Summer Program: Mindful Global Innovators 2026
U.S. Summer Academic and Cultural Immersion Experience
Theme: Mindfulness, STEM, AI, and Leadership through Design Thinking
Duration: 4 Weeks (Boston, Massachusetts / Randolph, Vermont / Optional: New York)
Target Group: High-achieving high school and pre-university students from East and South East Asia
Program Dates: July 5 β August 10, 2026
Hosted by: Nha Viet Institute
π 200 Melrose St, Melrose, MA 02176
Institutional Partner: Vermont State University β Randolph Campus
π 124 Admin Drive, Randolph Center, VT 05061
π Why Join Mindful Global Innovators 2026?
The Mindful Global Innovators 2026 program is a transformative educational experience that bridges Eastern mindfulness with Western innovation. It is crafted to empower students from East and Southeast Asia to thrive as confident, future-ready global leaders who understand balance, creativity, and purpose. Across four enriching weeks, participants will immerse themselves in the academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and entrepreneurial spirit of the United States.
Participants will:
- Strengthen STEM, AI, and creative problem-solving skills through hands-on workshops and mentorship.
- Experience authentic U.S. university life, from dormitory living to campus collaboration.
- Develop a personalized list of college options with career counseling support, and engage with international communities through cultural exchange activities.
- Build leadership, self-awareness, and cultural intelligence through daily reflection and coaching.
- Gain direct exposure to U.S. business and innovation ecosystems in Boston, Vermont, and New York.
π Eligibility
- Age: Students aged 15β20.
- English Requirement: Recommended IELTS 5.5 or transcript from an international / U.S.-based school.
- Applicants should demonstrate motivation for global learning, curiosity, and openness to cross-cultural collaboration.
Program Options and Duration
|
Program Option |
Duration |
Dates |
Key Focus |
|
New England Express |
2 weeks (16 days) |
July 12βJuly 27 July 26βAug 10 |
Boston & Vermont mindfulness and cultural immersion |
|
Global Innovators Immersion |
3 weeks (23 days) |
July 5βJuly 27 (*) July 12βAug 3 July 19βAug 10 |
STEM 3D, AI & Design Thinking + Optional New York exploration (*) |
|
U.S. Leadership & Culture Deep Dive |
4 weeks (30 days) |
July 5βAug 3 (*) July 12βAug 10 (*) |
Leadership, culture & full U.S. immersion + New York extension |
π All U.S. Inland Inclusive Fees
Tuition covers all educational activities, accommodation, meals, transportation, and excursions within the U.S., starting from arrival at Boston Logan International Airport until departure from the same airport.
The Extended Cultural & Academic Exploration β New York is optional for 3- and 4-week participants.
|
Duration |
Standard |
Early Bird |
Includes |
|
2 weeks |
$6,010 USD |
$5,555 USD |
Boston & Vermont |
|
3 weeks |
$8,455 USD |
$8,000 USD |
Culture & STEM & A.I. + optional New York |
|
4 weeks |
$10,955 USD |
$10,500 USD |
Leadership + full U.S. experience + optional New York |
π³ Enrollment Fee: $55 (non-refundable) β covers registration, application review, and pre-departure orientation.
π
Deadlines:
- Early Bird: February 15, 2026
- Final Application: May 31, 2026
π Program Curriculum and Scheduling
Check-in Dates:
- July 5, 2026
- July 12, 2026
- July 19, 2026
- July 26, 2026
Each week builds upon the last, creating a journey from mindfulness and cultural awareness to creativity, innovation, and global leadership.
πΏ Preliminary Weekly Schedule: Mindful Global Innovators 2026
I. Week in Boston β Mindfulness and U.S. Cultural Exploration
π Boston, Massachusetts
Theme: Mindfulness, Self-Discovery, and Cultural Integration
|
Day |
Activities |
|
Monday β Arrival & Orientation |
Program kickoff with mentors. Ice-breaking activities and 'Mindful Leadership' introduction. Dinner in Bostonβs historic district. |
|
Tuesday β Mindfulness & Self-Discovery |
Explore Bostonβs hills and rivers. Career Orientation Workshop: 'Awareness in Action.' Evening journaling at Boston Common. |
|
Wednesday β Innovation & University Visits |
Visits to Harvard, MIT, and Boston University. Mini-lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship. Discussion: 'How Ideas Change the World.' |
|
Thursday β Sight Seeing |
Experience Bostonβs coastal scenery. Team challenge: 'Designing Change for Tomorrow.' |
|
Thursday β U.S. History & Business Insights & Community Connection |
Walk the Freedom Trail, explore Boston Harbor. Visit Asian cultural center and a business incubator or startup accelerator. |
|
Saturday β Collaboration & Celebration |
Group showcase: 'What I Learned in Boston.' Reflection circle and celebration dinner on the Boston waterfront. |
II. Week A in Vermont β Foundations of STEM and Design-Based Research
π Vermont State University β Randolph Campus
Theme: From Curiosity to Concept: Learning to Think Like a Designer
|
Day |
Activities |
|
Monday β Journey & Campus Orientation |
Campus tour and welcome orientation. Evening campfire mixer. |
