Language spoken in Pune/accomodation

Barbara Dolma

Hi

I'm planning to go to Pune next year for about six months for a studental exchange. I thought of trying to learn some Hindi to be able to speak with local people. But I'm not quite sure whether that makes sence or not? I read that people in Pune speak Marathi. So should I learn Marathi? But this is kind of difficult because it's not offered by any language school in Zurich.. Well my question is: would it be helpful to learn Hindi or do people in Pune not know Hindi at all?
My other question is about living in Pune while studying there. I'd prefer to stay with a host familiy than living in a hostel. I found out that there are several homestays in Koregan park area. But where is this area? I didn't find it on my maps. And isn't it too far of city/university. Which area do you recommend, not being too far of city and the area where life's taking place (Shivaji Nagar?) and University of Pune. Is it possible to find a host family? Is ist expensive? And how may I find a host family?
If there is anyone who already went to Pune for studental exchange I'd be very happy whether you get in touch to me.
All the best,
Barbara Dolma

vin

hi barbara,

Even though I am not from pune, have been there few times so should be able to provide some information.

Even though the native people of pune speak marathi, pune being a education hub it is full of students from all across the country. Even though you could easily get through with English, learning Hindi would certainly help. Dont think not knowing marathi would be a problem. As far as I know everyone in pune would know hindi.

As for information on staying a person staying in pune would be able to give you more accurate information.

mani

Barabra,

Hindi / English is no problem in Pune. It is like an extension of mumbai and lots of foreigner students study there so it should not be problem for you.

Koregaon park is where OSHO ashram is and is a posh location in pune. It is not near the university area.
maybe others from pune can be of more help

regards
Mani

jivan

Hi Barbara,
Here's the location of Koregaon Park as well as Osho commune. I'm from Pune. AFA Pune is concerned, it has a cosmopolitian culture similar to what Mani has said. There are many things to explore in Pune by self or with friends. Hope u enjoy u'r stay Also having Hindi as an additional language would be an asset not just here but all over India except the south & the north-west otherwise cool everywhere else.
Now tht u've profited from wikimapia perhaps you could make some tags of your place Zurich so tht some poor soul who might be trying to find some place in Zurich is also helped

dani

Hoi Barbara
I'd say definitely learn some Hindi if you have the time. For one it is fun to learn (how cool is it if you finally can read this strange script), and it can be an ice breaker even if Hindi is not the mother tongue of your talk partner.
I took Hindi classes at the uni of Zurich and it was great fun. After the lesson we usually ate lunch at an indian take-away called "Indialunch" at the Zollstrasse next to the main station, and afterwards we went to Aggarwals superstore for a chai and a chat with the punjabi staff there (of course in Hindi! well, we tried at least.. )
May I ask where you are studying and what your topic is?

Gruss, Dani

saajan_20

hello

just catch up with some of ur hindi becoz marathi will be difficult in such a short notice !!!

english shuld serve the purpose !!

and JAI MAHARASHTRTA
regards
saajan