MSU VIPP

What if your next professional or educational opportunity took you to Michigan State University? 🌎💚

The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) is a home for professionals, scholars, and students from around the world to pursue educational and professional development opportunities at MSU.

Whether you're an individual or organization looking for a short-term professional training, a summer cultural exchange, or a year-long research experience, VIPP can help you build connections, expand your expertise, and experience life at a leading American university.

Read to explore what's possible? ✈️

Discover VIPP programs on our website: https://vipp.isp.msu.edu/



Michigan State University MSU International Studies and Programs MSU Office for International Students and Scholars

VIPP Scholar Spotlight in honor of VIPP’s 35th anniversary! 👏👏👏

Assiya Dukenbayeva came to Michigan State, one of the world’s top research universities, to invest in her agricultural research abroad and bring it back home to Kazakhstan. 🇰🇿

She has more than 20 years of research experience in plant sciences, biodiversity, plant pathology, genetics, and crop improvement in Kazakhstan.

Currently, Assiya is completing a scientific internship within the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences under the supervision of Professor Valerio Hoyos-Villegas. Her research is dedicated to anthracnose disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and to identifying bean genotypes with resistance under greenhouse conditions. 🌱 🌾

“For Kazakhstan, this research is important because agriculture needs crop diversification, sustainable production, and better protection against plant diseases. Legume crops such as common bean can provide valuable plant protein, improve crop rotation, and support more resilient farming systems,” Assiya said.

For Assiya, one of the most meaningful experiences during her stay at MSU has been working in an international scientific environment alongside researchers and students from different countries.

“It strengthened my confidence as a researcher, expanded my international network, and gave me new ideas that I can bring back to Kazakhstan,” Assiya said. “I hope that the knowledge and experience gained at MSU will contribute to the development of plant science, modern teaching, and sustainable agriculture in my country.” 🌏

Read more about Assiya ➡️ https://vipp.isp.msu.edu/news_article/24290

If you want to share your VIPP story, email [email protected].

Centre for International Programmes - Bolashaq MSU International Studies and Programs L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

As we celebrate the conclusion of another incredible program at Michigan State University, we want to thank this outstanding group of Fulbright students from Fulbright Germany for being part of the VIPP community.

Throughout their time at MSU, they embraced every opportunity to learn from our exceptional faculty, engage in meaningful academic discussions, and expand their knowledge in and beyond the classroom. They also experienced Michigan culture firsthand, thanks to the support and friendship of our amazing student assistants, who helped make their time here both memorable and meaningful.

From exploring campus and the local community to building lasting friendships and gaining new perspectives, this cohort made the most of their experience in East Lansing.

We're happy to share that everyone has arrived home safely, and we hope they carry the memories, connections, and lessons from their time at Michigan State University with them for years to come.

Thank you for being part of the VIPP family. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors—we hope to see you again someday! 💚🤍

VIPP was pleased to host participants from The Fulbright Program for a day of educational exploration in Grand Rapids.

The highlight of the visit was the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, where participants examined President Ford's life and legacy and gained a deeper understanding of the American presidency, civic leadership, and the nation's democratic institutions. Through the museum's exhibits, the group explored pivotal moments in U.S. history and engaged with the principles of public service, integrity, and leadership that continue to shape American government.

Following the museum visit, participants explored downtown Grand Rapids before concluding the day at Tanger Outlets, experiencing another aspect of American culture and community.

At VIPP, we offer opportunities that enrich international education through firsthand cultural and historical experiences, fostering greater global understanding and cross-cultural engagement.

The Fulbright Program German students recently had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Fraunhofer lab here in East Lansing, Michigan, and left the visit quite impressed

"I found it really interesting and really exciting how many different areas they are involved in throughout industry, research, and society." — Larissa

"What I enjoyed most about the visit was the opportunity to experience applied research firsthand. Instead of only learning about these technologies in theory, we were able to see how innovative ideas are developed into practical solutions. The researchers were enthusiastic, open to questions, and explained complex topics in an understandable way." — Luise

Visits like this show how research and industry come together to turn ideas into real-world impact — giving our students valuable insight into how innovation drives business growth and technical progress alike.

Thank you to for hosting us and investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators!

More than 150 Summer Institute students embraced the Spartan experience through an evening of community, tradition, and fun. From enjoying a summer BBQ and exploring Spartan Stadium to leaving their mark by painting the Rock, students created lasting memories while building friendships and experiencing the spirit of Michigan State University. These shared experiences reflect the connections and cultural exchange that make the Summer Institute a truly unforgettable program. 💚🤍

As the 2026 Agribusiness Summer Institute comes to a close, we reflect on a summer filled with meaningful experiences, professional growth, and lasting connections.

Throughout the program, students explored the Michigan State University campus, visited the Michigan State Capitol and Downtown Detroit, attended engaging lectures, and gained firsthand insight into the agricultural industry. Their experiences included learning about the agricultural lending process and the day-to-day operations of family farms, providing valuable perspectives on U.S. agriculture.

VIPP is grateful for the opportunity to host students from Zhenjiang University, China Agricultural University, Huazhong Agricultural University, and Nanjing Agricultural University. We appreciate the relationships, cultural exchange, and professional connections we built throughout the program, and we look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape our participants' future work.

Thank you for being part of the 2026 Agribusiness Summer Institute. We wish you continued success and hope to welcome you back in the future.

Our Global Business Networking Event brought together four distinguished industry leaders— Isabelle McKenzie (BorgWarner), Arnd Herwig (Brose), Henry Julicher (Avflight), and Werner Happenhofer (Goodyear)—for an afternoon of candid conversation, cross-cultural insights, and genuine connection.

But don't take our word for it. Here's what our students had to say:

Benjamin on leadership: "There was a quote from one of the panelists... 'leadership is about being kind and listening,' which really stuck with me".

Illyas on cultural learning: "The huge differences between the USA and Germany surprised me, specifically different perspectives even while working in the same industry".

Karlotta on the speakers' approachability: "It surprised me that everyone was so open to talk and that even the speakers approached us after the panel... I learned people will sympathize with you if you are respectful and reciprocate kindness".

A heartfelt thank-you to our panelists for not just speaking but also listening. Events like these remind us that the best business relationships are built on mutual respect and curiosity.

Tag us in your photos from the night!

Exploring the Nexus of Art, Society, and Technology!

Our 2026 German Fulbright Summer Institute and Global Summer School students took their American Culture and Society (ACS) course on the road for an immersive visit to the Michigan State University Museum. Students were guided through the exhibitions by .SalahHassan and MSU Museum CoLab Studio Creative Director . The group explored the "Blurred Realities" exhibit, using the installations as a catalyst to reflect on pressing current issues, including the societal impacts and ethical considerations of AI technology.

It was a powerful day of "learning by doing," bridging historical cultural contexts with the technological challenges of tomorrow.