International Student and Scholar Services

International Festival at WMU — Western students are individuals who are truly unique. We celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where you're empowered to learn and where an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career.

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WMU's International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support. The unit is part of the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Established in 1998, the Haenicke Institute fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University community.

Congrats to the 2025 international graduates!

WMU was my first step in my graduate studies journey. I learned a lot while completing my master's and working as a graduate assistant. All my professors encouraged me to continue my studies through a Ph.D. program. Someday, I want to be a professor and impact students' lives just like my professors at WMU impacted mine.

— Vitoria Castor, International Student from Brazil, WMU Class of 2025

Stay Connected

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express advising for international students is available Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Faunce Student Services.

Staff Directory

International Student and Scholar Services

Prospective Students

Learn more applying to WMU as an international student.

A student at international student orientation pinning his home country on the map.

Admitted Students

Are you an international student on your way to Kalamazoo? Congrats! Learn more here.

Students showing W hands at sporting event

Current Students

Maintain your immigration status and find ways to get involved on campus.

International Scholars

Come to WMU as a visiting scholar or international faculty or staff.

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

WMU International

The people and places making up WMU's diverse international community.

Photo of Raiyan Wasi sitting in the WMU Haworth lobby in a blue zip-up

Raiyan Wasi turns classroom knowledge into real-world impact

True belonging and troubleshooting: cybersecurity student finds joy in ever-evolving field

Harinie Narasimhan outside the Haworth College of Business

A flexible path to independence: Harinie Narasimhan’s MBA journey

A student who won the Fulbright Foreign Student award to study at WMU

Experience-Driven Learning Spans Borders: International alumnus reflects on journey home

Evaluation student's data collection is driving nonprofit's impact in South Sudan

From China to the Midwest, WMU trustee finds a home in Kalamazoo

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More About Global Education at WMU

9 of 10

Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report

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97%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report

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95%

of graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2023-24 Career Outcomes Report

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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.

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Global Education News

Western Michigan University faculty gain global perspective through University of Passau exchange program

A promotional image for International Education Week

Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

New international students pose with Buster Bronco at orientation.

Western welcomes more than 275 new international students to campus

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

Mechanical and aerospace engineering student finds possibility around every corner

WMU's Haenicke Institute recognizes 47 faculty, staff and student leaders for transformative study abroad programs

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education

Cybersecurity student is unlocking opportunities and finding success

Greg Jasperse, associate professor of applied jazz voice, teaches a voice lesson at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards

Learning across the globe in WMU's College of Arts and Sciences

Students in GIST 3100 discuss personal objects and their meaning.

Global Studies in the Field course connects students to global careers and study abroad scholarships

Students receiving awards at a Global Engagement Program Awards ceremony in April 2025.

Nearly 180 students recognized for global engagement on WMU’s campus

A group of WMU students studying in Ecuador.

Study abroad at Western yields higher student success

More Global Education News

More WMU Campus News

Global Events

Study Abroad and Global Engagement Table

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 — 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 — 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.

WMU Student Center

Learn more about study abroad and the Global Engagement Program by speaking with program alumni.

Study Abroad Information Session

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Virtual with WMU Study Abroad

Discuss frequently asked questions and learn how to find study abroad programs that meet your academic needs.

Global Social

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.

WMU Student Center

Global Socials are an opportunity to participate in fun cross-cultural activities, guest speeches and events, while mingling with fellow domestic and international students.

Birthday Celebration for International Students and Scholars

Oct. 30

2 to 4 p.m.

3110 Faunce Student Services

A special celebration for international students and scholars who have a birthday this month.

Halloween Bash

Oct. 31

5 to 7 p.m.

Britton/Hadley Hall

Join us on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a fun Halloween Bash to help international students celebrate this uniquely American holiday.

International Education Week

Nov. 3, 2025 — midnight to Nov. 7, 2025 — 11:59 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.

WMU Student Center

Join us as we celebrate global diversity and explore cross-cultural connections through guest lectures, panel discussions, research presentations and more.

Light Center for Chinese Studies Guest Lecture Series

Nov. 3

3:30 to 5 p.m.

Brown Hall, Western Michigan University

“When AI Meets Chinese Language Teaching: How Teachers Can Thrive in the New Era" by Dr. Zhongqi Shi, a senior lecturer in Chinese at Columbia University.

International Education Week: Study Abroad Alumni Panel

Nov. 3

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Study Abroad alumni will speak about their journeys around the world as part of International Education Week 2025.

International Education Week: International Professionals Panel

Nov. 3

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us at the International Education Week International Professionals Panel where members of WMU’s international faculty will discuss their journey to Kalamazoo.

Fulbright Information Table

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.

Stop by our table to learn more about the Fulbright program and its an  suite of fellowships and scholarships in more than 160 countries.

Conversation Circle

Nov. 5

2 to 3 p.m.

Lee Honors College

Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

International Education Week: International Research Exhibition, Reception and Presentation of Posters

Nov. 5

2 to 4 p.m.

Join our Global Social and Conversation Circle groups for a reception and presentation of posters. 

More Global Education Events

More WMU Campus Events

Haenicke Institute for Global Education Programming

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student holding a WMU flag at a foreign location.

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.

A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Engagement

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged.

WMU staff helping young children learn about Asia.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

More about Global Education at WMU