The program components of GPREP are based on four major focus areas:

1) Broadening awareness of global affairs
2) Cultural and communication skill development
3) Professional expertise development, and
4) Information technology skill enhancement.
Each of these learning areas is enhanced by various activities and experiences offered through the Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP), International Studies Program (ISP), the MSU community, and Lansing Community College in the Greater Lansing area.

AWARENESS OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Understanding and becoming aware of global affairs is not only critical for most professional fields but is also imperative for individuals to become global citizens. VIPP offers a wide range of unique opportunities to access and understand global affairs.

• Seminars, special lectures, and workshops on global issues: VIPP members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the excellent seminars, guest lectures, and workshops which focus on both global and local issues and other cultural events offered through VIPP, ISP(International Studies Program) and the rest of the MSU community. ISP offers weekly seminars on a variety of topics. By attending these seminars, professionals not only learn about global affairs, they also have the opportunity to meet and interact with people from other cultures.
• VIPP Guest Speakers Series [VIPP exclusive]: VIPP sponsors lectures on topics of interest to the global community. Such lectures represent an opportunity for members to hear expert opinions on important issues of global relevance. This special lecture series provides insight into several different professions. Mid-Michigan business and community leaders come and speak about their professions and personal experience and pave a way to building international relationships with related professionals in the U.S

• English Language Training: VIPP coordinates with the English Language Center (ELC) ( http://polyglot.cal.msu.edu/elc/ ) at MSU, and the English Language and Culture Center (ELCC) at Lansing Community College ( http://www.lcc.edu/intlprog/elcc/goal.htm )to provide professionals with intensive language training in American English in a formal classroom setting. English language training generally prepares VIPP members who intend to enroll in academic courses; however, courses can also be tailored to meet the specific goals and needs of VIPP members.
• VIPP Cultural Training Program: [VIPP exclusive] VIPP offers several informal, culture-based courses designed to extend the language training provided by the English Language Center. Cultural training courses, called Global Issues & Professional Competence Curriculum (GIPCC) program, help deepen fellows' understanding of American life and culture while providing them with opportunities to practice and refine their conversational skills.
• Cultural Enrichment Opportunities: VIPP organizes many cultural outings, including trips to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other local activities. In addition, the Home Hospitality Program, sponsored by Community Volunteers for International Programs, offers VIPP fellows an opportunity to visit the homes of typical American families to experience American family life first-hand. See the example schedule arranged by VIPP. Hear from past fellows who have participated in this program.

• Academic Courses: VIPP fellows may qualify to enroll in academic courses at MSU as lifelong education students if their ELC test results are above 80 or their TOEFL score is greater than 213. Many undergraduate and graduate courses, which are renowned for their depth and quality, are available to students every semester. VIPP fellows are able to choose courses that best suit their professional and academic goals. Please note that certain restrictions apply, especially to courses in Art & Letters, Business, Human Medicine and Engineering.
• Seminars and workshops focusing on areas of specialization: VIPP fellows are encouraged to attend seminars and workshops that address current concerns in their fields. On campus, departments regularly offer field-specific lectures, seminars and workshops. Additionally, State government and various trade organizations offer special seminars and conferences in the Michigan area. Nationwide, a variety of conferences are offered in virtually every professional and academic field. Information on these events is available through individual departments, the State government, and area trade organizations. VIPP encourages every fellow to participate in these types of events. VIPP helps to facilitate various field visits and seminars as well.
• Professional Site Visits: VIPP fellows are encouraged to meet with local, area, and national experts in their fields to discuss current issues and exchange ideas. If needed, VIPP staff members will help assist members to contact organizations and make arrangements for site visits and meetings, offering members an opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge while forming important professional relationships.
• Independent Studies: Many research opportunities are available through VIPP and MSU, enabling fellows to advance their knowledge and keep up with current developments and issues in their fields through independent research. VIPP fellows are able to augment their academic and professional experiences by taking advantage of the resources available at the MSU Library, as well as the many specialized departmental libraries on campus. As an option, depending on your professional interests and qualifications, fellows who pursue the advanced certificate of completion can choose intensive independent study plan, which helps to develop a quality academic research project with intensive academic guidance from our VIPP preceptors (academic advisors).
• VIPP Field Research: VIPP can organize field research activities with businesses, regulatory agencies, and professional organizations throughout Lansing and Michigan. Such field research activities allow VIPP fellows to engage in dialogues and exchange ideas with American professionals in their fields. Field research activities are planned and organized in accordance with fellow's interests and within the limits of program considerations.
  * Note. In the summer semester, only a small number of courses are available in general.

• Computer Courses: The role of computer technology is increasing in all aspects of business, education, government, and society, and VIPP has access to an abundance of special computer courses and information technology. VIPP members are able to take advantage of small class sizes and hands-on training to increase their computer skills and learn about new advances in computer technology and software.
• Other Computer Services: VIPP members also have access to the computers in any of MSU's many computer labs, including a dedicated VIPP member lab. Through these computer labs, members are able to access their electronic mail accounts, practice and develop skills learned in computer courses, work on projects, and research information on the World Wide Web.
• In general, VIPP provides one major activity a month: a major seminar, lecture, field trip, dinner, or similar activity. Combined with the many other activities through MSU and International Studies and Programs, the VIPP Professional Education Program offers a range of activities and opportunities sure to enhance any development experience.