Culture and Business in the Heartland of America
A 2-Week Study Program for Russian Students at Michigan State University
Program News
Update: 27 March 2026
Unfortunately the 2026 study program in America has been cancelled. The reason is that the US Embassy in Astana has been very uncooperative in providing timely visa interview appointments, and has denied a group interview. I will be travelling to Astana in June to try to fix this situation so that the programs can run in 2027. I hope we have enough students to sign up to run 2 programs in the summer of 2027!
Our Program (Summer 2027)
Program Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
Program Dates: July 2027 - dates to be announced
Program Fee: around $3000 to $3200
Program Director: Prof. Thomas Rimer, MBA
Professor of Practice in Finance
Eli Broad College of Business
Michigan State University
Program Details
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On Campus: single occupancy dormitory with shared bathroom
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Transportation to/from DTW airport and all program events
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All breakfasts included (except in Chicago)
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5 meal tickets for MSU campus dining halls
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Welcome and farewell dinners
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Some lunches provided
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2 nights in Chicago (trains and hotel rooms included in program fee)
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Instruction in MSU classrooms
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Business visits
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Cultural events
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Guest speakers
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Interaction with American students
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Health Insurance when on the MSU campus and during program events
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Russian translator onsite 24 hours per day
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Certificate of Completion at the end of the program
What the Program Fee does not cover
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Airfare
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Health insurance when not on the MSU campus
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Meals listed as not included in the program
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Personal spending money
Please note: we will be happy to assist with additional insurance coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you provide recommendations for air travel routes?
Yes. In fact, we are working on a group flight with discounted rates (more informtion will be available soon)
Do you provide Visa support?
Yes. Michigan State University will provide a letter of invitation to use for obtaining a Visa to enter the USA.
What type of Visa do I need?
You will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa for the USA. Do not apply for a Student Visa!
Is this an official program of Michigan State University?
No. Michigan State University is the host of the program, but this is not an official program of the University.
Will I earn university credits for participating in the program?
No. This is a Study Abroad program independent of a university in Russia or the USA, and no university credits will be conveyed by the program.
How to Apply to the Program
The application process will be announced in the Autumn of 2026
About us
Professor Thomas Rimer is pleased to offer the Culture and Business in the Heartland of America Study Abroad program in partnership with the St. Petersburg State University of Economics and Michigan State University.
Professor Rimer is the Managing Director of the Castelot Centre for Peace Through Education, a multi-national organisation dedicated to fostering the cause of global peace through cultural understanding and education. He has been conducting Study Abroad programs since 2018 in nations such as Russia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil.