Two hundred and thirty eight students representing 40 countries discovered there really is a WMU and a Kalamazoo at the International Student Orientation and Registration Program held August 27 to 31.

The program is conducted three times each academic year and offers a bevy of information sessions, as well as a full slate of recreational activities.

This fall's incoming students experienced a Kalamazoo Kings minor league baseball game, a poolside picnic at College Park, a WMU pep rally, a dance party, and a Friday trip to Saugatuck, Mich. for a Lake Michigan beach picnic, just to name a few ISORP-planned activities.

The students also attended many welcome receptions hosted by various campus and community groups to help the students make new friends and get a good start on the life-changing experience of studying in a foreign culture.

The information sessions conducted throughout the week gave the students a comprehensive overview of academic and campus life at WMU and the opportunity to meet many faculty and staff. WMU's grading policies, immigration rules, health care, banking, and public transportation are a sampling of the topics covered. Students also learned where to go for tutorial help in various academic disciplines and how to get involved with the International Programs Council and other student groups.

Stephen Wood, international programming intern at the Haenicke Institute, said ISORP enlists more than a dozen student coordinators and leaders to facilitate the week-long program. By collaborating with the Fall Welcome program, ISORP staff also gave the international students the opportunity to meet and hang out with incoming domestic students at WMU.

"Many students found the interaction helpful in making friends at the activities, which included concerts, dances, ice cream socials and movies set up around the campus," Wood said. "ISORP was a great success this year, and it will continue to serve the WMU community in aiding the development of great leaders and by providing great experiences for all who participate."

The Haenicke Institute's International Services and Student Affairs office coordinates ISORP. Additional information about the program is accessible on the ISSA Web site .