The Visiting International Professional Program is proud to partner with the Bolashak Program to bring professionals and scholars from Kazakhstan to Michigan State University for innovative education opportunities. The Bolashak International Scholarship is the flagship scholarship program of the government of Kazakhstan and is designed to train the country's future leaders.
VIPP connects Bolashak scholars with the expertise of world-class faculty and resources available at MSU and the distinct American Higher Education System. As the US's pioneer land-grant university, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. Through our innovative programs, Bolashak scholars have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to take advantage of MSU's prestigious resources and elevate their skills, knowledge and expertise to become tomorrow's leaders. In 2024, Michigan State University was named a founding member of the Kazakhstan-U.S. University Consortium (KUUC). This partnership program is designed to strengthen existing ties and foster new strategic partnerships between U.S. and Kazakhstan institutions through the development of an innovative consortium and community of practice.
Bolashak scholars in the VIPP program will enjoy a fully immersive professional and cultural exchange experience to develop both personally and professionally. Throughout the program, participants engage in a variety of professional and enrichment activities such as VIPP courses, special lectures and seminars, conducting independent research, and participating in cultural events. Programs are personalized to each scholar's career goals and professional interests and therefore program details vary. Below are some typical program components of the VIPP Bolashak Program.
Bolashak scholars will take VIPP courses that are designed to prepare them for study in their respective college, conducting research, and effectively communication with program mentors, including courses such as Research Methodology, Academic Writing, Critical Thinking, Business English, and Public Speaking. For a full list of VIPP courses, please refer to the VIPP Curriculum page. The program also has a college immersion component with scholars taking academic courses in the relevant college or department.
VIPP organizes various lectures and workshops featuring expert guest speakers from MSU and around the country. Bolashak scholars may also be eligible to apply for an endowment to support travel to conferences related to their research projects.
A dedicated faculty member will supervise and support the participant in their research goals. Depending on the program, scholars may independently complete a project focusing on their research topic and present it to the MSU community and colleagues in the relevant college. Feedback from MSU faculty will be provided and discussed throughout the program via regular meetings.
Bolashak Scholars will have many opportunities for cultural exchange and to learn about life in Michigan and the United States through activities such as the VIPP Home Hospitality, VIPP Football Tailgate Party, and other events hosted by VIPP throughout the year. Make new friends and become part of the MSU and Lansing community!
Below are examples of fields of interest of past Bolashak scholars at VIPP. This is not a complete list of available topics. We welcome your research proposals!
Humanities and Social Science-Related Programs
STEM-Related Programs
Isatay JakupovFrom Kazakhstan to campus, Bolashak scholar Isatay Jakupov, Ph.D. has taken numerous opportunities to dive deeper into scientific collaboration within the related fields of veterinary science and agriculture.
“Participation in laboratory work, scientific seminars, and educational activities helps me broaden my professional outlook and gain a deeper understanding of modern approaches to veterinary research,” Jakupov said.
He recently completed a scientific internship at Michigan State while representing Kazakhstan and the Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, using his highly focused research background in veterinary theriogenology, reproductive health, and diagnostics.
Jakupov’s internship took place on MSU’s campus in a reproductive physiology laboratory, within the Department of Animal Science, under the supervision of Augusto Madureira, Ph.D.
“Dr. Jakupov was highly motivated during the time that he spent in my lab,” Madueira said. “He worked independently while also being receptive to feedback and collaboration, and consistently approached the work with curiosity, care, and professionalism. I appreciated the enthusiasm and dedication he brought to the lab during his time with us.”
During his time with Madureira, Jakupov learned methods for detecting pregnancy-specific proteins in cattle to aid early diagnosis of pregnancy, the assessment of animals’ physiological conditions, and to improve reproductive efficiency in livestock production.
“Working in a modern scientific laboratory allows me to study advanced research methods and gain practical experience using contemporary laboratory equipment,” Jakupov said. “One of the main achievements during this internship has been acquiring practical skills in laboratory diagnostics and participating in research that has real significance for veterinary science and agriculture.”
Together, Jakupov and Madureira co-authored a scientific publication, "Clinical trials of a test kit for the visual diagnosis of uterine diseases in cows," which was successfully published in the Central Asian Journal of Veterinary Science in 2026.
Utilizing the immersive scientific experiences he gained at MSU, Jakupov will continue his work in the study of modern veterinary diagnostic methods and strengthen international professional connections for future research projects.
Assiya DukenbayevaAssiya 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.
Dukenbayeva is a candidate of biological sciences and an associate professor at the Department of General Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, Kazakhstan. She has more than 20 years of research experience in plant sciences, biodiversity, plant pathology, genetics, and crop improvement in Kazakhstan.
