 |
 |
| International Newsletter |
|
|
Congratulations and greetings from WMU!International Student Orientation and Registration Program Summer I 2006 Semester  Standing Back L to R - Jan Tiderington, Debbie Uldriks, Sandra Khan, Gretta Clay, Kim Cho Front L to R - Kimberly Ritter, Rebecca Solomon, Denise Magnusson Check out the online orientation information at http://www.wmich.edu/oiss/orientation.html Start Preparing Now
ISORP IS IMPORTANT! The International Student Orientation and Registration Program was designed specifically to assist newly admitted international students in adjusting to WMU. University departments and staff make special arrangements to meet you, share important information, and answer questions during orientation. For these reasons, attendance at ISORP is mandatory. Please do not miss orientation sessions. Currently enrolled WMU student leaders will assist you through orientation. Students who miss ISORP sessions or are granted an exemption will still be considered responsible for the information provided during ISORP. Please read this newsletter carefully. It will answer many of your questions. ORIENTATION INFORMATIONWHEN: ISORP will begin on Thursday, May 4th, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. and continue through Friday, May 5th, 2006. Attendance each day is required. Summer I classes begin on Monday, May 8, 2006. WHERE: ISORP will be held in WMU's Kanley Chapel. SCHEDULE: ISORP Registration will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. in Kanley Chapel located across from Sangren Hall. The opening session will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. You will receive a complete schedule of ISORP activities during registration. ISORP sessions include:
COST: All newly enrolled international students will be charged $105.00 for Summer I ISORP services and materials unless a written prior exemption has been granted. Housing and meals are not included. TRAVEL PLANS: We recommend that new students arrive 1-2 days prior to ISORP in order to rest and adjust to the time change. Plan to fly directly to the Kalamazoo Airport (AZO). Even though Chicago and Detroit appear to be nearby, both are at least three hours away by car. You must arrange your own transportation from the airport to campus. We recommend calling a taxi (Rapid Cab 345-0177). It takes approximately 15 minutes (and $15) to get to the WMU campus. TEMPORARY HOUSING: You will need to make arrangements for a place to stay during ISORP.
HOW TO CONTACT THE OISS: YOUR TEMPORARY MAILING ADDRESS: PREPARING FOR YOUR STAY AT WMULIVING ARRANGEMENTS: WMU Residence Halls provide safe on-campus housing and opportunities to meet other WMU students. Be sure to indicate your preference on your housing request forms. Permanent accommodations will be available starting Sunday, May 1, 2005. All questions about residence hall reservations and contracts should be directed to the Office of Residence Life. Please apply online at www.reslife.wmich.edu Transfer/graduate students are eligible to live in WMU Campus Apartments.Apply online at www.wmich.edu/apartment Students who wish to live off-campus are responsible for locating their own accommodations and can find assistance from the Off-Campus Life at www.ocl.wmich.edu, 269-387-2336. HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE: Western Michigan University requires all international students to have comprehensive major medical insurance. You will be automatically charged for insurance at WMU unless you bring insurance from your home country which meets WMU’s approval. Students not wishing to purchase insurance through WMU must show proof (a copy of the policy in English, with insurance endorsement) of coverage comparable to US$50,000. All insurance inquiries should be directed to the Sindecuse Health Center Insurance Coordinator at shc-usip@wmich.edu, 269-387-3266. FINANCES: You will need approximately $17 -20,000 per academic year at WMU. Do not rely on working in the states. Like most U.S. schools, WMU has little financial aid for international students. If you have a government scholarship, bring enough money for two months (about $3,000) to pay for rent, food, books, deposits, and warm clothing. If you are privately sponsored, plan to bring about $7,000 because your tuition and fees for the semester must be paid in full when you register for classes. Carry with you International Travelers’ Checks or a bank draft payable to WMU. Tuition and fees will Increase in August every year. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS: WMU requires an acceptable English language proficiency score for admission. Students with TOEFL scores of at least 550 (213 in Computer Based Test) will not have to study more English. If your TOEFL score is between 500 (173 CBT) and 547 (213 CBT), you may be permitted to attend WMU but must take one five-credit English course during your first enrollment period. This course counts toward the bachelor degree only and cannot be waived. TRANSFER CREDITS: If you expect to receive advanced transfer credits, it is helpful to bring extra copies of your transcripts, diplomas or certificates. A syllabus or course description is also helpful. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO F-1 STUDENTS: The I-901 (SEVIS) fee of $100 (as of September 2004) has been implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This fee must be paid and fully processed prior to your visa interview. Please read all immigration documents carefully. By signing your copy of the form I-20 and accepting your U.S. visa, you are agreeing to all terms and conditions set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For details, see . STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: The members of WMU’s various international student organizations are willing to assist you in your transition to WMU and share information. You may wish to make a contact before arriving in Kalamazoo.
|
||||||||||||||||||
