Our mission is two-fold:
- Cultivate a campus community that fosters and promotes international and intercultural understanding by serving as WMU’s primary center for matters concerning international students.
- Assist international students in gaining meaningful academic and socio-cultural experiences while studying and living on WMU's campuses and within the southwest Michigan community-at-large.
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
International Student and Scholar Services Funds
WMU's International Student and Scholar Services office assists over 1,000 international students and recent alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training.
The International Student Emergency Fund helps international students in times of crisis. Funds have been used to support international students during health emergencies, house fires, travel emergencies and more.
Support scholarships for the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELIS). CELCIS offers an intensive English language instruction to help international students succeed in a university setting.
Support the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
International Student and Scholar Services is a unit of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Several other funds support the work on the Haenicke Institute and the internationalization of the Western Michigan community. Give a gift that aligns with your personal interest.
Support the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Through transformative events, immersive classes and Experience-Driven Learning, the Haenicke Institute 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.
Support the Soga Japan Center to promote knowledge of Japan to the WMU community and beyond. The Soga Japan Center regularly brings scholars, artists and writers to campus.
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 over 1,000 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.
International Student and Scholar Services
International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
Study Abroad
WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.
Global Engagement Program
The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged.
English Language Learning
The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
Asian Initiatives
WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.
Faculty Enrichment
The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.