A few years ago my husband and I went on holiday to the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador. I was not expecting to speak Hindi in Ecuador, rather I was excited to get some use of Spanish.
On our first day, we went to the Equator in Quito. They have made it a whole experience and we joined a guide who walked us around the area and explained the area’s history and more, in English.
There was an Indian woman in the group who was having a difficult time understanding the guide’s accent. I noticed and started translating it into Hindi for her.
Naturally after the tour was over, we chatted and in true desi tradition she invited us to visit her home if we were ever in her neck of the woods. We told her about the Punjabi restaurant, Sher-e-Punjab, we were planning to try that night in downtown Quito.
Anyway, she messaged me a few days later, while she was at Sher-e-Punjab to say how much she and her husband were enjoying it.
It was serendipitous that I was there that day, could, and offered to help. It made me happy to do it. Language and culture bring people together. In that moment I lived what I teach to my students every day – building connections through language.
Language connects us and breaks down barriers. It is the key to forging relationships with people we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.
Below is a selection of some photos from our trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. And if you’re planning a trip there you might enjoy these articles I wrote on my travel blog.
Visiting the Galápagos Islands in December
Women’s Photography Gear For The Galápagos Islands
How To Decide On a Land Based Vs. Liveaboard Trip To The Galápagos Islands
Fun Conversational Hindi Classes for Kids and Adults Outside India
✔ Conversational Hindi
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Our students build confidence speaking Hindi with:
- parents
- grandparents
- relatives
- family friends
- the Uncle at the Indian grocery store!
All classes are live on Zoom.
Students join us from across the globe — from California to Singapore.
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Have you ever watched a Bollywood movie and everyone else was laughing and…you didn’t understand the joke? Or maybe your grandparents speak to you in Hindi…and your response is a sweet smile and “theek hain” to everything?
That was me too.
Growing up in Orange County, California, I understood Hindi long before I confidently spoke it. But over time, I became curious. Friday nights became “Hindi movie nights” with my mom — parathas, Bollywood movies, and LOTS of questions.
Eventually, I started speaking more Hindi at home.
One of my favorite memories was visiting family in Delhi when my Chachi said: Tumhari Hindi bahut achi hai.
That was a moment for me.
I started Virtual PreSkool to help kids, growing up outside, India build confidence speaking Hindi and feel more connected to their family, culture, and heritage.
And honestly? One of the best parts of teaching is hearing students excitedly share:
- “My Nani cried when I said “pranam”!
- “When we were in India my dad didn’t know how to ask for directions, but I did!”
After graduating from UC Irvine and earning my MBA from USC Marshall, I spent years as an entrepreneur before creating Virtual PreSkool.
When I’m not teaching Hindi, I’m usually exercising, cooking vegan meals, or planning my next trip. I look forward to seeing you in class!