Sang Jin Kim
Artist and Lecturer
Korea

Sang Jin has enjoyed her time with VIPP very much. There has been a variety in scheduling which has kept life interesting. Although Sang Jin is painting here, and has her two children with her, life here is much different than at home. At first the new culture was quite a shock, but now they have all gotten used to it and enjoy it very much.

Sang Jin says that she could not have experienced all of her new life if she had not joined VIPP. There are many benefits from participating in the program, including understanding American culture and meeting many people from other countries. The best experience for Sang Jin has been her art exhibition at Hankins Gallery in East Lansing. Her advice to other participants is to participate fully in all aspects of the program in order to take full advantage of the time with VIPP.


Shinichiro Kawano
Denki Rengo
Japan

Shinichiro says his experience at VIPP has been very useful. He has been able to talk to many international people, especially his Korean colleagues at VIPP. Shinichiro thinks that the GIPCC classes are very helpful for understanding American culture. He also feels that VIPP's social events are very good. His best experience as a VIPP fellow was meeting so many professionals from other countries. He says there is no way that could have happened if he had not come to MSU in the VIPP program.


Mi Seon Yoo
Administrative staff
Kyonggi University

Mi Seon says she feels comfortable with everything here at MSU. Her best experience has been studying English in an English-speaking country. She thinks that VIPP is a great opportunity for young people, offering both study and travel. However, there is an increase in studying pressure. She has enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the opportunity to learn about American culture, and the chace tpo meet people from other countries.


Gang Wang
Business Manager and Chief Engineer
China

Gang thinks that the group atmosphere at VIPP is very good. He feels that he can express his ideas freely. He came here to change his life, and has decided to stay and pursue a higher degree at Michigan State. His best experience here has been the open and kind atmosphere, and he recommends VIPP to all. When asked if he would come back again, if he had the chance, Gang said, "Yes, I have friends here."


Kang Woo Lee
Bank of Korea

Back at home in Korea, Kang Woo says that "the life at MSU in East Lansing is regarded as a beautiful dream to me." He enjoyed the peaceful life at MSU, where he had the chance to look back on his busy life and make plans for the future. He says he gradually felt comfortable with American life as he learned English and the ways of American culture. He was able to take classes in MBA Finance and in advanced English language. He also enjoyed the "great personalities and excellent instruction" of the VIPP instructors. Kang Woo became good friends with several people at MSU, and participated in many social and cultural events. He feels that his time at VIPP was a rewarding experience, giving him "a wider, more appreciative eye toward the USA and the world."


Rosa Garcia Nunez
Universidad Autonoma Chapingo
Mexico

Writing from Mexico after her return home, Rosa says that she misses the wonderful time that she spent in the VIPP program. "When thinking of MSU, in my mind there always appear the friendly faces of my VIPP teachers." She especially values the opportunities she had to meet other fellows from other countries.


MyungJa Yoo
Publisher
Korea

MyungJa speaks quite poetically about her arrival in the United States. Besides the wide, open spaces and the beauty of summer in Michigan, MyungJa says, "Above all, I could see smiles and 'Hi' everywhere." She is impressed with the close connection between MSU and the local community. "I believe that a harmony between academia and reality can make a great synergy." MyungJa has been here for two years, and has decided to pursue an MBA at MSU.


Shinichi Okubo
Denki Rengo
Japan

Shinichi rates his experience at VIPP as very good. He time here has given him many opportunities to meet people from other countries and has expanded his thinking about other cultures, war, and many other things. The best experiences he has had at VIPP are parties with colleagues from other countries, opportunities to travel, and learning to negotiate daily business activities in English. He particularly feels that he would not have had the chance to get to know people older than himself, if it were not for VIPP. Shinichi would definitely recommend VIPP to everyone, saying that it is an excellent opportunity to learn about American life and about other cultures.


Haejin Lee
Korea

Haejin, another alumnus, came with nine colleagues and their families for a total of 29 people. "Thanks to the assistance of the VIPP staff, everything went smoothly," she says. After settling in to the new life at MSU, Haejin found herself working very hard on her academic classes. She says, "We came to know that MSU has a good reputation, especially in the field of education studies. It really was proved." Haejin recommends VIPP very highly. She says, "there are so many things happening in our lives, one should determine his choice courageously and positively."