2025 Initiative
MINDFULNESS PATHWAYS: A Pre-College Experience in Boston for Vietnamese Students
❤️This not-for-profit program is organized by Nha Viet Institute and Van Hanh Monastery
Nha Viet Institute
200 Melrose St., Melrose MA 02176
📞 Dr. Son Pham - Cell: 617-517-6363
Van Hanh Monastery
370 Essext St., Saugus MA 01906
📞 Abbot. Tâm Kiên - Cell: 978-930-4183
Target Audience:
Vietnamese high school students in the U.S. and worldwide who aspire to explore college life and pursue higher education in the Greater Boston area.
Our Mission:
We provide ambitious high school students with an immersive experience in Boston, allowing them to explore academic opportunities, cultural heritage, and real college life before making their higher education decisions. Through hands-on learning, mindfulness practices for focus and resilience, and meaningful engagement with the local Vietnamese community, participants will gain confidence, a sense of belonging, and clarity about their academic future.
Student Eligibility:
High school transcript
English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0
Key Program Highlights:
No Cost for Students: Tuition-free experience with essential accommodations covered.
Housing & Meals Provided by Van Hanh Monastery offers housing and breakfast, while our partner University provides lunch and a local subway pass.
Immersive College & Cultural Experience: Students engage with Boston’s vibrant academic and cultural landscape.
Exclusive Bonus: Participants can earn three credits, adding value to their academic journey in the US.
Limited Spots Available: Minimum 5, maximum 25 students
Optional Costs:
Group transportation and dinner are available at an additional cost.
MINDFULNESS PATHWAYS: SUMMER 2025 July 6 - July 26
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
Sample Daily Schedule
Weekday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Attending Academic Summer program (Stem, Entrepreneur, etc.)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Travel to a historic landmark or campus (Harvard, MIT, etc.)
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Explore the location. Activity: Mindfulness Talk – “Wisdom and Mindfulness in Education.”
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Return to the monastery.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner at the monastery after returning.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Evening reflection circle: “How Culture and Art Inspire Mindfulness.”
Weekend
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Morning meditation.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Travel to Boston Common.
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Mindful walking tour of the Freedom Trail, including landmarks like Paul Revere’s House and Faneuil Hall.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Picnic lunch at Boston Common.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Free exploration of Quincy Market.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Return to the monastery.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner and reflection on the day’s experiences.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Group discussion: “Connecting History with Mindfulness.”
MINDFULNESS PATHWAYS: THANKSGIVING 2025 Nov 18 - Nov 29
MINDFULNESS PATHWAYS: WINTER 2025 Dec 20 - Jan 02
The 2025 Summer Mindful Entrepreneurial Program (July 6–26) has closed its admissions. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s participation and contributions. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming 2025 Summer Mindful STEM Program (July 12–August 3) and other future programs.
Please register here for more information: https://bit.ly/MindfulnessPathways2025