International student orientation covers a lot of ground
Aug. 20, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- For one group of incoming students, Western Michigan University's special August orientation programs will include activities such as negotiating the aisles of a giant discount department store, attending a cabaret show and spending a day at the beach.
The activities are all part of the weeklong orientation program for international students that runs from Thursday, Aug. 21, through Wednesday, Aug. 27. The program offers a conference-like format with mandatory informational sessions as well as optional interest 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 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 everyday amenities that are available in the United States. Excursions scheduled include a shopping trip to Meijer at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21; a dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22; a cabaret show at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, followed at 5 p.m. by a reception for new exchange and "twinning" program students and scholars; an ice cream social at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26; and a daylong outing in Saugatuck, Mich., on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
For more information, contact Jin Abe in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at (269) 387-5859 or (269) 387-5865 or <jin.abe@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu