Take your summer to the next level! Join us at Michigan State University for the VIPP Global Summer School. Expand your academic knowledge, experience American and international culture, and enhance your career competitiveness. VIPP's Global Summer School is an opportunity for university students to experience American college life. Enjoy cross-cultural collaborative learning, work with classmates from around the world, and learn from the world-class faculty at MSU! Programs feature hands-on experiential learning, teach real-world problem solving, and are led by expert instructors. To add to the excitement of your American experience, Global Summer School programs feature a trip to the East Coast, including Niagara Falls, Washington D.C. and New York City. Take time to explore our website for program summaries, itineraries, key features, and application information. Download the 2024 VIPP Summer School Flyer (pdf).
This summer VIPP is offering three innovative programs:
Click on the "Summer 2024 Program Offerings" tab above to learn about each program.
VIPP's Global Summer School provides a fully immersive academic and cultural experience, and includes:
Application will open March 25, 2024 and close on June 16, 2024. Review the admission requirements in the "apply" tab above, and prepare necessary materials prior to beginning the online application.
Visit Our Summer School Facebook Page
This summer VIPP is offering the programs "Creative Entrepreneurship," "AI in Today's World," and "Modern Packaging." Read more about each course below.
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Do you have a problem in your daily life or in your community you'd like to solve? Do you have an idea for a new product or a new system to help improve people's lives? Creative Entrepreneurship is designed to help you discover the mindset of an entrepreneur while exploring creative thinking strategies. This broad view course will introduce students to the world of entrepreneurs and their principles and habits while teaching critical thinking methods so students can think-up innovative ideas. Students will prove to themselves that they can produce innovative solutions under pressure, and more than just once! Students will gain understanding of situation evaluation, ideation of solutions, evaluation of solutions, and how to share the solutions successfully to a wider audience (investors), as well as how to read consumers (target markets) and how to market their innovation or start-up. Through hands-on projects, students will explore various aspects of innovation needs or catalysts. German Fulbright Summer Institute Students will take this course alongside Global Summer School students, presenting a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.
Professor Ross Chowles is professor of practice in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University 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 and has since had the privilege of judging all over the globe, from Canada to South Korea and China.
Upon successful completion, students will receive an MSU Certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) by the Visiting International Professional Program and MSU College of Communication Arts and Science. This course is equivalent to 1 MSU credit, but no official MSU credit will be awarded. However, your home institution may grant you credit for this course. Check with your institution about credit questions.
AI is rapidly changing our world, sometimes in unexpected ways. This course provides students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and share their own views about artificial intelligence and the concept of the digital mind. We will examine the benefits, limitations and dangers of the new AI tools, including ChatGPT and generative AI for creating art and music. We will ask ourselves where these tools are taking us as a civilization and what they show us about ourselves and our own strengths and limitations as creative beings.
In this course students will acquire a basic understanding of the inner workings of Large Language Models such as ChatGPT, and how best to use these tools to increase creativity and productivity. The teaching style will involve wide-ranging non-technical material, and through presentations by the instructor, class discussions, and interactive student presentations, students will achieve the following additional learning outcomes.
Dr. Ivan Maksymyk, PhD, CFA teaches high level courses in machine learning and programming at the HEC Montreal Department of Information Technology, with a focus on deep learning and neural networks, and machine learning applications in finance. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics from the University of Montreal, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dr. Maksymyk has expertise in web development and programming, as well as cybersecurity and intellectual property protection.
Upon successful completion, students will receive an MSU Certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) by the Michigan State University Visiting International Professional Program. This course is equivalent to 1 MSU credit, but no official MSU credit will be awarded. However, your home institution may grant you credit for this course. Check with your institution about credit questions.
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, as well as culture and cost. Different products come with different packaging in terms of size, weight, shape, color, and material.
This is an 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 teams, as well as exploring 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’s experienced faculty. Students will leave this course better prepared to implement virtual design and sustainability practices as they relate 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 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, and provide great opportunities for students to understand and experience American culture.
Faculty and staff in the renowned MSU School of Packaging will instruct the course, including Cimberly Weir, Dangkamol Wongthanaroj, and Amy Radford-Popp. For over 65 years the School of Packaging at Michigan State University has been the leader in teaching, research and outreach focused on packaging containers, materials, and their functionality. According to Universities.com, Best Colleges 2022 ranks MSU’s School of Packaging as #1 in the U.S. and notes that MSU is the only school that offers a Ph.D. in this program.
Upon successful completion, students will receive an MSU Certificate of Global Young Professional Program (GYPP) by the Visiting International Professional Program and MSU School of Packaging. This course is equivalent to 1 MSU credit, but no official MSU credit will be awarded. However, your home institution may grant you credit for this course. Check with your institution about credit questions.
