A summer of learning, creating, collaborating, and lots of fun!
The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) Global Summer School welcomes international college students to the beautiful campus of Michigan State University (MSU) to experience American college life while studying at a top global university and developing professional and intercultural skills. VIPP Global Summer School is a fully immersive academic and cultural experience with innovative programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring young professionals who are ready for a global career. All courses feature hands-on, project-based experiential learning and include classes, guest lectures, cultural activities, and field trips to notable places in Michigan such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and sand dunes. The exciting culmination of the Global Summer School experience is an optional study tour of the East Coast, including Niagara Falls, Washington D.C. and New York City!
During the summer VIPP also hosts the German Fulbright Summer Institute for university students from Germany. VIPP Global Summer School students enjoy a unique opportunity to study, collaborate, and socialize with the students in this prestigious program, as well as MSU American students, to enrich their cultural exchange experience and forge lasting friendships across cultures!
This summer VIPP is offering five courses and an East Coast Study Tour. Click on the "Courses" tab above to read about our 2025 course offerings, and click on the "Program Menu" tab to learn how you can combine program offerings to customize your summer school experience! (Click here if you are looking for information about the Agribusiness Summer Institute.)
Make the most of your summer! Join us at Michigan State University to expand your academic knowledge, experience American and international culture, and enhance your career competitiveness. We look forward to welcoming you to MSU as a Global Spartan! Go Green!
In summer 2025, choose from five courses. The four two-week-long courses (July 19 - August 2) can be taken individually, or combined with the one-week-long Intercultural Communication course (July 12 - July 19) and/or the East Coast Study Tour (August 2 - August 9) for a customized program. Learn about our program offerings, and then create your own custom summer school experience! (Click here if you are looking for information about the Agribusiness Summer Institute.)
All Global Summer School courses feature hands-on experiential learning, teach real-world problem solving, and are led by expert instructors.
July 12 - July 19, 2025
In today’s interconnected world, being able to communicate across cultures is more important than ever. Explore intercultural communication on a global scale, with a special focus on race, immigration, and youth culture in the U.S. Engage with key issues through the lens of global mass media and social media, while gaining firsthand experience through exciting field trips. This isn’t just a classroom course—it’s a journey into the heart of American society. From interactive activities to thought-provoking discussions, you’ll deepen your understanding of cultural dynamics and learn how to break down barriers, foster empathy, and improve communication in multicultural environments.
Global Perspective: Explore how issues like immigration and race are portrayed through mass media and social media, and how these depictions influence American youth and global views.
Self, Social, and Cultural Awareness: Engage in meaningful conversations about self-awareness, social and cultural awareness, relationships, and the role of media in shaping societal perspectives.
Real-World Applications: Apply your learning through group activities and exercises designed to enhance your intercultural communication skills, which are valuable in any field. Be ready to embark on and thrive in any globally-focused career.
Dr. Anjam Chaudhary is the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program coordinator at MSU International Studies and Programs. Dr. Chaudhary has over 10 years of international experience in academic and administrative education and a passion for intercultural communication competence. Chaudhary earned her PhD in education, interculturality and student development from Central Michigan University, and also holds a master’s degree in integrated communications, advertising and public relations from Florida International University.
July 19 - August 2, 2025
Social media plays a powerful role in sharing information, shaping our perspectives, influencing behavior, and driving trends. With the rise of digital platforms and an ever-evolving content landscape, understanding the principles behind storytelling and content creation has never been more critical. This course offers a unique introduction to the world of media, content creation, and storytelling through the lens of an American university experience. Uncover the behind-the-scenes processes that shape media content, learning how to craft compelling stories across formats like films, documentaries, ads, and social media while exploring media’s influence on global audiences.
Hands-on storytelling skills and industry insights: Immerse yourself in the world of media and social media, exploring Hollywood blockbusters to viral TikTok trends. Dive behind the scenes of production and boost your career prospects in the media and creative industry.
Practical daily assignments: Through practical assignments, interactive discussions, and global media case studies, participants will gain hands-on experience and an insider's perspective on media industry trends, job markets, and creative processes.
Develop critical thinking skills and enhance content creation abilities essential for navigating the evolving digital media landscape.
Amol Pavangadkar, a professor of practice and senior specialist at MSU, is an award-winning educator and media professional. Holding graduate degrees in TV, Radio, and Film, as well as Financial Management and Human Resources, Amol actively produces short films, commercials, and TV pilots, mentoring students using industry-standard equipment. His recent documentary work addresses critical global issues, including race, the pandemic, human trafficking, trauma response, and climate change communication.
