International Student and Scholar Services

International Festival at WMU
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.
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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. 

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

An international student graduate from Brazil
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
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. Western is the place where you can become your best self. WMU's International Student and Scholar Services is 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, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Faunce Student Services. Virtual appointments are available.
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1,050+

international students on campus, representing 95 foreign countries

—2025 Fall Enrollment Data

530+

recent international graduates undergoing optional practical or academic training

—Fall 2025 Open Doors Report

820+

international students in unique programs abroad

—Fall 2025 Enrollment Data

Prospective International Student Information

A student on campus

Virtual Events

Join a Prospective International Student Virtual Event and speak with international advisors about coming to WMU. 
Students walking on campus

Virtual Tours

Experience WMU on your own time. Explore our campus through our virtual tour, which showcases our learning, living and social spaces.
I3S -International Students 1

Questions & Answers

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective International Students.
A student studying

Language Proficiency

Learn more about our English language proficiency requirements and options available at our Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. 
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International Student Funding

While most U.S. federal financial aid is restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, undergraduate and graduate international students may apply to other funding sources.

 
Students at international student orientation

Academic Programs

Learn more about majors and programs of study at WMU. 
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.

Students on campus

International Scholars

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

Other International Student Programs

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Study Intensive English

Explore the offerings of the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students to build your language skills and connect with a global community. Your pathway to success starts here. 

Apply Today!
Students wearing Bronco gear on campus.

Short-Term Programs

Explore our short-term, nondegree options to gain skills, explore new interests and expand your global network. Start your journey with us today!

Apply Today!
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Western Michigan Institute

Learn about the Western Michigan Institute, which offers students in China a unique opportunity to earn a business degree abroad.

Learn More
Students in Taiwan

Global Innovation MBA Program in Taiwan

This MBA program is designed for professionals in Taiwan and offers maximum flexibility, in-demand coursework and a valuable network of professional contacts. 

Learn More

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 more than 2,000 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.  

A young man making the Western W with his hands.

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.
Students talking on campus

Global Engagement Program

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

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.
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.
A student and teacher in a WMU classroom.

Faculty Enrichment

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

Global Education News

Ciccantell and Lambert

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

Dr. Anna and Tania in Puebla

Building global connections through the classroom: WMU’s Global Classrooms Collaborative

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

gilman scholarship

WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship

germany presley

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

Dr. Rosemary Max 6x4

WMU welcomes new associate vice president of global education

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

CAS Magazine Cover

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

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
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Global Events

Travel Signature Event for International Students

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 — 9 a.m. to noon
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 — 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Faunce Student Services
Are you traveling over Thanksgiving or Winter Break? These events offer international students extra days to obtain a travel signature!

International Health Insurance Webinar

Nov. 18
3 to 4 p.m.
Attend an upcoming international student insurance webinar and learn more about what’s covered and how to use your GeoBlue plan.

Study Abroad Information Session

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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.

Conversation Circle

Nov. 19
2 to 3 p.m.
Lee Honors College
Help international students make connections and practice conversational English.

Global Social

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 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.

OPT Workshops for International Students

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 — 11 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 — 10 to 11 a.m.
3110 Faunce Student Services
Students with F-1 visas can learn how to apply for U.S. temporary employment authorization to gain field-related work experience.
More Global Education Events
More WMU Campus Events