MSU VIPP

For the past week and a half, students from Nanjiang University have immersed themselves in an unforgettable educational and cultural experience at Michigan State University. As they celebrate their program graduation, students leave with new knowledge, meaningful connections, and memories that will last a lifetime.

From engaging classroom experiences to exploring Michigan’s history during their visit to the Michigan State Capitol, this journey has been filled with learning, discovery, and friendship. Students are excited to bring the teaching strategies, ideas, and experiences they gained at MSU back to their own classrooms and communities at home.

Most importantly, the friendships formed over these weeks have created bonds that stretch across cultures and continents. Though the program has come to an end, the memories, laughter, and lifelong friendships made here will continue long after they return home.

Scaling Global Research Impact with Bolashak!

The MSU delegation, led by Dr. Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Program (ISP), was honored to be welcomed by the Chairman of the Board of the Center for International Programs (JSC), Mr. Adil Kusmanov, during our recent visit to Kazakhstan, where we celebrated the profound impact of our partnership.

The Bolashak Scientific Internship Program managed by JSC has been a global powerhouse, sponsoring more than 1,200 scholars to conduct research worldwide since its launch. At Michigan State University, we are proud to have hosted close to 100 of these talented scholars in the past four years.

These collaborations are far more than a simple exchange; they are a vital contribution to the MSU ecosystem. Bolashak scholars and their MSU faculty mentors have produced significant research output, including joint publications in internationally indexed journals like Scopus and Web of Science. This shared academic excellence strengthens our research capacity and fosters institutional innovation on both sides.

Our visit also sparked crucial conversations regarding Kazakhstan’s water diplomacy. MSU is uniquely positioned to lead in this space through the MSU WaterCube and Water Alliance, which utilizes a convergent research paradigm. By integrating advanced technology and AI with water science and social science, we provide the interdisciplinary training necessary to solve complex, real-world water challenges.

We anticipate a future of deep collaboration on water-related issues with Kazakhstan, leveraging our world-class expertise to drive global sustainability.

The MSU delegation to Kazakhstan includes:
Amita Chudgar, Associate Dean and Director of OISE at MSU
Yadu Pokhrel, Associate Director, Asia Hub
Vlad Tarabara, Director, Center for European and Eurasian Studies
Xinyu Wu, Director of VIPP

The team had a lot of fun exploring and learning the Kazakh higher education landscape, research priorities, and the unique central Asian culture incl. architecture, music, food, and much more.

Centre for International Programmes - Bolashaq, MSU International Studies and Programs, MSU Center for European and Eurasian Studies, Michigan State University College of Education

In just four years, the Bolashak program has become a pillar of the VIPP family. Kazakhstan has been one of VIPP’s key partner countries in recent years, and since 2022 VIPP has hosted nearly 100 Bolashak-sponsored scholars. This has been a collaborative effort to support Kazakhstan’s higher education reform priorities by strengthening academic leadership, teaching excellence, research capacity, and institutional innovation.

On May 11, 2026, VIPP had the pleasure of hosting the Bolashak Alumni Reunion in Almaty Kazakhstan. Led by MSU ISP’s very own Dean Titus Awokuse, Associate Dean Amita Chudgar, and VIPP Director Xinyu Wu, MSU came to Kazakhstan to reunite with alumni and to celebrate 35 years of VIPP with these memorable scholars.

We would like to extend a special shout-out to our panelists Dr. Volodymyr Tarabara, Dr. Yadu Pokhrel, Dr. Assel Izekenova, Dr. Galymzhan Ashirbayev, and Dr. Aliya Zadakhanova — from MSU and around the globe. Their discussion of “Sustainable Academic Partnership Research and Publication" was an enlightening reflection on collaborations between MSU faculty and Bolashak scholars.

Here’s to another 35 years and many more with VIPP. And remember: once a , always a Spartan. !



MSU International Studies and Programs, MSU Center for European and Eurasian Studies Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University Michigan State University College of Education
Centre for International Programmes - Bolashaq

Michigan State University recently welcomed students from Nanjing University’s Pre-Service Teacher Short Training Program as they began an immersive week of academic learning, professional engagement, and cultural exchange on campus. The program offers participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the American education system while experiencing campus life at MSU.

The week opened with an interactive icebreaker activity led by Rong Nie, where students participated in a fast-paced warm-up game involving music, movement, and a traditional nursery rhyme. The activity encouraged collaboration and helped foster connections among participants from the very start of the program.

Students also attended an educational overview session led by Dr. Samantha Caughlan, Dr. Nancy Romig, and Dr. Julie Sinclair. Faculty members introduced the wide range of education programs and opportunities available through MSU, while also discussing approaches to teacher preparation and professional development in the United States. Later this week, participants will continue their learning through classroom observations and school visits designed to provide firsthand insight into American teaching practices.

Beyond the academic sessions, students explored several areas of campus, including the International Center gift shop, where they had the opportunity to purchase official Spartan merchandise. The group also toured the newly opened Student Recreation and Wellness Center, gaining a broader perspective on student life and wellness resources at MSU.

The day concluded with a reflective discussion in which students compared and contrasted aspects of life and education in the United States and China. These conversations encouraged participants to consider cultural perspectives in new ways and highlighted the value of international collaboration in education.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the week as students continue exploring educational practices, campus life, and cross-cultural learning experiences at MSU.