to be able to give back and share some of our home and our culture with everyone else."
1,200+
international students on campus from more than 90 countries
400+
international alumni undergoing Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
1,000 +
degree seeking business students at partner institutions in China and Taiwan
In-person Orientation Schedule on May 1
| Event | Time | Location |
| Breakfast & Check-in | 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. | Faunce Student Services |
| Staff Welcome | 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Faunce Student Services |
| Immigration and Health Insurance Presentation | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Adrian Trimpe Building |
| CELCIS Presentation | 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Faunce Student Services |
Welcome to Western Michigan University! Lunch | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Adrian Trimpe Building |
| Information Session | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Adrian Trimpe Building
|
| Campus Tour | 2 p.m. | WMU Student Center |
Benefits of International Student Orientation
Guides for Accessing WMU Networks and Accounts
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
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. 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.
People and Places
Evaluation student's data collection is driving nonprofit's impact in South Sudan
Film major takes passion, career to Cannes Film Festival with WMU Study Abroad
International health care experiences put nursing grad on path to career success
Student transfers to WMU for cultural exchange, plans trips to three countries
International MBA student finds dual-enrollment program the key to her success
International grad student takes big steps in the right direction
Global News
Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus
A crowd of 50 met at the WMU Student Center this month to celebrate the global achievements of WMU students both at home and abroad.
WMU marks its place in international education
Western Michigan University’s robust internationalization efforts will be on display throughout the United States in 2025, with students and staff presenting at major international education conferences.
WMU Study Abroad celebrates new, nationally competitive Gilman award winners
WMU Study Abroad is proud to announce three new Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipients. The newcomers join a group of eight Western Michigan University students who were awarded the prestigious federal study abroad scholarship this fall.
WMU welcomes more than 50 new international students this January
Of the 53 newcomers, approximately 40% are entering a graduate program at WMU, while 45% are pursuing undergraduate degrees. The remaining 15% are undertaking intensive English language instruction at the school’s Center for English Language and Culture for International Students to communicate at a level necessary to pursue a degree.