Language courses in India

Cost of language courses in India

Types of language courses in India

General Courses improve your existing language proficiency. These are intensive, full-time courses that take place in the afternoon or evening. Students choose the course duration on their own, but the recommended time is 2-3 months. Here, you develop four key language skills at once: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. In General Courses, you can study additional topics that interest you, such as public speaking, travel, self-development, or soft-skills.

Business English. In this course, students develop professional English skills — they learn to conduct business correspondence, make presentations, speak at conferences, and defend their point of view. Courses last from 1 to 2.5 months. The minimum language requirement for comfortable learning is Intermediate.

Test / Exam Preparation prepares you for the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge exams. You can choose a less intensive program, studying for 5-10 hours a week or only on weekends. Standard courses last from 3 months to a year. At the end of each topic, students take a test to see their progress and correct mistakes. Once every two weeks or a month, students take a mock exam to get familiar with the test format.

Spoken English helps improve oral fluency and overcome the language barrier. In the classroom, students discuss various topics, arrange debates, participate in conversation clubs, engage in role-playing games, and interview each other. Particular attention is paid to idioms and set phrases. Students also learn to present themselves and develop creative thinking. Many schools have one lesson per week on a specialized topic — students learn to maintain a dialogue in any situation. They talk about political parties, climate change, historical events, medicine, and other topics.

Written English develops writing skills. Students write essays, letters, summaries, and other papers.

Language + Culture Exchange is suitable for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of India and combine it with language learning. Students devote 5-7 hours a week to English, most of the time participating in various activities: yoga and meditation classes, visits to temples, Bollywood films, camel rides, and Kathak and Sattriya dance lessons.

Work and Travel Course. As part of this course, you will study English in the morning and evening, and work at local organizations during the day. This is no more than 6 hours per day, and internships can be paid or unpaid. There are about 30 areas to choose from — meaning that each student can do what is close to him. At the end of the program, you will receive an English proficiency certificate and proof of internship completion.

English with Au Pair is one of the most unusual courses in which students become part of a host family with children. Program participants pick them up from school or kindergarten and help with homework. Responsibilities also include small errands around the house — washing dishes, doing laundry, or buying groceries. In return, students receive a separate room, food, and pocket money. They work 25-30 hours a week, and the rest of the time they attend language courses or explore the city.

Yoga English is a yoga course with English. Such a program is suitable for those who want to improve their language level and condition of their body and soul. You will practice stress relief techniques, various yoga poses, along with language comprehension — the trainer speaks English. The course includes 5-7 classes, lasts 2-4 weeks, and is suitable for any level of physical fitness.

Social Volunteer Internship Program is a program that combines learning English with participation in a socially oriented project. Volunteers work with the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged children or women. They also support rural infrastructure projects. You can choose a project depending on your interests and wishes.

Academic Courses help you improve your academic English. Students learn to write essays, present projects, and defend their point of view.

Foundation Programs prepare students for admission to partner universities. The program lasts 9 months. Students improve their language level and study general subjects for future studies. That being said, there are few such programs in India, and they often cost several times more than their European counterparts^[2]. Therefore, it is worth comparing all the pros and cons.

Traditions, religion, and culture of India

It is best to familiarize yourself with Indian customs in advance, so as not to incur the wrath of the locals. For example, women cannot shake hands with Indian men, as they will consider it an insult. To greet the interlocutor, you need to join your hands at the chin and, shaking your head down, say "Namaste". Men are allowed to shake hands with each other as a sign of friendship and respect. However, a "friendly" pat on the shoulder can cause real resentment in an Indian.

A foreigner should only give his right hand to a Hindu upon an encounter, since the left is considered unclean. With it, people tidy up after using the bathroom. You cannot eat with your left hand or pass any objects, but you can hold your plate during a meal. The left hand is also not meant to touch shrines.

When entering a temple or the house of a local, you must take off your shoes. Near the temples there are people who, for a small fee, are ready to guard your shoes (often, people enter temples in medical shoe coverings). It is indecent to show tender feelings in front of other people in India.

Indians have a special relationship with hot drinks. In some states (e.g. Gujarat), you cannot buy alcohol. Prohibition is in effect here, and the locals themselves condemn drunk people and point fingers at them. There are no obvious problems with buying alcohol in one state — Goa, where tourists flock from all over the world.

With over 20% of India's population living below the poverty line, petty theft and fraud thrive in the country. Therefore, a foreign guest should not keep a wallet in his pocket or carry large sums of money. Thieves hunt in crowded places, but they are especially active in public transportation and at markets. Women should not walk unaccompanied in the evening, and it is best to replace revealing outfits with linen dresses or a national sari outfit.

Accommodation options in India