VIPP programs are normally one-year and many participants bring their family with them. We understand moving to a new country for study can be daunting, and that is why we provide 360 degree services from academic support to settlement to help you and your family make the transition to the US as smooth as possible. 

Academic Support for Your Professional Development 

We provide individual consulting and advising services for your academic and professional goals to help you make progress and meet program requirements. In addition to your program curriculum, we provide extra seminars, workshops, field trips, and events all year round to enrich your learning experiences. Our academic support includes, but is not limited to:

• MSU Student ID and Net ID 
• Full access to MSU computing system including email account, library access, D2L access
• Welcome orientation, mid-term review, and graduation ceremony 
• VIPP's own classes and dedicated faculty
• Special seminars, workshops, speaker series, domestic and local field trips, and events
• Academic advising and research support
• Liaison services to connect you to academic and professional resources and opportunities at MSU and in Michigan
• An opportunity to present and share your work with professional peers
• Support for conference travel upon approval

Logistic Support for Your Peace of Mind 

Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when you bring your family. VIPP provides thorough settlement services from the moment you apply to the last day you depart. You are truly in good hands. Our service will give you a peace of mind and save you time and energy. Let us help you and your family get settled quickly and get the best out of your American experience. Services vary depending on your program.

• Visa processing for participants: DS-2019 for J-1 non-degree student visa 
• Visa processing for accompanying family members: J-2 dependent visa 
• Pick up at the airport for participant and family (services vary depending on the program you enroll in)
• Help with finding housing and signing a contract 
• Enrolling in health insurance for yourself and family members 
• Obtaining Social Security Number (SSN) 
• Getting a driver's license
• Purchasing a car, and signing up for car insurance 
• Enrolling children at local schools and school visit 
• Help with immunization for school-aged children 
• Guide to MSU resources for children
• Consultation and help provided concerning child's school adjustments and other needs, including emergency, during the entire program period 
• Participation in various VIPP and MSU events with family
• Departure arrangement including a ride to the airport 

Cultural & Social Support for Your American Experience 

Michigan and the United States have a rich history and offer many cultural experiences. Get the very best out of your time at VIPP and join the cultural and social events we organize throughout the year for you and your family. We also inform you of interesting local events so you may take advantage of community and campus resources. Among our planned events are:

• American college football tailgate party
• MSU college football tickets with nominal fees (subject to availability) 
• Thanksgiving Holiday celebration
• Field trips to Lake Michigan, Detroit, and more
• Field trips to the Michigan Capitol, Supreme Court, and more
• American home visits 
• Other special cultural and social events