July 19 - August 2, 2025
Creativity, innovation, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication are skills that are becoming more and more important for a successful career, regardless of industry. Learn how to move your subconscious creative and problem-solving mind to the conscious mind. This process will happen by discovering your 5-year-old self – a time when we are at our creative best! This course will start in an attitudinal theoretical space, then move to an ideation and strategic problem-solving phase, resulting with students working in small teams to produce a video presentation of their solution to a real-world business problem.
Learn and practice the ultimate openness that leads to creative thinking and develop a creative problem-solving mindset to find your inner creative drive for your entrepreneurial journey.
Understand the ideation process to help invent solutions and practice with a real-world business problem in a collaborative team environment.
Understand how to evaluate ideas and learn how to bring ideas to life using marketing techniques in the most engaging and effective way.
Enjoy site visits and dialogues with entrepreneurs. Apply your learning to a hands-on team project to present to a real-world business.
You will be working and living together with 30 German Fulbright undergraduate students as well as 6-8 American MSU students, who are all from different academic backgrounds. This program provides you with a unique international learning environment and a rare opportunity to connect with many different international and American students.
Professor Ross Chowles is professor of practice in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at MSU where he teaches branding, the creative process, how to create commercial video, and ideation techniques. Chowles is co-founder of the Jupiter Drawing Room in Cape Town, Africa’s most awarded independent advertising agency. Chowles and his agency have received numerous awards from South African and international organizations, including Clio, Epica, and Cannes. In 2015, Ross was appointed to the international board of the One Club for Creativity in New York City, and has since had the privilege of judging all over the globe, from Canada to South Korea and China.
July 19 - August 2, 2025
Are you curious about how AI is shaping the world around us? Want to learn how AI powered apps like ChatGPT can be used in fields like marketing, business, journalism or even the arts? Even if you're a non-STEM major university student but fascinated by technology and data, this course is for you! With engaging lectures, real-world projects, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI tools, you’ll walk away with skills that can elevate your career and enhance your understanding of the digital world. Learn how to gather and interpret data, visualize trends, and even create predictive models—all using the latest AI tools and techniques. Gain hands-on experience with technologies that power some of the most exciting innovations today. In the AI Boot Camp, you'll be exposed to real-world applications of artificial intelligence and data analysis—no prior coding experience required!
Master Data Collection: Discover how to gather and store data effectively from various sources.
Harness the Power of AI: Learn how large language models like ChatGPT can transform the way you analyze data and generate insights, as well as the fundamentals of deep learning, and how AI "thinks".
Data Analysis Techniques: Gain essential skills in data preprocessing, summarization, and visualization to uncover meaningful patterns.
Predictive Modeling: Develop the ability to forecast trends and behaviors, making you invaluable in today’s data-driven landscape.
Real-World Applications: Explore practical applications like market basket analysis, collaborative filtering, and deep learning, ensuring you're equipped with skills relevant to today’s job market.
Dr. Hamid Reza Karimian is a Professor of Instruction in Computer Science at Michigan State University. With a Ph.D. in Physics from Ghent University, Belgium, he brings over 20 years of teaching and research experience to his students. Dr. Karimian has held various academic roles, including Research Assistant Professor, and has a strong background in both theoretical physics and applied machine learning. He has authored numerous publications in prestigious journals and conferences, and his teaching style is recognized for making complex topics in computer science accessible and engaging for learners.
July 19 - August 2, 2025
From local to global, young people are making a difference in their communities and around the world. This program is designed to help participants develop the knowledge and skills to build impactful and sustainable community programs. This dynamic course implements both academic and service learning-oriented programming to give a well-rounded and holistic understanding of leadership and community engagement. Students will be supported in developing their own Community Action Projects, or CAPs, that can be implemented in their home countries and aimed at solving problems in their own communities. Gain the skills needed to be a leader who can impact your community, and tackle problems with real-world solutions!
Recognize your unique individual core leadership strengths and what they mean for communal and intercultural engagement while further developing your leadership skills and collaborative abilities.
Identify, analyze, and create sustainable solutions for community-based concerns and learn to identify relevant issues and areas of engagement in your own community.
Learn the history, principles, and outcomes of U.S.-based community leadership and its relevance to your home community.
Develop and implement a cohesive and well-researched community action plan with the knowledge, tools, and ability to lead the creation of sustainable communities.