“I was honored to receive this highly competitive scholarship, which gives researchers from Kazakhstan an opportunity for advanced training, international collaboration, and direct experience in leading research laboratories,” Dukenbayeva said.
On campus, Dukenbayeva worked in the Dry Bean Breeding and Genetics Laboratory within the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences under the supervision of Professor Valerio Hoyos-Villegas. Her research was 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,” Dukenbayeva said.
She had the opportunity to present her research at several international events, including: the 2025 Amorphophallus Conference organized by Botanic Gardens Conservation International–US and the United States Botanic Garden in San Marino, California, the 2026 International Scholar Showcase at Michigan State University, and the 4th International Conference on Plant Science Research (Plant-2026) in San Francisco, California.
Dukenbayeva noted that her participation in these conferences as a researcher provided an opportunity to connect with an international academic audience, to exchange professional experience, and establish a network of scientific contacts.
For Dukenbayeva, 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,” Dukenbayeva 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.”
Assel IzekenovaMy internship at MSU began in January 2025, and it has been one of the most enriching academic experiences of my career. The program combines core research seminars, conducted in an engaging discussion format, and observations of academic classes (with professors’ permission), which offered a unique window into U.S. higher education, from course design and teaching communication to classroom culture.
One of the most valuable parts of this journey has been working with my mentors, who have become not only professional guides but also wonderful colleagues and friends. Through their support, I gained hands-on research experience in education and social work.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of my research on population aging, we started with brainstorming sessions to find shared interests with Dr. Samantha Caughlan and Dr. Adam Grimm. Our collaboration focused on U.S. higher education, digital financial literacy, and adult learning. Within our Project Inquiry series, we were privileged to host inspiring guest experts, all outstanding professors. I especially remember Dr. Doug Hartman (digital learning platforms) and Dr. Sarah Bano (transformative learning), as well as the warm and supportive leadership of our Dean, Dr. Amita Chudgar.
A highlight of my MSU journey has also been my collaboration with Dr. Sun Fei from the School of Social Work (thanks to a connection made through Dr. Wu, Director of VIPP). Together, we are working on two exciting research projects:
The impact of smartwatches on reducing self-neglect among older adults
The SHACO Project (Spartan Healthy Aging & Caregiving Office) at the MSU
Both projects are rich in research techniques, practical implications, field visits, and collaboration with community partners. Our studies have also provided opportunities for cross-cultural learning, such as exploring how dementia caregivers are supported in Latino and Asian cultural contexts.
Another favorite aspect of this program has been our “Discovering Michigan” experiences organized by VIPP. These cultural and nature trips helped us fall in love with the state of Michigan, from the Tulip Festival in Holland City, Grand Rapids and the Meijer Gardens, Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, Detroit and its modern art museum, to the magical Mackinac Island, Traverse City, and the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Even before coming to MSU, and throughout all our trips, we received tremendous support from our VIPP coordinator, Dr. Xiaoqing Chen, whose care and organization made every journey truly special.
Next month, I look forward to our final reflection meeting with the College of Education faculty, followed by an exciting moment, presenting our accepted paper with Dr. Sun Fei at the Boston Conference on Gerontology GSA 2025, proudly sponsored by the VIPP Center.
I am truly in love with Michigan, and I feel like a genuine part of the MSU ecosystem.
Go Green, Go White!
Thank you, MSU, for a year full of growth, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.
During my time as part of the VIPP scholar at Michigan State University, I was privileged to attend tailored classes and fully engage in research activities. The environment offered exceptional academic freedom—enabling me to meet regularly with tutors for specialized sessions and to design an independent research project using MSU’s comprehensive resources. Being able to access the full spectrum of MSU’s facilities and choose areas of study aligned with my interests enriched my learning experience. Beyond academics, I appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in U.S. culture and explore travel opportunities across the country, which broadened my perspective academically and personally.
Our internship at Michigan State University, organized by the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP), has been a truly enriching experience. As scholars from Kazakhstan, we had the opportunity to engage with the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures, where we explored innovative teaching approaches, academic research practices, and intercultural communication. The exposure to MSU's diverse academic environment allowed us to gain new perspectives on language education and professional development.
This experience has also fostered valuable connections with faculty, and fellow international scholars. Being part of such a supportive and dynamic community inspired us to reflect on our own practices and consider how we can apply what we've learned back home. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to sharing our experiences and insights in Kazakhstan.
We strongly encourage you to submit your online application at least six months before your desired program start date.
The application must include:
An invitation letter can only be issued after we receive your completed application.
Program fee varies based on discipline and research project.
For more information about fees and finances, including living costs, health insurance, and housing please visit:
2026 Global Summer School Brochure
Bolashak Program
VIPP Strategic Plan
Bold Goals Toward 2030
VIPP Program Brochure
