“I like to be physically present in a classroom with my classmates and teachers but I have adjusted to the new system of online classes. Our coordinator, José Antonio and all the teachers are ensuring that everything is in place for us. Our only responsibilities are to attend classes, study and do homework,” says Harshith Gariga, 22, who is a young graduate from Anantapur.

Having completed his Bachelor’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, he felt the need to hone his public speaking and communications skills to enhance his employability in a competitive job market.  That is why he is currently studying German and brushing up his English and soft skills at the Rural Development Trust (RDT)’s Professional School of Languages.

Harshith studying by coordinating in a group on WhatsApp with his teachers and classmates. ©RDT

Since the lockdown, the classes are being conducted online, a transition that was challenging for some of his classmates.  Here he tells us more:

How has the lockdown affected the Professional School?

The main challenge is not having face-to-face interactions with the teachers and other students. We are nearing the end of our course and these two months are quite crucial because in this period we are improving our soft skills such as how to act in job interviews, etc. It would be more effective if I stayed at the Professional School because I would be able to learn from the feedback of my classmates and teachers as to how I am presenting myself, what areas I can improve on, etc. So, this aspect of interpersonal learning is now missing but we are learning other skills.

What has been your experience of studying online during this lockdown?

It has been fine, but I prefer staying at the Professional School. For example, my friends and I translate some sentences from Telugu to German and vice versa. Staying together provides such opportunities and it is easier to communicate with friends. Now, during this lockdown, we are assigned to speak for 15 minutes with our friends in the language we are learning. We are in touch but I miss the physical interactions.

Reading the notes sent on WhatsApp ©RDT

Are you able to cope with the online classes? What are the different methods you all are using to study?

Yes, I have learned to cope. In the beginning I didn’t know about the existence of these websites and apps that we are now using to study, how to use them, upload my homework, etc. but now it is easy. We use Google Classroom, Hangouts, Schoology and Zoom. We have a WhatsApp group with our teachers where they can answer our questions or concerns. Some students are also using apps, like HiNative where you can practice your language skills with native speakers from all over the world. Some are using apps that help with grammar, others are using audio apps.

What about your classmates who live in villages? Is it difficult for them?

Some of them have Internet issues, so they have to come outside their homes and attend the online classes by sitting in some open spaces in their villages, which is a bit difficult for them. Also, we have to coordinate time difference with our teachers, as most of them are in Spain. When classes are from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, it is tough for those in the villages because of the heat and the weather.

Harshith on a video call with his teacher and another classmate for a language speaking exercise ©RDT

What do you think will be the next step? And what are your plans?

I want to join a company that works in the field of electronics and telecommunications and needs German translations. I want to keep improving in both areas. As for the lockdown, currently we have missed out on our B1 exams. This situation is uncertain but we just got to know that our official exams will be conducted in the first week of July, so, the final countdown has started.

But throughout this all, I want to thank my teachers. Due to this tough situation, they had to go back to their countries but they continue to teach us with dedication. Our coordinator, Jose Antonio, is constantly ensuring that we work according to our normal schedule and there are no problems.

Pictures and Text: Felita Viegas, adapted by Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA