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 Bolashaq 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.
Professional visits and meetings to relevant locations are arranged during the program to provide maximum exposure and networking opportunities to the participants. 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, Fall Foliage Trip, 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
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
