Indo Vacations

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.