International students get unique orientationSept. 1, 2009 KALAMAZOO--For one group of incoming students, getting to know Western Michigan University and the local community will include negotiating the aisles of a large discount department store as well as catching some sun and waves at Lake Michigan. These activities are part of the International Student Orientation and Registration Program. The weeklong program began Monday and runs through Friday, Sept. 4, primarily taking place on campus in the Bernhard Center's West Ballroom. It offers social activities, campus tours, and informational sessions designed to acclimate students to WMU and the surrounding area as well as life in the United States. Participants will learn about WMU's registration process, academic policies, and student services and resources. The program also features sessions related to "daily life" issues, including U.S. immigration rules, obtaining health insurance, setting up a bank account, using the transit system and adjusting to culture shock. Activities began with an official welcome to campus and a shopping trip to Meijer, where students were able to pick up personal care items, school supplies and other necessities. Among the other excursions planned during the week will be an exploration of Kalamazoo and a day trip to Saugatuck, Mich., and scenic Lake Michigan. For more information about the orientation for international students, contact Kim Ritter in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education at kimberly.ritter@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5859. For a complete schedule of activities, visit the Haenicke Institute online and click International Admissions. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News |