Melissa Staub is an experienced project manager and is the Human Resources Director at the MSU College of Arts and Letters. She has a Bachelor of Arts in American Public Affairs: Political Economy from Michigan State University's James Madison College and a Master of Science in Administration: Project Management from Central Michigan University. Melissa is an experienced facilitator and presenter who is passionate about building a culture of care and trust within organizations and has presented on this topic to various audiences. She has facilitated CliftonStrengths group sessions and presented on topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Diversity Consciousness, and Building a Strategic Plan. She has also facilitated several sessions for visiting fellowship programs at Michigan State University, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the Advancing Young Women in Agribusiness Professional Fellows, Humphrey Fellowship, and the Borlaug Fellowship Programs, as well as the Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement.
Get to know your fellow summer school participants and your German Fulbright Summer Institute classmates with cultural activities to experience American culture and campus life. Hands-on enrichment will give you a real-world perspective for your academic courses. Enjoy field trips that will help guide your projects, networking opportunities with industry experts, and learn about life in the U.S., Michigan, and Lansing, to truly become a part of the community and what it means to be a Global Spartan!
Established in 1855, Michigan State University is one of the world’s top research universities, dedicated to advancing the common good with uncommon will! Offering over 200 programs across 17 colleges, MSU shapes future leaders and impacts the world through its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU among the top 100 best global universities, and MSU is ranked #1 in the U.S. for study abroad among public universities. The MSU Visiting International Professional Program has trained more than 4,000 international professionals over the last 30 years, and our student programs have hosted over 650 students from 32 countries and 95 universities. We understand what students and young professionals need to build a successful career!
Become part of the vibrant MSU campus community through activities such as painting the rock (a time-honored rite of passage at MSU), behind the scenes tours of sporting facilities and stadiums, the VIPP summer programs barbeque, visits to local fairs, festivals, and parks, and campus events! Immerse yourself in the American college summer experience, and become friends with American college students. MSU students will serve as class assistants and cultural ambassadors throughout your program.
Known as the "Great Lakes State," Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes. Experience some of the state's most scenic and interesting locations. From the stunning natural beauty of Lake Michigan to the charm of a beach-front town, to the innovation and industry of cities such as Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, explore the diversity that makes up Pure Michigan. Learn about Michigan's rich automotive history with visits to Detroit and the Henry Ford Museum, and learn how Michigan is thriving today as a center of agribusiness and innovation.
Build on what you have learned in summer school with an American adventure during the optional week-long East Coast Study Tour. This trip will give you the opportunity to visit some of the most famous places in the United States. Enjoy the natural wonders of Niagara Falls and explore the iconic locations of New York City such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. Step into American history in Washington, D.C. with visits to landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and more!
Lansing, located less than five miles from the MSU campus, is the capital city of the State of Michigan, and an ideal place to learn about American culture, government, and society. You will experience visits to various institutions including the State Capitol which is a National Historic Landmark and home to the Michigan Senate Chambers. Your courses will also incorporate the rich resources of the Lansing community including industry leaders as guest speakers and site visits to relevant businesses and organizations.
VIPP's Global Summer School provides a fully immersive academic and cultural experience, and includes:
Intercultural Communication in a Global Context (July 12 - July 19)
Digital Storytelling (July 19 - August 2)
Creative Entrepreneurship (July 19 - August 2)
AI Boot Camp with Data Analysis (July 19 - August 2)
Leadership for Sustainable Communities (July 19 - August 2)
East Coast Study Tour (August 2 - August 9)
Students will participate in a full daily schedule of classes, field trips, and enrichment activities.
Program Fees
Program fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, local transportation related to the program, Detroit airport pick up (designated time only), and health insurance. Fee does not include international airfare, MSU dinners, or any other living costs. The program fee is paid online on the VIPP Transact website. See below for individual and combo program fees. VIPP is offering a $300 discount for students who have previously attended a VIPP Global Virtual Summer or Winter School program.
Individual Program Fees
Intercultural Communication in a Global Context: $1,500
Creative Entrepreneurship $2,700
AI Boot Camp with Data Analysis: $2,700
Leadership for Sustainable Communitities: $2,700
Digital Storytelling $2,700
Combo Program Fees
Intercultural Communication + Creative Entrepreneurship: $3,800
Intercultural Communication + AI Boot Camp: $3,800
Intercultural Communication + Leadership for Sustainable Communities: $3,800
Any of the Above + East Coast Study Tour: $5,200
Any course without Intercultural Communication but with East Coast Study Tour: $4,100
You must enroll in the East Coast Study Tour during your summer school application to take part in this trip. See the 2025 Program Menu tab or the "Program Fees" section above for cost details.
