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Student & Scholar Programs

ISP houses multiple centers and programs to support our international work with students and scholars, both at home and abroad. ISP works with MSU deans, department directors and chairs to offer international opportunities for students, staff and faculty. These opportunities include study, research, internships, and experiential learning, both here and abroad.


American Semester logo imposed over treesAmerican Semester Program & Exchanges

The American Semester Program & Exchanges welcomes undergraduate and graduate-level students from around the world to participate in semester or year-long direct enroll, bilateral exchange study options, ASP short courses, and specialized programming opportunities. Participants gain valuable and academically-rigorous educational experiences that are infused with relevant American cultural components.


Men and women stand in crowd of mopedsCommunity Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP)

For over fifty years the Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) has welcomed MSU international students and scholars and their families to the greater Lansing community. We offer a variety of educational and cross-cultural activities and programs to bring the international and American communities closer together. Our hope is to make international visitors' stay at MSU a more pleasant and rewarding experience.


Black-robed scholars walk outside stone buildingFulbright Programs

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries. Fulbright is active in more than 160 countries.


A multicultural mix of MSU students smiles at the cameraInternational Student Clubs

Administered through the Office of International Students and Scholars, MSU’s international student clubs encourage international student organizations to share their culture as a way to contribute to the internationalization of MSU and the community of greater Lansing.


JCMU_side-by-side.pngJapan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU)

The Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) is a product of the strong sister-state relationship between the State of Michigan and Shiga Prefecture, Japan. JCMU offers study abroad programs for U.S.-based students and English language courses for Japanese students at its campus in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. JCMU is dedicated to building relationships through active learning and participation in language, culture, family life and society. 


Group of OISS students outside smile at cameraOffice for International Students and Scholars (OISS)

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families. Services include help with U.S. immigration regulations, orientations to help international students adjust to MSU, and liaising with government agencies, foreign embassies, and educational foundations.


a large group of study abroad students in front of the Acropolis, holding an MSU flagOffice for Education Abroad

MSU is proud to be ranked among the top U.S. institutions for study abroad. The Office for Education Abroad administers over 275 programs in more than 60 countries on every continent. Each year, nearly 3,000 students engage in cultures different from their own and gain meaningful skills that can position them for academic and professional success.


Peace corps cookies in an MSU spartan helmet boxPeace Corps

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service—at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country.


Night cityscape with trafficVisiting International Professional Program (VIPP)

The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) provides executive education and professional development certification for international visitors, connecting international professionals to faculty and resources at MSU, the State of Michigan and the U.S. for professional and personal development. VIPP offers non-degree certification programs and executive workshops.


Two men study math on a chalkboardVolunteer English Tutoring Program (VETP)

The Volunteer English Tutoring Program (VETP) provides free English conversation practice for MSU's international students and scholars and their adult family members through conversation classes and conversation partners. VETP provides a relaxed learning environment for participants to try out their English speaking and listening skills.