Frequently Asked Questions
For Volunteers
- What is CVIP?
- Does CVIP have any religious or political affiliation?
- What does CVIP do?
- How can I learn more about specific CVIP programs?
- Who can become a member of CVIP?
- How can I join CVIP?
- Are there any fees or dues associated with CVIP membership?
- Do CVIP members have to attend meetings?
- How long does a CVIP membership last?
- I am working in the Lansing area but I am not an American. Can international residents join CVIP as volunteers?
"What is CVIP?"
CVIP is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supported by the Office for International Students and Scholars at Michigan State University.
- Our mission is to increase mutual cross-cultural understanding and goodwill between MSU's international students and visiting scholars and their respective families, and the greater Lansing community by organizing activities and programs that supplement and enhance specialized services offered by various units at MSU.
- CVIP programs are designed to provide mutual learning across political, cultural and religious boundaries.
"Does CVIP have any religious or political affiliation?"
No. CVIP has no affiliation with any religious group and has no political bias.
"What does CVIP do?"
Specific programs sponsored by CVIP include the following:
- MSU Global Festival - CVIP and OISS organize this annual event during International Education Week in November.
- Every Tuesday Group - MSU international student spouses share social and activity time with one another and American women.
- International Friendship Program - Volunteers match MSU international students with volunteer community families for friendship and cross-cultural understanding.
- Home Visits - Once a semester, international students in the A+ English Language School visit a variety of American homes in a warm and open setting.
- Lending Center - Volunteers collect and loan out various household goods for newly-arrived international students living in MSU apartments.
- Scholarship Committee - Committee members provide academic scholarships for the spouses of international students.
- Speakers Bureau - MSU international students are offered opportunities to share their culture with American school children and local community organizations.
- Administrative Services Committee - Volunteers support the CVIP organization as a whole and do not directly interact with international students. It is composed of three units: the CVIP Office, the Membership Committee, and Public Relations.
"How can I learn more about specific CVIP programs?"
Each of the CVIP programs has its own website page. Just click on the name of the program you wish to explore.
"Who can become a member of CVIP?"
Membership is free and open to all MSU international students and scholars and to all adult residents of the greater Lansing area. Persons who participate in any of CVIP's programs are automatically granted membership in CVIP, either as volunteer members or as student members.
"How can I join CVIP?"
You can join CVIP by filling out the online application form for Volunteers, to be found on any program website page. After completing the form, you click on "SEND" to email it to the CVIP Office.
"Are there any fees or dues associated with CVIP membership?"
No, CVIP membership is completely free at this time.
"Do CVIP members have to attend meetings?"
Membership in CVIP does not require attendance at any meetings. However, members of CVIP who are also members of the CVIP Board meet once a month from September through June. Members are welcome to attend Board meetings in a non-voting capacity.
"How long does a CVIP membership last?"
Membership in CVIP remains current as long as the volunteer is actively participating in one or more of the CVIP programs.
"I am working in the Lansing area but I am not an American. Can international residents join CVIP as volunteers?"
Yes, international residents are welcome to join CVIP.
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