The East Coast Study tour takes place from August 2 - August 9, 2025, and includes visits to Niagara Falls, Washington, D.C., and New York City. The trip includes visits to iconic landmarks in these locations. A detailed itinerary will be provided closer to the trip date.
Students who successfully complete this program will be awarded the MSU Certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) by the Visiting International Professional Program and the relevant MSU department.
Note that Global Summer School courses are non-credit bearing. However, your home institution may choose to award credit. Consult with your home institution about credit questions.
Summer school students will enjoy all that MSU has to offer while living on campus in Owen Hall, located in MSU's River Trail Neighborhood. Owen Hall’s modern facilities include single rooms with suite-style bathrooms, wi-fi, cable tv, and weekly housekeeping. Read more about Owen Hall and take a virtual room tour.
Room Features:
Building Features:
The campus of Michigan State University is located in East Lansing on the banks of the Red Cedar River, and comprises a contiguous area of 5,200 acres. Built amid virgin forest, the campus opened in 1855. Today MSU's campus is home to 538 buildings.
To see more of MSU's beautiful campus, check out this virtual tour, featuring many short video clips and stories. Use the MSU interactive map to find various locations on campus, and read about campus safety.
Bike Rental
The MSU campus is very large, and riding a bike is a great way to get around. Bike rentals are available on campus through the MSU Bikes Service Center. Read about how to rent a bike at MSU. You can even reserve a bike prior to your arrival!
Other Useful Links
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). VIPP will provide a bus to pick you up from the Detroit airport and bring you to East Lansing, provided you arrive within the designated pick up time (to be announced.) If you need to travel to East Lansing outside of the bus pick up time, 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 to 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 the AmTrak daily schedule on its website www.amtrak.com.
If you arrive at the Detroit Metro Airport within the designated pick-up time, you will take a bus provided by VIPP to East Lansing. The following are instructions for taking the Michigan Flyer shuttle bus if you do not arrive within the pick-up time:
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. A one-way ticket is $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, the Michigan Flyer 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.
Michigan State University Spartans work to advance the common good with uncommon will. The nation's pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world and home to a diverse community of dedicated students, scholars, athletes, artists, scientists, leaders.
Application for the 2025 VIPP Global Summer School is open now through June 15, 2025. To apply, complete the online application.
Prior to beginning your application:
The VIPP Global Summer School Program looks for mature, academically motivated and curious students who are willing to experience different cultures and broaden their horizons.
Requirements
To apply, you must:
Before You Apply
Before applying to our program, be sure to:
Tuition Payment
We strongly encourage you to make 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. To view tuition fees for all programs, click on the "Program Menu" tab, or refer to the "Program Fees" section in the "Program Details" tab.
Refund Policy
There will be no refunds available unless a student gets rejected for a U.S. visa or has a 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.
How to Pay
Tuition payment is made online on the VIPP Transact website. Once on the website, click on "VIPP Summer School Programs" and then enter the name of your course or combo program. (If your payment exceeds $5,000 feel free to make two separate transactions.)
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). Alternatively, you may check whether you are eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
For detailed information about the U.S. visitor visa, check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html.
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't wait until the deadline! It is your responsibility to check the visa process and prepare all documents needed.
Familiarize yourself with the details of the Summer School program prior to the visa interview. 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 or 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.
Shanghai Normal University, China
“Interacting with classmates from different countries gave me a deep appreciation for the richness of various cultures and diverse perspectives, as well as a deeper understanding of the world. The East Coast trip was truly unforgettable, and I loved experiencing America’s famous cities and landmarks with new friends from around the world."
Adam BrawijayaBandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia
"Absolutely loved every moment of the VIPP summer school program! Whether it was diving into the cutting-edge Creative Entrepreneurship course on the beautiful MSU campus, exploring Michigan’s hidden gems, or venturing through these vibrant cities."
Sophie VorgerdAllbuyone GmbH, Germany
"During my time at Michigan State University I was able to experience intercultural exchange and deepen my understanding of global perspectives. Particularly impressive was the opportunity to connect with a network of dedicated academics and professionals, which has had a lasting impact on my professional and personal development."
Hyunah KimAjou University, South Korea
“The experiences were enriching, the activities were engaging, and I learned so much. I also had the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world. This opportunity has broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of different cultures, and left me with memories I will cherish forever.”
Meet the MSU students who will serve as class assistants and cultural ambassadors during the program!
Cheyanne SchlinkeMSU Senior
Major: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology/Biotechnology
My name is Cheyanne Noel Schlinke, but my friends call me Chey – pronounced as “Shy”. I am an Undergraduate at Michigan State University Majoring in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. I am also pursuing a minor in German Language.
In my free time I do Latin dancing – Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, you name it – as well as long distance running, hiking, reading, sewing, and hanging out with friends. I am super excited to show the international students all the fun spots in East Lansing and on MSU’s campus! I might even show them some dance moves.
Maximilian WeitenMSU Junior
Major: Business Management
Hallo zusammen, my name is Max Weiten! I am a junior at MSU's Eli Broad College of Business, majoring in business management and minoring in international business. Originally from Ludwigsburg, Germany, I am bilingual in both German and English. I have lived in the U.S. for the past 16 years, and have traveled internationally for most of my life. My favorite foreign country to visit is Australia, due to its unique ecosystems and breathtaking beaches. My current favorite show is “Severance”, and my hobbies include dirt biking, technology, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I look forward to this program, and hope to meet you all soon!
Henna NellisMSU Junior
Major: Graphic Design
My name is Henna Nellis and I’m from Owosso, Michigan. I'm currently going to school for Graphic Design and I’ll be going into my second year at MSU.
Outside of classes I’m a part of a few different clubs on campus including a craft club, graphic design club and the pearl project (which is a club that goes on trips to volunteer at a daycare in Chicago). I’m very happy and excited to meet everyone!
Shankho BhattacharjeeMSU Graduate Student
Program: Marketing Research and Analytics
Hi everyone! My name is Shankho Bhattacharjee, and I am an international student from India. I have two cities that I consider to be my hometowns- one is Calcutta, and the other is Gurgaon. I came to the US in 2016 to get my undergraduate degree in marketing from MSU with minors in international business, economics, and entrepreneurship. I am a graduate student in the Masters in Marketing Research and Analytics program.
I have run two startups at MSU and have been a part of our startup incubator, the Hatch. I also started a student organization that functioned as a smaller-scale incubator affiliated with our Entrepreneurship program, OptiMIze MSU, which supports socially conscious projects. During my undergraduate program, I was an Intercultural Aide (ICA) helping students navigate cultural differences and was involved with the International Students Association. During my master’s program, I co-founded the Marketing Research Association and am also a part of the Indian Students Organization.
I enjoy cooking for larger groups of people, a bit of single-player gaming, critiquing all sorts of media with friends and family, becoming an armchair historian and tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist, playing the bass abhorrently, enjoying an occasional game of tennis, and learning about different cultures.
MSU Junior
Major: German
Hello, my name is Carson Garrow and I am from the lone star state of Texas. I am studying to become a translator in both German and Portuguese here at MSU. I have taken and plan on taking other classes in other languages since it is my dream of being fluent in as many languages as possible. I have taken courses in Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Finnish and next semester will take Norwegian.
Outside of my educational life, my hobbies include playing videos games with my friends from Texas, writing, and independently learning game design. I am very excited to be able to work with everyone!
MSU Freshman
Major: German
Hi! I'm Zachary Bigelow, an MSU freshman from Ohio majoring in German at the College of Arts and Letters. I've been lucky enough to visit Germany twice in my life, including once on exchange, and I've been studying the language for nearly eight years. I enjoy reading and writing, and I often spend time just relaxing in nature. I look forward to starting this program and meeting all of you!
MSU Senior
Major: International Relations and Information Science
My name is Lance Lionquist and I am a senior at MSU, pursuing a double major in international relations and information science, with an additional minor in history. Outside of class, I am heavily involved in campus life, though I am most notably involved with the MSU Geography Club, in which I currently serve as the vice president.
In my free time I enjoy biking, photography, reading, spending time with my friends, and travel - I have been to several countries in Europe, including Hungary, where I studied abroad, though I have not yet been to Germany unfortunately. I hope to visit soon, though. I am very excited to meet everyone and participate in this program!
MSU Junior
Major: Geology
Hello! My name is Sigourney! I major in Geology at MSU and I am currently a junior. I speak German, Spanish, Chinese, and a little bit of Russian. I aspire to be a Paleontology Professor at Arizona State University and will attend their University for Graduate School. I have a dog, her name is Rio, and I enjoy music, movies, as well as attending concerts!
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