International Student Orientation

Yes! Your success at Western Michigan University is our top priority. Orientation starts with virtual online topics and ends with an in-person orientation event. International Student Orientation (ISO) is a crucial academic, professional and social introduction to the University. Plus, you will accomplish many important things during ISO, including registering for classes, learning about math placement, registering for housing and making friends. 

International Student Orientation begins virtually approximately two months prior to the first day of classes. In-person orientation will be held on campus within days of your arrival. This event gives you a chance to connect with incoming students and talk with faculty who are here to support your academic journey at Western.

Transportation from the Kalamazoo Airport and the Kalamazoo Train Station is provided for fall and spring orientations. A schedule will be provided soon. 

You can also consult the airport's transportation page for regional taxi and bus information. 

If you have any other questions about transportation, please reach out in the WhatsApp group. The WhatsApp group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.

Successfully completing International Student Orientation is easy! You will be expected to: 

1. Complete new student orientation session topics and gain a certificate of completion, attesting that you have worked your way through the all the modules.
2. Attend virtual and in-person events.
3. Upload relevant immigration documents via Elearning.

We will email you a link to the presentation, which includes important information regarding immigration status, classes and uploading visa documents.

• Passport
• Visa
• I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94 (after arrival). 

ISO is a standard practice at American universities. During both the virtual modules and in-person event, you will receive information and resources to help you navigate your new campus environment. This includes details about the university's policies and procedures, as well information about academic programs and local resources. 

ISO is an opportunity for you to meet your peers and make new friends from diverse countries and cultures.

Moving to a new country can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, ISO can help ease this transition by providing opportunities to learn about the local culture, customs and expectations.

ISO serves as an introduction to the support systems available to students at Western Michigan University, such as student services, counseling and advising.

A WhatsApp group has been created specifically for international students to facilitate communication regarding orientation and on-campus activities.

You will find the link to join the official orientation WhatsApp group in your orientation welcome emails. The group's primary objective is to ensure a smooth orientation for international students. 

A few weeks after orientation, this group will be closed and students will be encouraged to join a WhatsApp group run by International Student Council. 

Below are guidelines for participation on our ISO WhatsApp group. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal. Please help maintain a positive and helpful environment for all.

1. Be Respectful: Everyone comes from different cultural, educational and personal backgrounds. Respect differences and avoid making inappropriate or offensive remarks.
2. Privacy: Do not share your personal details or the personal details of any member of this group within this chat.
3. No Spam: Refrain from sending irrelevant or harmful messages, advertisements or any content that is not related to the orientation.

1. To access your WMU accounts, you must first find your Bronco NetID and temporary password on your admission letter. It is useful to memorize this as it is your username for Elearning and W-Exchange: your WMU email. Video and pictorial tutorials are below. Note: You may need to install the 2-factor authentication app Duo Mobile on your smartphone (Android, iPhone). More information can be found here.
2. Navigate to GoWMU. This is your portal for all WMU student services, including Elearning, W-Exchange, course registration, campus events and more.
3. Enter your Bronco NetID and password. Upon your first login, you will be required to change your password.
4. Once logged in, you will see the GoWMU homepage. Navigate to the Quick Links drop-down list to find the link to Elearning and W-Exchange: your WMU email.
5. For Elearning, you will be asked to log in again. You can also bookmark this login page for quick access later.
6. For W-Exchange, you will be taken to the Microsoft 365 homepage. To access your email, simply click "Outlook" on the bar on the left side of your screen.