American University Experience: 1-2 Semesters (Partner)
The American University Experience is a short-term option for international students to enroll at Western Michigan University for one to two academic semesters. Students from international partner institutions receive a discounted program rate.
American University Experience students can explore the campus, culture and community of Western Michigan University for one to two consecutive semesters.
Study for one or two consecutive semesters.
Study in English.
Select courses not available at your home university from 150 undergraduate programs or from select graduate programs.
Exceptions can only be made with prior approval from the WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
Program Fees
Estimated program fees for undergraduate and graduate study are based on full-time status and do not include home-institution rates.
Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee Per Semester: 2024-2025
ESL (CELCIS) Only
Dual Enrollment Pathway: (ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))
University Coursework Only (12-15 credits)
TOEFL iBT: IELTS: Duolingo:
Below 52 Below 5.5 Below 80
52 - 60 5.5* 85
61 - 70 5.5* 95
71 or higher 6.0 or higher 100 or higher
Tuition and program fees* (Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition.)
$5,507
$7,489
$8,207
$9,361
On-campus housing and meals (required)
$6,310
$6,310
$6,310
$6,310
Books and incidentals
$1,200
$1,200
$1,200
$1,200
Health insurance
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester
$14,517
$16,499
$17,217
$18,371
*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.
Estimated Graduate Program Fee Per Semester: 2024-2025
ESL (CELCIS) Only
Dual Enrollment Pathway (ESL (CELCIS + University coursework))
University Coursework Only (9 credits)
TOEFL iBT: IELTS: Duolingo:
Below 52 Below 5.5 Below 80
52 - 60 5.5* 85
61 - 70 5.5* 95
80 or higher 6.5 or higher 115 or higher
Tuition and program fees* (Rate may be different for colleges with differential tuition.)
$5,507
$9,012
$7,591
$7,716
On-campus housing and meals (recommended)
$6,310
$6,310
$6,310
$6,310
Books and incidentals
$1,200
$1,200
$1,200
$1,200
Health insurance
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Estimated program fee for one semester
$14,517
$18,022
$16,601
$16,726
*Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of less than 5.0 will be placed in Pathway 1. Students with an IELTS of 5.5 and a writing subscore of 5.0 and above will be placed in Pathway 2.
Housing
WMU's newest Living and Learning Community is called the Global and Languages Community. Located in Hadley Hall, the Community brings together domestic and international students, offers a communal cooking space and remains open during winter closure.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate American University Experience students are required to live on campus. Students should apply online for campus housing as soon as they have been accepted to Western Michigan University and have received their Bronco NetID and password.
WMU's residence halls are home to nearly 5,000 students who enjoy the friendships, living-learning focus, and diversity of campus life. Residents can take advantage of hall activities, leadership opportunities, high-speed Internet, staff available 24 hours a day, close proximity to the dining halls, and many other campus conveniences designed to support busy college students.
Graduate
Graduate AUE students are strongly encouraged to live in University-sponsored (on-campus) housing during the program period. Although on-campus residency is not mandatory for graduate exchange students, please be advised that graduate students who opt to reside off campus bear sole responsibility for finding off-campus housing, contracting with private management companies and others, and abiding by conditions and terms. They may also find it difficult to lease an off-campus apartment for one or two semesters since most off-campus apartment leases are for a one-year (12-month) period. Breaking a lease is costly.
Please see above for more information on on-campus housing.
