Language Programs in Jaipur, India

I chose an Indo Vacations package for an intensive Hindi program after thoroughly researching several schools and travel operators in India. My program was taught by an experienced and patient teacher who was willing to design a language program to fit my needs. I was a guest in the home of a wonderful local family who made me feel welcome and relaxed. The food was always delicious and the accommodations were very clean and modern. Because of this environment, it was easy for me to concentrate on my studies and still have ample time to explore Jaipur and Rajasthan. After a few weeks, when I had time for more exploration, Indo Vacations was able to offer me several interesting tour options that allowed me to experience more of the regional culture. I recommend this company for anyone interested in visiting India for almost any reason (Hindi lessons, cooking classes, etc.) because of the professionalism of the staff and the care they take in ensuring everyone a memorable and rewarding trip."

Dear Sanjeev, Suman and Ria Thank you for my stay which I thoroughly enjoyed in all respects - the lessons, the food and the company. Suman, I really do feel the benefit of my three weeks and my 'ear' is improving all the time and I was pleasantly surprised how much of conversations I was overhearing on the train and bus I was able to understand. I feel if I don't lose momentum I can break thought the speaking barrier and make you proud of your mature student! All the very best from Scotland Ian

I adore Hindi and Hindustan (India) IS my country :))) I spent a month in the home of my Hindi instructor. Knowing other languages myself, I could appreciate the simplicity, the professionalism of Suman Minglani. I would definitely recommend her, with all my heart.

Hindi course in Jaipur I spend my sommer holidays 3 weeks in Jaipur at Indo Vacation. My goal was to make new steps in my Hindi studies although they offer also cooking courses. Family Minglani - Suman, Sanjeev and Ria took me as a member of their family. Before coming I just finished Rupert Snell Book »Teach yourself Hindi« and started reading simple children stories. In the course with Mrs. Suman I could see very quickly what I have to improve more. I got from here many, many good tips and she encouraged me all the time. »Try again, try again! No problem if you make a mistake.« Course is arranged 4 hours per day, 5 days a week. Every day homework, Hindi cartoons before going to bed. ? Suman is skilled in teaching foreigners Hindi! We tried to find together the right ways for me how to dip into Hindi and to make this trip fun (watching cartoons, reading simple articles in newspapers, listening Bollywood songs, cultural details, food recipes, talking in Hindi to a seller in a market or riksha while negotiating for the price, to understand more). Her tips for my further Hindi studies I took with me back to Europe. Thanks Sumanji. See you again in next years!

During my three week stay I took Hindi lessons mornings Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 1:30. I was not a complete beginner, but one who desperately needed to actively use what I'd been learning on my own. My teacher, Suman, focused right in on my weaknesses: I'd been too dependent on transliteration which resulted in some really mistaken pronunciations. By having me read Devanagari script every day from a series of children's stories, Suman helped me out of my comfort zone, i.e.,over-reliance on transliteration. It was painful at times, but it got me weaned. At the end of my stay I was reading Devanagari as never before. Waiting for my departure flight, I eagerly read every snatch of script I could find in the airport. What a triumph. She helped me break pronunciation mistakes that only a certain fluency in Devanagari can achieve. Old habits die hard, but I feel I'm improving. Suman followed a Rupert Snell learning book, and from going step-by-step through the lessons, I emerged much stronger and with a better grasp of grammar. The work ahead is cut out for me. What I would have liked to have had was more opportunity to simply listen and talk in informal settings. I think I misunderstood the basic arrangement of my stay. I'd been expecting to more or less live with a family, but instead I lived alone in my own flat. Chances for speaking informally were up to me. I was on my own for this, which meant I had to scare up situations from shopping, making arrangements with rickshaw drivers, or asking street directions. There's a practical limit to what this can bring. Sometimes I felt it necessary to simply go out cruising for situations. That's a bit of a burden for a beginner. The flat couldn't have been better. It was spacious, the kitchen was well-equipped, and I even had my own balcony where I could watch gorgeous sunrises coming over the hills to the east of Jaipur. I could also go up to the building's rooftop for fresh air and for gazing around the city from a third floor height. From the flat and rooftop I could gaze down on an adjacent plant nursery with its hundreds of lovely plants and flowers.The neighborhood was pleasant. But, whether from the flat, the balcony, or the rooftop, my life was essentially alone and isolated. Twice Suman and Sanjeev invited me to join them outside Suman's classes. Once in a short excursion out to a village farm (Suman packed an excellent picnic for us) and once for my "farewell meal" in their home (Suman served up Makki ki Roti and Sarso, an all-time favourite of mine). Both occasions made possible some informal speaking and listening, which are otherwise hard to come by with Hindi-speaking people for whom English is often preferable. Would I recommend Hindi classes here? By all means. Just make sure that whatever you'll be doing in classes can be complemented by enough conversation situations--appropriate to your lever of course--to let you USE WHAT YOU LEARN IN CLASS. Otherwise, you're not apt to retain much.

