Learn Bengali.
Discover Bangladesh.
Whether you've just landed in Dhaka or you're planning the move, we'll get you speaking real Bangla. Lessons can be one on one or in a small group, in person or over video call, taught by siblings who grew up with both the language and the city.
How we work with you
A flexible approach
It's just the two of us running things, so lessons get shaped around you. Your schedule, your pace, your reasons for learning, not some fixed curriculum.
In person or online
We started teaching over video call when the pandemic hit, and it stuck. Lessons work just as well on a screen as they do across the table.
Well established experience
We've been teaching Bangla since 1998, to over a thousand students from all over the world. This isn't our first year figuring it out.
Let us meet your needs
Our goal is simple. Get you speaking enough Bangla to actually live here: ordering food, chatting with neighbors, getting around without needing someone to translate. A lot of students go further once they catch the bug and learn to read and write too. We also teach children of Bangladeshi families abroad who want to hold onto the language. And outside the classroom, we'll introduce you to the food, the markets, the clothes, and the history, whatever helps this place start to feel like home.
Est. 1998
Taught by people who call Dhaka home
We're Paninna and Jorge Samadder, brother and sister, both a little obsessed with getting people to fall in love with Bangla the way we have. Whatever brought you to Bangladesh, a job, a degree, family, we'll help you pick up enough of the language to feel like you actually live here and not just visiting.
Over the years we've taught people from all kinds of backgrounds and organizations. Korea's KOICA, Japan's JICA, the Peace Corps, Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development, Voluntary Service Overseas, and plenty of others. We also teach children of Bangladeshi families living abroad who want to keep the language in the family.
Come learn with us. We'd love to have you.
Choose the course that fits you
Every student starts at a different point and wants something different out of Bangla. These are four separate courses, and we will help you pick the right one for your situation, not a fixed sequence you have to work through.
Survival Basic
For visitors and new arrivals who need essential, practical language skills quickly. Covers greetings, numbers, transactions, and the vocabulary required for transport, food, and everyday errands.
- Intensive scheduling available for short timelines
- Focus on immediate, practical communication
Beginner Bangla
A structured foundation for anyone planning a longer stay in Bangladesh. Covers core grammar, pronunciation, and sentence patterns, building toward genuine conversation.
- Choice of phonetic transliteration or Bangla script
- Grounding in grammar and sentence structure
Intermediate Bangla
For students who already have a working foundation and want functional fluency for daily life and work in Bangladesh. Includes reading adapted texts, extended conversation, and Bangladeshi history and culture through the language.
- Reading comprehension through adapted texts
- Transition into Bangla script available
Advanced Bangla
For students who are already conversational and want full fluency and cultural literacy. Covers advanced reading and comprehension and nuanced conversation, with the option to study religious texts such as the Bible in Bangla.
- Advanced reading, writing, and comprehension
- Deeper study of Bangladeshi culture and language
Discover Bangladesh
Language and culture go together, so we'll take you out to see the country the words belong to.
Visit sites of interest with us
- ✓Explore Dhaka and its history through interesting sites and historical monuments
- ✓Discover the breathtaking modernist architecture of the Parliament building
- ✓Delve into the rich and complex narrative of Bangladesh's history
- ✓Explore the renowned Hindu town of Dhamrai and its ancient metal casting
- ✓Spend the day in Sonargaon, the ancient capital of Bengal
Experience Bangladeshi life
- ✓Explore traditional food and clothes markets and try your luck at bargaining
- ✓Discover the beautiful and varied crafts shops of Dhaka
- ✓Shop for traditional Bangladeshi clothing and learn how to wear a sari
- ✓Visit the markets and learn to cook authentic Bangladeshi dishes at home
- ✓Visit carefully selected food outlets for a taste of typical Bangladeshi cuisine
Our pricing & approach
Pricing depends on what actually fits you. In person or online, one on one or a small group. For outings, you're covering our time plus whatever we spend along the way: transport, entry fees, food. No fixed package, because no two students need the same thing.
Teaching modality
In person · Virtually
Lessons built around you
One on one or small group · Intensive or your choice of frequency
Location
Our classroom · Your house · Your office or other premises
Outings built around you
Based on your preferences · Organised together
What students say about us
Don't just take our word for it.
I took virtual lessons with Jorge when I was 12 to improve my Bangla when I moved to London. He is patient and kind. I highly recommend!
Ishaan J.
Paninna has a way of meeting a student where they are at, and pushing them to greater levels. She has a great talent for knowing how much to push a student toward excellence and how much to step back with a little encouragement.
Leah B.
As an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language) teacher myself, I thought Paninna a talented, patient, and intuitive instructor. Her experience teaching Bangla to speakers of other languages shows in the way she explains grammar and offers correction.
Candis B.
Ms Paninna is more than a teacher. She is your friend and will do everything to help you learn Bangla no matter age or ability. We have used her for nearly 50 of our volunteers.
Arnold E.
Country Representative, Financial Literary InternationalJorge is experienced, uses progressive methods and teaches with pleasure, patience and thoroughness.
Pierre L.
Gallery
Contact Us
Address
Monipuripara, Farmgate, Dhaka