Spend an Unforgettable Summer in the USA with VIPP!
Expand your academic knowledge, experience American and international culture, and enhance your career competitiveness. To give you a full American experience, the programs include a trip to either the East Coast or Chicago. Take time to explore our website for program summaries, outlines, key features, and application information.
VIPP has trained over 4,000 international professionals over the last 28 years. We understand what college students and young professionals need to build a successful career. Come to VIPP and start your future here!
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Download the 2020 Summer School Brochure (English)
Download the 2020 Summer School Brochure (Chinese)
Download the Individual Program Flyers below:
Green Building English version, Chinese version
Global Enterprise Innovation English version, Chinese version
Modern Packaging English version, Chinese version
Smart Engineering English version, Chinese version
Creative Advertising English version, Chinese version
Biotechnology Lab English version, Chinese version
Visit Our Summer School Facebook Page
Watch the Global Enterprise Innovation Promotional Video Here!
Global Enterprise Innovation Flyer_English
Global Enterprise Innovation Flyer_Chinese
Global Enterprise Innovation
Innovation is the key to success for any business in today’s highly competitive and super-connected world. When you step onto the campus of Michigan State University you will step into an environment where innovation is at its core. The Global Enterprise Innovation Summer School program offers nothing less. Students will have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge research and to explore the implications of the Digital Revolution.
This three-week intensive summer school program will introduce students to the concept, principle, and process of the Digital Revolution. The Digital Revolution began at the turn of the 21st Century and is built on mobile internet, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, machine learning, and low-cost storage of information. It connects people with goods and services, biological systems and genetics. It creates virtual currencies and virtual economies outside governmental regulatory reach. The fusion of digital technologies crossing physical boundaries able to interact with biological domains makes this revolution fundamentally different from the agrarian and industrial revolutions.
Students will examine exciting case studies like Google, Airbnb, Uber, Alibaba, and Amazon to see how these companies pioneered the Digital Revolution in global businesses. Students will work in small teams to research, write-up, and present findings on the Digital Revolution. Topics may be explored include:
Students will review modern management theories able to adapt to the Digital Revolution. We will study the following Harvard Business School Cases studies:
Other readings will be selected from:
Class activities will include lectures and in-class guided research by the students. Students will be asked to develop presentations on the topics mentioned above. Students will be given the opportunity to present their ideas to the class.
Instructor
Global Enterprise Innovation will be taught by Dr. Erika Butler, adjunct faculty at MSU Broad College of Business.
Dates
July 15, 2020- August 6, 2020 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $3,880
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, and local transportation.
*Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Watch the Modern Packaging Promotional Video Here!
Modern Packaging Flyer_English
Modern Packaging Flyer_Chinese
Modern Packaging
Although we should not judge a book by its cover, we have to admit that in today’s competitive commercial world, appearance and presentation influence our decision on most of our purchases. Well-designed attractive packaging will boost sales. But packaging as a science goes beyond the look. It is about function, material, safety, environment and waste, culture and cost. Different products come with different packaging in terms of size, weight, shape, color, and material. This is a three-week-long intensive summer school program with a focus on modern packaging and the fundamentals of packaging science. Students will be working on packaging science and design-related projects in small groups, as well as explore local packaging suppliers. The program offers full insight into all aspects of packaging, including function, materials, systems and processes, distribution and more. The program will be delivered by MSU Packaging School experienced faculty. Students will leave this course better prepared to implement virtual design and sustainability practices as it relates to packaging functions. The course will help students prepare for graduate-level study and research in any packaging, food science or material science-related disciplines. Students will also receive career planning, professional development and leadership training, and participate in many fun activities. Various guided field trips, including a week-long East Coast trip, will be the highlight of the program, which provides great opportunities for students to understand and experience American culture.
Instructor
Faculty and staff at MSU School of Packaging will instruct the course, including Patrick McDavid, Dennis Young, and Cimberly Weir. The School of Packaging at Michigan State University is the leader in teaching, research and outreach focused on packaging containers, materials, and their functionality and improvement opportunities for over 65 years. According to Universities.com, Best Colleges 2017 ranks MSU's School of Packaging as rated #1 in the U.S. and notes that MSU is the only school that offers a Ph.D. in this program.
Dates
July 15, 2020 - August 6, 2020 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast Trip: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $3,880
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, and local transportation.
*Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Watch the Smart Engineering Promotional Video Here!
Smart Transportation Engineering Flyer_English
Smart Transportation Engineering Flyer_Chinese
Smart Engineering
Fully automated vehicles are no longer science fiction. Driverless platoon trucks are already moving goods on German Autobahns. Driverless buses are shuttling passengers on some college campuses. In the next few years, we will be sharing our roads with more and more driverless cars. This three-week-long intensive summer school program is a multidisciplinary lab-based engineering research program with a focus on smart transportation technology and engineering. Students will be working on a project in small groups to practice traffic flow theory as well as application. The program aims to foster creative thinking and enhance practical engineering and problem-solving skills through computer based simulation in a supervised setting. It will help students prepare for graduate level study and research in any engineering disciplines including Transportation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. Students will be introduced to an operational analysis of an on-campus network of intersections. The project will include data collection of existing traffic and geometric conditions. Field recorded data will be displayed on a CADD drawing of the project site. Analysis of the intersection network will be performed through computer traffic simulation. Alternative solutions will be evaluated, taking into consideration future plans and changes in future travel demand. Besides taking courses that build up students’ capabilities required to succeed in completing the project, they will also take field trips to various research labs that showcase the top-notch technology achieved by MSU’s faculty and researchers in engineering and other disciplines. For example, the driverless car developed by the MSU Mobility Studio research team and CANVAS project will be a fascinating innovation for students to see. This program will also provide students an opportunity to experience America culture, improve academic English, receive advice on career planning, participate in lectures in professional development and leadership, and engage in many fun activities.
Instructor
Mr. Anthony Ingle, PE, PTOE, is an expert in Transportation Engineering and Planning. As an experienced teaching specialist in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, he teaches courses such as Introduction to Transportation Engineering and Transportation Planning.
Dates
July 15, 2020 - August 6, 2020 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast Trip: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $3,880
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, and local transportation.
*Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Green Building
Green is MSU’s color, however it is more than just a color that represents MSU. It is our way of life. MSU is one of the greenest campuses in the world. On our 5,200 acre campus, Spartans work every day to enhance our energy efficiency, grow our greenspace, and innovate with sustainable projects. Without a doubt, Michigan and MSU are premier destinations to learn about green building and sustainable design. In the program, students will learn the principles and practices behind green buildings and sustainable design and its impacts and implications for their own living environment. The course will help students understand the fundamentals of green building, LEED-certified buildings, and sustainable development as well as various green building rating systems. Students will also have a chance to visit the green buildings on campus and in the community for hands-on learning. For a final group project, students will search one LEED-certified building in the U.S., analyze design features of the building, and discuss future implications based on their case studies. Students will present their findings to faculty and fellow students. Upon completing this course, students will have developed expertise in sustainable design and planning and will understand the current trends and future directions of sustainable design and planning.
Dates
July 15, 2020 - August 6, 2020 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast Trip: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $3,880
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, local transportation, and all expenses of the East Coast tour. *Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Watch the Creative Advertising Program Promotional Video Here!
Creative Advertising Flyer_English
Creative Advertising Flyer_Chinese
Creative Advertising
Successful advertising today depends on so many factors, not to mention the right message in the right place at the right time. But none of these matters if you are not speaking to the right audience in the right language. In this program, students will be asked to perform as an advertising agency and work on a hands-on advertising project to appeal to a new audience.
This program will introduce students to some of the basics of the advertising field, and guide students toward the creative process of developing an advertising plan and implementation strategy. Students will need to research a company and a brand, and come up with a new target market and a viable advertising plan and creative solution. Throughout this intensive summer program, students will learn about various creative advertising techniques and examples. They will practice what they have learned by completing an advertising project.
The program also includes guest speakers who are advertising, media, PR, and legal professionals and a visit to Leo Burnett Detroit, a branch of Leo Burnett Worldwide, the global advertising agency founded in 1935. Students will also tour WKAR, a public radio and TV station on MSU’s campus.
Instructor
Dr. Janice Bukovac-Phelps is an Assistant Professor/Professor of Practice in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations at Michigan State University. She teaches the Principles of Advertising course, the first of the core courses in the advertising program.
Dates
July 15, 2020 - August 6, 2019 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $3,880
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, and local transportation.
*Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Biotechnology Lab
Powerful biotechnology is increasingly utilized in many fields of scientific research and practical applications. This summer school program introduces students to fascinating concepts of biotechnology through intensive laboratory work. Sustainable management of fish health, fish populations, and their ecosystems are used as case studies. Through this course, students will gain first-hand experience with 1) environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding techniques to characterize aquatic communities, 2) applying population genetic data in management contexts, 3) fish health management, iv) fish health diagnostic techniques, and v) techniques for analyzing chemicals such as pheromone components, hormones, or metabolites. Students will learn how these tools are being used to conduct cutting-edge research on fish and their ecosystems and to inform fisheries management decisions. Students will gain familiarity with the relevant steps in applying biotechnology and fish health concepts to fisheries science, from sample collection, sample analysis, and data analysis, to the interpretation of results, and formulating management recommendations.
Instructor
Faculty at the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife will instruct the course, including Drs. Thomas Loch, John Robinson, Weiming Li, and Mary Tate Bremigan. The Department strives to meet the global challenges that threaten the sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems. They teach the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to safeguard our natural heritage and promote quality of life for all.
Students who participate in this program will be awarded the MSU Certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) on American Culture by the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP).
Dates
July 15, 2020 - August 6, 2020 (3 weeks)
Arrival and Check-In: July 15
Program at MSU: July 15 to July 29
East Coast Trip: July 30 to August 6
*For the East coast trip, the bus will depart from MSU campus to Niagara Falls. Bus fee is included in tuition. The trip will end in New York City (NYC) and it is students' responsibility to arrange their own departure from NYC back to their country. The bus will not return to Michigan. International airfare back home is not included in tuition.
Fees
Tuition: $4,030 ($3,880 + $150 eDNA testing)
*Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, local transportation, and all expenses of the East Coast tour. *Fee does not include international and domestic airfare, health insurance, or any other living costs.
Application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Make tuition payments by June 14, 2020.
Certification: Upon completion, all students will be awarded a certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) by the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) at MSU.
All foreign citizens who wish to travel to the United States must obtain a U.S. visa. For general information about U.S. visa, please visit US Department of State website. After we review your application we will send you an invitation letter. However, this letter is not a U.S. visa nor does it guarantee your entry to the U.S. You must check the U.S. embassy website in your home country to find out all necessary documents to apply for a non-immigrant visitor visa (B1, B2). About a US visitor visa, check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html for details.
A short-term training workshop like the summer school program will be classified for B-1 visa type. To obtain a B visa, You must fill out a DC-160 form, pay the visa fee, schedule your visa appointment, and pass the visa interview. You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. VIPP strongly encourages you to pay the tuition early to process a visa. Don'wait until the deadline! It is your responsibility to check the visa process and prepare all documents needed.
The following documents will be helpful to pass the visa interview:
Visa Waiver Program
Some countries such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the European Union participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP enables most citizens of nationals of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. Still, in order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Please check the details of process at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's official site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. They strongly suggest applying for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
At the Airport
Obtaining a visa does not guarantee automatic entry to the U.S. When you arrive in the U.S., officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport will interview you to check the purpose of your visit. It is always a good idea to prepare our invitation letter and your return flight ticket back to your country.
This PDF shows a map of MSU main campus.
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, a vibrant college town. It is just minutes away from Michigan’s capital city, Lansing. The MSU campus is a 15-minute drive from Capital Regional International Airport (LAN). Taxicab service costs approximately $15. Ask them to take you to Owen Hall at MSU (Its address is 735 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48825).
The MSU campus is a 75-minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The Michigan Flyer Airport Shuttle offers bus transportation to East Lansing for $32. Buses run several times a day, and travel takes approximately two hours. The East Lansing stop is the last stop. Once you get off the bus, grab a taxi and ask them to take you Owen Hall at MSU (Its address is 735 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48825). It is only a 5 minute drive.
Another way to get to MSU campus is to fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and then take an AmTrak train from Chicago downtown Union Station (CHI) to East Lansing, Michigan (LNS). It is approximately 4 hour ride. It takes 5 minutes from East Lansing train station (1240 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823) to Owen Hall. You can check AmTrak daily schedule on its website www.amtrak.com
After arriving at the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and picking up your luggage, you will use the Michigan Flyer bus to travel to East Lansing. East Lansing will be the last stop the bus makes after leaving the airport. There are two Michigan Flyer stops at DTW: McNamara Terminal and North Terminal. It is very important that you know which terminal you are arriving and find out the correct pick up time in that terminal.