I spent 3 weeks with Sanjeev, Suman and their daughter Ria at their home in Jaipur. I had formal Hindi language lessons for 4 hours a day from Suman. She is an excellent teacher of the language - thorough, organised and with an excellent understanding of Hindi grammar. She is also runs cooking classes and I benefited from her excellent vegetarian cooking and the company of her cookery guests. The accommodation is very comfortable and spacious with options of a balcony and a roof terrace for quiet moments and homework (!). Jaipur city is a short rickshaw ride away and the city is very safe. All in all I can thoroughly recommend this home stay, so much so that I hope to return.

I had a good time in Jaipur, and your attentiveness to my needs was very efficient throughout my stay. I really enjoyed learning Hindi; the way I was taught was good, and my teacher really looked after me! As well as teaching me Hindi which was tailored to my personal needs, she also took me shopping, to the park, taught me some yoga, let me try new foods, and invited me for a meal on Christmas Day. I also enjoyed my trip to Ladli and being hennaed. The place where I stayed was lovely, and the location of it was so convenient. It was good to have the experience of living with an Indian family. All of the travel arrangements ran very smoothly.I am already thinking about my next trip. I'm interested in returning to Rajasthan and visiting Gujarat as well. Best wishes, Lizzie

Very good one-on-one Hindi classes by Suman in our lovely classroom with Indian Tea. Suman is a friendly teacher who takes time to clear students' doubts with patience. Suman has a very good command of Hindi Grammar and makes you understand this in an easy and simple way. Thanks to Suman that I am able to speak Hindi now.

After living in India for many years finally I got frustrated of still not being able to speak hindi! I was lucky to find a full immersion hindi program in Jaipur :) After 3 weeks of being there I am able to communicate in hindi. I had a very good experience during my home stay with Shachi ji and her family. My 2 favourite teachers - Shachi ji herself and her sister Aditi ji. Also Shachi ji's husband - Navin ji - is very sweet with the students. He was taking us out for sightseeing, trekking as well as very helpful in finding any specific things to buy in Jaipur (including help in making good deals as a local person with the seller - which for a foreign person in India may not be so easy :) I really wish to say lots of love and many many thanks to Shachi ji, Navin ji and Aditi ji! I also wanted to share that... Shachi ji is very impressive with her teaching skills. She has a lot of mental penetrative fire to understand the language grammar herself as well as to find really efficient tricks to enable the students to grasp it as well as memorise it. BTW Shachi ji also teaches French ( talent for languages runs in this family - her Father spoke 10 languages!!! :) Aditi ji is so disciplined and dedicated that she will not miss the class with you even if the "house is burning" :) When after some time - when we already became more familiar with each other and talked a little more openly about our private lives - I discovered how busy schedule she has every day - and still she is full of energy, with big smile and enthusiasm - and all that is contaminating :) You will feel empowered at Hindi Hour School - both the women will make you feel confident, you will get a lot of positive support and confirmation. You will be able to practice your hindi at the dinner time (by the way - food is delicious & healthy!) and if you go out with Navin ji. They all will be speaking slowly at your pace, very clearly pronouncing words. After being at the Hindi Hour - if you wish so - you can continue the classes once or twice a week on-line. And that eventually over months will make you so fluent that you could even talk about the history, science, politics etc. in hindi. Wishing to come back to Shachi ji! Beata age 35 Polish nationality Presently living in Himachal Pradesh, India

As a start in our move overseas to India this was an amazing place for my wife and I to be introduced to a new place, new culture, and new language. As an immersive homestay and language grammar school the two work great together. Shachi is the best grammar teacher we have ever met and has a special gift for teaching. We did the beginner(40 hours) and intermediate course(50 hours) and feel confident in our ability to get around town with our Hindi. As a homestay Shachi and her family have their lives and doors wide open to experience their culture and explore their city along side them. Meeting this family, staying in their home, and learning Hindi from Shachi is a perfect introduction to your cross-cultural adventure!

Shachi is an excellent Hindi teacher: I learnt a lot in just three weeks. She is very good at explaining grammatical concepts clearly, and obviously loves her work. She was very good at coping with students who were at different stages/levels, and very flexible, for example teaching me through transliteration/Roman script only, not minding that I didn’t want to learn devanagri script. The conversation classes with the other teachers complement the grammar input well. AND the homestay element was really nice: I stayed in Shachi’s home and got to know her charming family really well. And the food was FANTASTIC! My package was Rs. 40000 for 3 weeks inclusive of all. Best, Bowman, UK