I’ve recently joined an Italian language course and am excited about the opportunity. I’ve always wanted to learn a foreign language, but in Varanasi, there haven’t been many options. BHU and Sampoornanand Sanskrit University were the only institutions offering foreign language courses, and BHU only accepts its own students, while attending Sampoornanand felt like a waste of time. Although I wasn’t particularly interested in Italian initially, I enrolled in this course because I realized that waiting for a more suitable opportunity might mean years of delay in learning a language.
My goal has always been to learn German, and Sampoornanand University does offer a six-month diploma in various foreign languages, including German. I had signed up for German classes about four years ago, but the program was poorly managed, and I was disheartened to learn that students were given certificates regardless of their performance. Eventually, I decided to stop attending. The Italian course I’m now enrolled in is conducted by Centro Risorse India, an Italian institution that not only teaches Italian to Indians but also supports Italian students in India.
I also work as a translator at Centro Risorse India’s Varanasi branch. The course consists of 50 hours of instruction, with three-hour classes on weekends. The classes are held at a school near Godowlia. The course features two teachers: an Indian woman from Delhi who also works at Centro Risorse India’s Pune center, and an Italian scholar who is fluent in Hindi. There are six students in total, including me. One of my classmates is a tour guide who works with Japanese tourists, while another is a Hindi teacher.
Our teachers are excellent. They use interactive methods rather than traditional book-based instruction, incorporating games, role-plays, and frequent speaking practice. Although the pronunciation and grammar are challenging and unfamiliar to me, I’m committed to doing my best. I’m unsure how long it will take to become proficient in speaking and writing Italian, but I’m determined to make progress and see where this journey takes me.
Parlo Italiano? 😀
I really like the not tradition method of teaching part. When you learn a language like that you can’t even use it in real life. Thanks for sharing and good luck.
Yea, I also liked it but could not continue and finally had to stop my classes because of extra work. Anyways, I look forward to their next session.
Hi Nandan,
I was looking up for foreign language courses in benaras and chanced upon your blog. i was born n bred in benaras and went to Delhi after completing my schooling. Lived there for five years..now i am back with a degree in psychology and post-graduate diploma in travel n tourism alongwith work experience in a publishing house. honestly, i can’t figure out what to do here. not that i am entirely sure of what i want to do in life altogether. i am not asking you to play a counsellor…it would be a great help if you can give me the institute’s number. or if there’s anyway i can collaborate with you. let me know. thnx..do reply…:)
Sana,
Sorry for delay in replying. Actually I was traveling when you wrote me. You can contact Centro Risorse at http://cr-india.it/eng/. Just write them. If they don’t respond you then let me know and I will give you the manager’s mobile no. What are you doing nowadays, working or not?
i want to learn spanish… do u have any idea where can i learn spanish in varanasi?