|
Tuesday β Design-Based Learning Foundations |
Lecture: 'Innovation Begins with Empathy.' Workshop on problem identification and mapping design challenges. |
|
Wednesday β Idea Generation & Prototyping Basics |
Brainstorming and concept development. Introduction to prototyping tools. Evening mindfulness walk. |
|
Thursday β Innovation Studio |
Hands-on workshop on STEM creativity and teamwork. Mentor-guided prototype session. |
|
Friday β Field Engagement & Community Innovation |
Visit to a local sustainability center or Vermont makerspace. Reflection: 'Design Inspired by Nature.' |
|
Saturday β Collaboration & Celebration |
Team Innovation Challenge and cultural night celebration with music and local cuisine. |
III. Week B in Vermont β Applied STEM, AI, and Design Thinking
π Vermont State University β Randolph Campus
Theme: From Prototype to Practice: Creating, Testing, and Reflecting
|
Day |
Activities |
|
Monday β Prototyping Lab Launch |
Teams refine concepts and begin prototype construction. Workshop: 'How to Build What You Imagine.' |
|
Tuesday β AI & Robotics in Action |
Hands-on sessions in AI modeling, coding, and robotics. Lecture: 'AI for Human Good.' |
|
Wednesday β Testing & Feedback Loops |
Teams test prototypes and collect feedback. Evening meditation and reflection. |
|
Thursday β Communication & Pitching Skills |
Workshop: 'Telling Your Story.' Team presentation rehearsals and mentorship circles. |
|
Friday β Capstone Showcase |
Teams present projects before faculty and mentors. Awards for innovation and teamwork. |
|
Saturday β Collaboration & Celebration |
Innovation Festival & Farewell Vermont: certificate ceremony and bonfire celebration. |
IV. Optional Extension β Weed in New York: Leadership and Innovation Experience
π New York City (including Princeton University visit)
Theme: Global Citizenship and Innovation in the U.S. Context
|
Day |
Activities |
|
Monday β Arrival & Welcome to New York |
Orientation and welcome dinner near Times Square. |
|
Tuesday β Academic Exploration: Ivy League & Innovation Universities |
Full-day visits to Columbia University, NYU, and Princeton University. Campus tours, student meetups, and leadership seminars. |
|
Wednesday β Business & Industry Visits |
Visits to Wall Street, innovation hubs, and corporate offices. Seminar: 'Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Work.' |
|
Thursday β Cultural Discovery & Global Perspectives |
Visits to Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Central Park, and Empire State Building. Cultural scavenger hunt. |
|
Friday β Leadership Reflection & Capstone Preparation |
Back to Boston. Discussion: 'Becoming a Global Citizen Leader.' Team reflection and showcase preparation. |
|
Saturday β Collaboration & Celebration |
Capstone Leadership Showcase & Farewell Gala dinner. |
π Enrollment Process Guide: Your Step-by-Step Journey to the U.S.
Follow these simple steps to join Mindful Global Innovators 2026 from your first application to your first day in Boston!
1οΈβ£ Application Form β Interview & Welcome Letter
Fill your application form and pay the $55 enrollment fee online to begin. Our team will schedule your personal interview to learn about your goals and readiness. You'll receive your Welcome Letter and Tuition Payment Request.
2οΈβ£ Tuition Payment and Receive Official Acceptance & Visa Support Documents
Once tuition is received, we will issue your Official Acceptance Letter and Visa Support Documents. If needed, weβll connect you with trusted local visa service providers to support your visa process.
3οΈβ£ Apply for Visa and Book Your Flight
Use your acceptance documents to apply for a U.S. visa. Upon approval, book your flight to Boston Logan International Airport.
4οΈβ£ Attend Pre-Departure Meeting and Prepare for Departure
Join the Pre-Departure Orientation to learn about U.S. culture, safety, travel, immigration process at airport, and meet your mentors and peers.
5οΈβ£ Arrive in Boston and Begin Your U.S. Adventure
Arrive on Sunday and complete the check-in procedure, where our staff and mentors will warmly welcome you. Settle in, meet your cohort, and begin your transformative journey!
π Program Outcomes
- Academic Development: Strengthened foundation in STEM, AI, and interdisciplinary learning.
- Intercultural Competence: Deep appreciation of global diversity and teamwork.
- Leadership Growth: Enhanced confidence, empathy, and problem-solving ability.
- College Readiness: Authentic exposure to U.S. university life and academics, and a short list of college choices.
Certification and Academic Credit
- Certificate of Completion jointly issued by Vermont State University and Nha Viet Institute.
- Up to three U.S. college credits available for qualified participants (with addition fees).
π Application & Contact
- Early Bird Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Contact:
π§ info@nhaviet.org
π +1 617-517-6363 (U.S.)
π± +84 918-299-825 (WhatsApp, Zalo)
NHA VIET INSTITUTE
200 Melrose St, Melrose, MA 02176, USA
π nhaviet.orgβπ¬ facebook.com/NhaVietBoston