VIPP's Global Summer School provides a fully immersive academic and cultural experience, and includes:
Program Dates: Monday, July 22 to Saturday, August 10, 2024
Students will participate in a full daily schedule of classes, field trips, and enrichment activities.
Fee includes tuition, on-campus housing, MSU breakfast and lunch, local transportation related to the program, Detroit airport pick up (designated time only), health insurance, all field trips and all expenses of the East Coast tour (shared room.) Fee does not include international or domestic airfare, dinner, or any other living costs.
The program fee is paid online on the VIPP Transact website.
VIPP Summer School programs include a field trip to the U.S. East Coast from August 3 - 10. The following is a tentative itinerary. All travel is by bus. Note that the detailed schedule is subject to change.
Day 1 (Sat, Aug 3) Depart from MSU campus, travel to Niagara Falls
Day 2 (Sun, Aug 4) Tour Niagara Falls
Day 3 (Mon, Aug 5) Depart to Washington, D.C.
Day 4 (Tues, Aug 6) Washington, D.C. Tour including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, etc.
Day 5 (Wed, Aug 7) Depart for New York City Area
Day 6 (Thurs, Aug 8) Tour of New York City including Wall Street, World Trade Center Memorial, Times Square, and Statue of Liberty
Day 7 (Fri, Aug 9) Shopping at Woodbury Outlet in New Jersey
Day 8 (Sat, Aug 10) Return to home country on your own
* Official program ends on the night of Friday, August 9 and hotel rooms are booked until Saturday morning. Students are free to arrange their own return trip anytime during Friday.
Summer School students will live on campus in Owen Hall. This dormitory is ideal for students who desire a living environment conducive to study. 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 2024 VIPP Global Summer School will be open March 25 - June 16. To apply, complete the online 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:
Summer School application opens on March 25, 2024 and closes on June 16, 2024. Review the admission requirements, and prepare necessary materials prior to beginning your online application.
Tuition Payment
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 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 choose the relevant course.
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'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.
Meet the MSU students who will serve as class assistants and cultural ambassadors during the 2024 Global Summer School.
Kaede SchenkMSU Senior
Political Science Pre-Law
Hello everyone, I’m looking forward to meeting you all and to welcome you to MSU’s campus for the Visiting International Professional Program! My name is Kaede Schenk, I’m a Senior here at MSU, and I am studying Political Science (Pre-Law) and Global Studies. I grew up in Port Huron, MI, so I hope my Michigander identity can provide you with some insight about the Great Lakes state! In my free time, I love to bake, watch movies, and play violin in the Concert Orchestra here at MSU. I hope this program will be a fulfilling and interesting experience, and I’m excited to learn with all of you this summer!
MSU Senior
Environmental Geography
Hi! My name is Theresa, but everyone calls me Tessie—you can too! I recently transferred to Michigan State University to study Environmental Geography, but I have lived here in East Lansing for over 4 years. I previously studied Studio Art, so you will probably find my doodles on any piece of paper near me.
I have close family, friends, and colleagues from all over the world, so please don't hesitate to come to me with any questions. Being in a new environment can be daunting, and the USA may be different from your home, but I'll do my best to ensure we have a great experience working together!
Dr. Parisa Kordjamshidi is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State University, and director of the research lab on Heterogeneous Learning and Reasoning (HLR). Her research interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and declarative learning based programming (DeLBP). Dr. Kordjamshidi holds an affiliated position with the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition as a research scientist. Prior to joining MSU, she was an assistant professor at Tulane University and a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Kordjamshidi obtained her PhD from KU Leuven, Belgium, in July 2013. She was a recipient of a National Science Foundation Career Award in 2019. Dr. Kordjamshidi is a member of the of Editorial Board of the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research (JAIR) and a member of the Editorial Board of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, part of the journal Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Frontiers in Big Data.
Alina Morse is CEO of Zolli Candy, which she founded when she was 10 years old. Her company sells the candy she developed: Sugar free lollipops, called Zollipops. The candy is sold online and in about 25,000 stores in the US. Alina is the youngest person to be featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. Alina has twice been invited to the White House. She is currently a senior at Michigan State University.
Paul Reiss, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with his friend Mike, felt that the protein offering to fitness fans fell short of expectations. They were chalky and boring. Paul started experimenting with various recipes, using ice cream as a base. Once he got the recipe right, Paul dropped out of college to start Protein Pints as a full-time venture. Now back at university, Paul is also CEO of a flourishing business.
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