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Greetings from ISSS!
International students and scholars are valued members of the Western community. We welcome about 180 international students from over 35 countries.
We provide assistance with:
- immigration issues: maintaining F-1 or J-1 immigration status, processing benefits, OPT and taxes workshops
- practical matters: health insurance, employment requirements, safety, transportation
- social and cultural adjustment: activities, connecting to on-campus resources
We work to promote cross-cultural exchange throughout the University, and invite all members of the Western community with an interest in global issues and identities to take part in our many events and activities.
International Activities
Western’s International Buddy Program is designed to help the new International students transition smoothly to Western’s campus and Bellingham, and to create opportunities make global friendships and share cultures. The program coordinators organize a number of group activities every quarter—most are free or low-cost!
Current Western students may join any quarter and participate as much as your schedule allows. For more information contact: wwuinternationalbuddies@gmail.com . The program coordinators will contact you and pair you with a buddy who shares some of your interests.
Every winter quarter, student volunteers work with the University's executive chef to reproduce authentic dishes from their home countries, which form the centerpiece of this elegant event.
Meet ISSS Students
Major: Communication Disorders.
I fell in love with Lakewood, Western’s facility on Lake Whatcom, and joined Western's sailing team. I had never sailed before but the team was willing to teach me. Today, they are the biggest family I have here in Bellingham.
Emily TsanMalaysia
Major: Cybersecurity
Many students in our program competed on the Collegiate Cyber Defense Club. We had fun and got experience with real-life applications. The competitions were in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where we also got to meet big sponsors such as Boeing, Google, NSA, and the Department of Defense.
Ky TranVietnam