You can find this information in this Airlines-by-DTW-terminal.pdf or visit Detroit Airport website for further information. For example, if you are flying with Delta Airlines, you will be arriving at McNamara Terminal. Locate Michigan Flyer's stop in the McNamara Terminal below and find out exact pick up time. If you are flying with United Airlines you will be landing in North Terminal. Find Michigan Flyer's stop and the pick up time in the North Terminal below.
You can save money by pre-paying and booking online in advance. One way ticket is only $32. You don't have to print the ticket. When you arrive at the terminal, go to the bus stop, and just tell the driver your name. They will check you in electronically. If you choose to pay with cash, the fares are slightly higher and you will need exact change. It is best to pay in advance online through the link above. Make sure to arrive to your terminal before your departure time to ensure you don't miss the bus. For more information and a departure timetables, refer to the Michigan Flyer schedule.
Below is pickup information according to the Michigan Flyer website. Again, it is very important that you know which terminal you are arriving and find out the correct pick up time in that terminal. You can find this information in this PDF. Airlines-by-DTW-terminal.pdf Or visit Detroit Airport website for further information. For more information about the Michigan Flyer, please visit their website.
At McNamara Terminal, Michigan Flyer-AirRide stop is located on the Departure Level/ Level 3. Follow signs like for “Municipal Transportation” and “Ticketing/Check-In.” Its stop is just outside and to the left of the doors labeled “International Ticketing/Check-In, Air France, AeroMexico.” If you need assistance, just ask an airport official "How do I get to check-in for Air France?"
At North Terminal, Michigan Flyer picks up passengers in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC). Once you come down the stairs or elevator to the GTC, exit the door to your left and proceed to Stall #1. Look for the small Michigan Flyer/AirRide sign.
For more information about the Michigan Flyer, please visit their website.
Our four summer school programs - American Culture & Society, Food, Water & Community, Global Enterprise Innovation, and Modern Packaging - include a field trip to US East Coast from July 30 to August 6, 2020. Following is a tentative itinerary. All travel is by bus. The detailed schedule is subject to change.
Day 1 (Thu, July 30) Depart from MSU campus, travel to Niagara Falls
Day 2 (Fri, July 31) Tour in Niagara Falls
Day 3 (Sat, Aug 1) Depart to Washington DC
Day 4 (Sun, Aug 2) Washington DC Tour including White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, Smithsonian Museums , etc.
Day 5 (Mon, Aug 3) Depart for New York Areas
Day 6 (Tue, Aug 4) Tour in New York City including Wall Street, World Trade Center Memorial, Time Square, Statue of Liberty
Day 7 (Wed, Aug 5) Shopping at Woodbury Outlet in New Jersey
Day 8 (Thu, Aug 6) Return to home country on your own
* Official program ends on the night of Wednesday, Aug 5th and hotel rooms are booked until Thursday morning. Students are free to arrange their own return trip anytime during Wednesday.
When you arrive at MSU you will check-in at McDonel Hall. A taxi from the bus stop to McDonel Hall costs less than $10. If you travel individually, we recommend booking the S-cab taxi in advance (www.S-cabs.com) by emailing to John (). He can be reached by cell 1-517-712-0844.
McDonel Hall is ideal for students who desire a living environment conducive to study.
Room Features:
Building Features:
VIPP Global Summer School Program looks for mature, academically motivated and curious students who are willing to experience different culture and broaden their horizons.
To apply, you must:
Before applying to our program, be sure to:
Tuition is due by June 14, 2020. We strongly encourage you to make a payment early to apply for a Visa. We will issue a receipt for the tuition payment and that may be helpful in passing the Visa interview.
Refund Policy
There will be no refund available unless a student gets rejected for a US visa or health emergency. All refund appeals require a signed letter of explanation and supporting documentation. The appeal letter must be written and signed by the student. For a medical problem, we require verification of the severity of the condition that prevents you from coming to the US and participating in the program. We require a letter, typed on official letterhead, from a physician or a relevant healthcare provider. The letter must be signed and delivered/mailed in a sealed envelope. Emails or unsigned letters on plain stationery are not acceptable. The final decision on refund is at VIPP’s discretion.
Happy Holidays from VIPP!
Global Summer School 2020
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