Working at Western Washington University offers the chance to support our vision of preparing and inspiring people to explore widely, think critically, communicate clearly, and connect ideas creatively to address our most challenging needs, problems, and questions, along with opportunities to learn and grow professionally and personally.

Serving over 15,000 students each year, our employees are committed to expanding educational access and success, supporting innovative interdisciplinary programs that offer students real world experience, improving sustainability, and engaging with the broader community. Located in Bellingham, Washington, between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, and surrounded by salt water, mountain ranges, and glacial lakes, the community offers endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and adventure.

Student Admissions Representative (StAR)
Do you love Western and want to show prospective students all that the University life has to offer?  The Student Admissions Representative (StAR) team is comprised of a diverse group of about 40 students from a variety of majors and undergraduate experiences and involvement.

The Office of Admissions hires for multiple StAR positions each year.  Interviews are conducted over Winter Quarter, with the position beginning the first week of Spring Quarter. The StAR application will open Monday, November 15th.

• Give various tours throughout the year: weekday campus tours, group visit tours, virtual campus tours, and occasional Saturday tours
• Participate in half-day and full-day Admissions events
• Provide prospective students with positive and honest information about their experiences at Western
• Serve on informational panels
• Conduct personalized outreach to high school and college students
• Serve as a resource for prospective students throughout the admissions process
• Coordinate and run student-centered programs

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Requirements

Admission to Western is selective. Cumulative academic achievement is the most important factor in the application review process. Our Admissions Committee believes that potential is measured by more than grades and test scores.

When filling out the application for admission, applicants are encouraged to help the Admissions Committee get to know them better by responding to the relevant essay questions and including an activities list or resume, if requested.

First-Year Students

First-year students are those who have not enrolled in any college coursework after completing their high school or secondary schooling.

Transfer

Transfer students are those who enroll in college courses after completing their high school or secondary schooling graduation.

University or college transfer students from outside the United States must have studied at a Ministry of Education recognized or accredited post-secondary institution. All transfer applicants applying with fewer than 45 transferable quarter (30 semester) college credits must also submit their official secondary school credentials with certified English translations when necessary.

Declaration of Financial Responsibility

Proof of sufficient funds is required for the visa application process to gain entrance into the U.S. This proof is met by:

• Completing the Declaration of Financial Responsibility on the application for admission; and Submitting financial documents from a bank, sponsor, or foundation, agency, government, etc.
• For detailed information about acceptable evidence of financial resources and the estimated expenses for International Students

TOEFL Services
You can register for the TOEFL or request to have scores sent by contacting the TOEFL website.

Minimum Score: 79 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based).

Western's Institution Code: 4947

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
You can register for the IELTS or request to have scores sent by contacting the IELTS website.

Minimum Score: 6.5

Western's Institution Code: 4947

Duolingo
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken in under an hour for $49. The test requires a computer with a camera, audio and reliable internet. Results are sent within 48 hours and shared with the schools you select for free.

Score: 105 or higher

Grades
Earn at least a "B" or 3.0 in two college-level English composition courses at a U.S. college/university. Students with these grades are NOT required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.