Nepali language is National and official language in Nepal. It is used throughout the Kingdom of Nepal. Language gives you a unique experience. It is said that without learning language, it is impossible to make anyone's stay and travel successful and enjoyable.
Many expatriate volunteers come to Nepal to serve local people and need to learn about Nepali language, culture and society. Volunteer Society offers Nepali language and cultural training to help expatriate volunteers and research students to learn about Nepali and other indigenous Languages, and about Nepali Culture and Society.
VSN has highly qualified and experienced tutors and up-to- date learning materials. The tutors have had many years' experience teaching expatriates for the United Mission to Nepal (UMN), the International Nepal Fellowship (INF) and the Nepal Leprosy Trust (NLT) and teaching American university students. The Nepali Language and Culture Program is managed by Dinesh Rajbhandari, formerly Head of the Language and Orientation Training Department of INF.

OBJECTIVE:
The VSN aims to enable Learners to achieve proficiency in their target Language, and to understand Local Culture, enabling them to communicate effectively. The Centre will allocate the most appropriate tutors, curricula, resources and learning opportunities for each Learner.
The Centre is open to members of international organizations, College students, researchers and others.

Language Courses
VSN offers both long and short language training courses. People planning to live in Nepal long- term ( two years or more) are encouraged to join the 4-5 month basic Courses.
Short-term volunteers will probably find the 1-2 month course sufficient. Students on package Courses attend 20 hours of classes per week. However, customized courses can be arranged according to individual needs and length of stay in Nepal. The VSN courses are ideal for anyone whose work or personal circumstances make it difficult to attend scheduled courses.Full- and part –time courses are available in Nepali and Hindi. Newari, Tibetan and Gurung at beginner's intermediate and advanced levels.Instruction in specialist terminology areas such as medicine, community development,community health and Christianity development, community health and Christianity is available for intermediate and advanced students. Qualified Christian tutors are also available to teach Christian topics.
VSN's experienced professional tutors have a learner- centered approach. Tuition takes place in a comfortable, friendly and relaxed environment at times which is convenient for learners.
VSN has its own course books and modules, enabling learners to meet short- or long-term goals. VSN guarantees the learner will be more confident with the new language after just a few days of lessons.

ORIENTATION COURSE:
VSN provides cultural orientation with lectures, discussions, videos, fieldwork and visits. The orientation course focuses on Nepali culture, history, religion, festivals, society, politics and daily life. Learners are advised on how to adjust to life in Nepal everything from basic shopping to complex staff management.

CLASS SIZE:
Class size is generally limited to two in the Basic Course. Each learner is given equal opportunity to learn and practice.If someone has a special learning preference or difficulty, individual Classes can be arranged. Additional Classes can be arranged for those who prefer to learn at a slower pace. Orientation and script classes are conducted in groups.

DISTANCE LEARNING:
Correspondence courses via the internet and e-mail allow students to learn language at their own pace, anywhere, any time, and are low-cost. For those keen to learn but unable to attend classes for whatever reason, the e-based Nepali language training course is available. The course uses various texts; audio- based interactive dialogues, 'drilling methods and exercises adapted to meet the student's preferred learning style.

TRAINNING OF TRAINERS: 
VSN organizes all training for its staff; ensuring tutors are well versed in the latest teaching approaches and methodologies and enhancing their teaching skills.

ACCOMMODATION:
VSN arranges accommodation for students in a comfortable guest house close to the Language Centre. The guest house serves a variety of high- quality Nepali and Western food and provides excellent value for money. The environment is perfectly suitable for foreigners where they can fell secured.

HOME-STAYS:
VSN arranges accommodation with Nepali families living near to the Centre, for students wanting to experience life in a typical household. This provides an excellent opportunity to practice language and to get to know local culture first – hand.

VILLAGE- STAYS:
A village stay is part of the basic course. Students stay in a village near Pokhara for one to three weeks to get in-depth understanding of village culture and lifestyle. This also provides a natural opportunity for language practice. Tutors accompany students to the village to facilitate learning
(One tutor for every two students)

A COURSE IN BASIC SPOKEN AND WRITTEN NEPALI AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

AIMS OF THE COURSE:
The course aims to provide an introduction to Nepali with: a thorough grounding in the Devanagari script and Nepali pronunciation; basic structures and vocabulary; skill development in everyday conversation.
Teaching Methodology:
VSN uses Strategies- Based Instruction (SBI), a learner-focused approach to teaching which emphasizes explicit and implicit integration of language learning and use strategies in the language classroom. The underlying premise of the strategies-based approach is that learners are given the opportunity to understand not only WHAT they can learn and use the language they are studying more effectively and efficiently.
The initial language program is designed to assist learners to communicate effectively in the target language. The course is taught in English and Nepali and includes coverage of the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and a balance between communicative activities, structure practice and grammar appropriate to context. VSN's methodology and courses expose the learner to real- life dialogue in real-life situations from the earliest stage. This helps to sustain the learner's interest and to teach language which can be used immediately.

Learning Preferences, Styles and Strategies:
We believe that each individual learner has his or her own learning styles and preferences. Individual's dominant learning styles and preferences have a great impact in learning the language. Learning is more effective when learners find things out for themselves, so VSN encourages and helps learners to develop their own strategies based on their own learning styles.
Our teaching methods are adapted to the individual's learning styles, increasing the individual's effectiveness in learning.
At the beginning of the course, learners are introduced to the concept of learning preferences and styles and their in the learning process.
Learners are assessed to identify learning preferences. They are then given guidelines on various strategies of language and cultural learning suitable for their own learning styles and preferences. This helps learners to acquire and use language more effectively.

COURSE Materials:
The core textbook for the basic course is the introductory Nepali Course written by Dinesh and Rekha Rajbhanari, which is accompanied by CDs the curriculum is applied flexibly to meet individual needs and assist each person to reach his or her language learning potential.
VSN uses the following text books and modules for intermediate- and advanced-level students:
The Nepali Reader- A comprehensive textbook
Good News of Happiness and Love- simplified Bible stories( for Christian students)
Statement of Faith and prayer- the Apostle's Cred (FOR Christian students)
Professional Modules:
Medical
Business
Community health
Community development
Daily Life
House-keeping
Religious
Culture, tribes & festival

Cross- Cultural Orientation:
It is in the interests of expatriates who come to Nepal to serve local people not only to learn the Nepali language but also to learn about Nepal's culture, people, customs and institutions. VSN organizes cross- cultural orientation sessions which enable learners to adjust to life in Nepal. The orientation sessions are held for one hour daily at 9am.
The orientation course includes:
Sessions on Nepali culture, religion, history,
People, politics, daily life, festivals etc.
Security issues
Health and safety
Life and work
The orientation course is done through:
Lectures
Discussions
visits
practical Assignments and Feedback
A handbook & workbook
A project