The CLS Hindi Program is hosted in Jaipur, India by the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS). Founded in 1961, AIIS aims to increase and improve understanding between India and the United States through academic research and language study. AIIS staff has instructed American university students and scholars in Indic languages for over 60 years.

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is famous for its many historical sites, including Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaipur is 250 kilometers southwest of New Delhi and is part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit.

The CLS Hindi Program allows students to immerse themselves in the daily life of Jaipur and, in doing so, expand their command of Hindi and their understanding of local culture. Students spend approximately eighteen hours each week participating in a range of content courses such as grammar, conversation, pronunciation, journal writing, and dictation in order to hone the four skills of language development: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Weekly activities are designed to complement formal classroom instruction and include guest lectures from community representatives such as shopkeepers and tradespeople, as well as interactive music and dance sessions. Local excursions give students in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of Rajasthan and provide opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds. In the past, such cultural excursions have included trips to the local market, Rajasthan University, Amer Fort, and Sanganer, an area known for its handicrafts.

To deepen their understanding of daily life in contemporary Jaipur, students live with host families. This invaluable opportunity provides students with an intimate understanding of daily life in Jaipur as well as additional opportunities for language practice in a relaxed environment. Students often spend time discussing local and global events with members of their host families, learn how to make traditional Rajasthani foods, further develop their sense of humor while joking around with host siblings, and hone their storytelling skills while listening to host grandparents share family histories.

CLS participants expand their understanding of the local community through weekly meetings with a designated language partner. Students can focus their meetings on discussions related to their academic, professional, and personal interests. They are also welcome to explore Jaipur with the help of their language partner who often has recommendations on the most interesting places to visit. Popular past activities have included visiting cafes and learning to bargain at Jaipur’s lively markets.