New international students get extensive orientation
Aug. 17, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- For one group of incoming students, orientation includes negotiating the aisles of a giant discount department store and spending a day at the beach.
These activities are all part of the week-long orientation program for international students that runs from Monday, Aug. 20, through Friday, Aug. 24. The program offers a conference-like format that includes optional interest sessions as well as mandatory informational sessions. As a result, students not only obtain practical information necessary for a successful transition to WMU, but also are able to tailor their orientation experience to meet their individual needs.
The orientation sessions cover everything from phone registration and grading policies to immigration regulations relevant to higher education and "daily life" issues such as how to obtain health insurance and Michigan ID cards.
The students also have a chance to venture off campus and learn more about the local area and amenities of everyday life in the United States. Excursions scheduled include a shopping trip to Meijer on Monday, Aug. 20, and a daylong outing in Saugatuck, Mich., on Friday, Aug. 24.
For more information, contact Jin Abe in the Office of International Student Services at 616 387-5859 or 616 387-5865.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu