<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWorking in India as an expat can be a rewarding, enriching experience. Because of its historical and current cultural and political climate, it can also be very challenging and at times uncomfortable. For any expat, it takes time to adjust to a new culture. This holds in India as well; however, the challenges are magnified when moving to a country that is vastly different from your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re moving to India from a Western Country, you may find it a bit of a shock to the system. Full-time expats work an average of 47.7 hours per week, compared to the global average of 43.9 hours. This is in stark contrast to most Western countries, where working long hours is often associated with white-collar jobs, such as in an office or for a company that operates around the clock (such as in the financial sector).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to female representation in the workplace, India has a long way to go. Women are underrepresented in the Indian parliament and only account for 11% of politicians. This is reflected in the workforce as well, where women account for just 30% of employees. However, there is a growing trend of international businesswomen working in India. They tend to be treated fairly and as equals to their male counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest challenge expats face when working abroad is building new relationships with people they work with who might not be as open-minded or empathetic as they would like. You should take the time to make small talk when you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s well worth taking the time to do so, even if you feel awkward or uncomfortable\u2014it\u2019s a great way to build relationships with other people (and trust me, everyone appreciates genuine friendliness here!). So please, don\u2019t be afraid of being too forward. Remember that other people are probably feeling just as nervous about this new culture as you are, so it will help them relax if you act relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India’s economy is growing, and the demand for skilled workers is growing with it. You can take advantage of this market by finding a job in India as an expat, where there are plenty of opportunities to use your professional skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The booming IT industry is the most common destination for expatriates, but there are many other fields with promising opportunities. India’s growing economy means that many sectors are seeing a boom in need for foreign workers: engineering, finance, hospitality, health care, and aerospace are just a few areas with jobs both for those who want to pick up practical experience and those who are willing to relocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The booming economy also means that salaries are competitive\u2014especially when compared to offerings in other developing countries. In addition, because the cost of living is low in India compared to places like America or Western Europe, salaries go much further than they would at home. Because of this combination of factors, expatriates living in India find themselves able to save significant amounts of money over time without sacrificing their standard of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to Expect When Living in India As A Foreigner?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first thing you should know about living in India is that it’s not for everyone. Many foreigners who move to this country for work find themselves overwhelmed by the culture shock, homesickness and general chaos of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you’re willing to take the plunge and immerse yourself in the culture, there are plenty of benefits to be had \u2014 particularly if you’re working at an international company or NGO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re thinking about making the move, here are some things you should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Lifestyle:<\/strong> The general attitude towards life, as most people in India simply enjoy life, so expats relocating to India could experience a stress-free environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Culture: <\/strong>The culture of India is both diverse and fascinating. The country has four main religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. Each religion has its own festivals, traditions and customs that are observed throughout the year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Food: <\/strong>The food in India is another attraction for many expats. The cuisine varies from region to region with each area having its own specialties. Indian food is usually very spicy which may take some getting used to for foreigners, but it’s worth it!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Low cost of living: India has a low cost of living<\/a>. You can get great food, clothing and furniture at an affordable price.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Driving:<\/strong> Driving in India can be quite an experience. There’s no such thing as lane discipline on Indian roads; people drive wherever they want, without looking at oncoming traffic. So, if you’re used to driving on highways with clearly marked lanes, prepare for some chaos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n