NAVIGATING EXPAT LIFE
MOVING TO A MULTIFACETED COUNTRY LIKE INDIA CAN BE AN EXCITING ADVENTURE, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE CHALLENGING AT TIMES. LUCKILY, THERE ARE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO ENSURE YOUR EXPAT EXPERIENCE IS POSITIVE AND FULFILLING.
With amazing sights, food, and culture, India is a travel-lover’s paradise. But if you move to India as an expat, there are potential challenges that tourist guidebooks won’t prepare you for. This includes things like daily administrative challenges — everything from finding a place to live to setting up a bank account — as well as adjusting to a new workplace with a different business etiquette, handling homesickness, and making new friends. With all this to sort out, it can take a while until you feel at home. The solution? It’s a combination of having the right information at your fingertips and a network of like-minded people to not only support you, but also share great moments and experiences with you. That’s exactly what InterNations provides.
Discover InterNations
InterNations is the world’s largest expat network with 3.5 million members. It’s a welcoming and trusted community where expats can easily connect and exchange tips and advice, both online and face-to-face. When you join, you get access to information that will make expat life go smoothly and the tools to build a strong network of like-minded people from around the world.
Join a Community Near You
InterNations has 420 communities worldwide, including eight vibrant
I arrived in India not knowing anybody. InterNations helped me to make connections quickly. InterNations member in Bangalore
InterNations communities in India — in Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Pune. Each community offers events and activities organized by dedicated InterNations members called Ambassadors and Consuls. No matter which community is closest to you, you’ll find a variety of opportunities to connect with other expats.
Get Answers to All Your Questions
Moving abroad can be daunting for the simple reason that you don’t know what daily life is really like in your destination. InterNations provides a wealth of information about living in India, including detailed and well-researched guide articles covering things like housing, schooling, and visas. But to be truly prepared, don’t just read about expat life in India — ask questions! The InterNations India Forum is a great way to get tips and advice about almost anything. Your questions will be answered by friendly expats with varied backgrounds, including expats on a foreign assignment, trailing spouses, digital nomads, singles, young families, and everything in-between.
Build a Network of Friends
Meeting other expats and globalminded individuals is crucial when it comes to loving life abroad. In fact, having a strong network in your new destination has the potential to truly transform your expat experience. One option is of course to connect with other expats online via the InterNations website or app. But there are also varied ways to meet international people face-to-face. For instance, if you enjoy classic networking opportunities, sign up for the InterNations Official Events held regularly in your community. Sometimes they are organized around a fun theme, such as the New Year’s party in Hyderabad. There are even events based on traditions from other parts of the world, such as Oktoberfest, Cinco de Mayo, or St. Patrick’s Day, providing an easy way to not miss out on your favorite holidays from your home country.
Pursue Your Interests
If you want to mingle with other expats in a smaller setting, or while pursuing a particular hobby, InterNations Groups are just the thing! Popular groups include the Bangalore Eat, Chat & Coffee Group, the Calcutta Explorers Group, the Chennai Professional Networking Group, the Gurgaon Golfers Group, the Mumbai Outdoor & Adventures Group, or the Pune Arts & Culture Group. Look for a group to pursue your existing hobbies — or try something new. In general, you’ll enjoy expat life more if you’re open and curious — and if you can easily connect with others who share your interests, too.
Learn More and Sign Up
To become a member, visit the InterNations website, www. internations.org, or download the free mobile app (available on the Google Play store or Apple App Store). You can choose between Basic Membership, which is free, or a premium membership subscription called Albatross Membership, that unlocks all InterNations tools and features. No matter where you are on your expat journey, InterNations will help you adjust quickly and make your expat experience the best it can be.
In the four years I have lived in India, I always look forward to attending InterNations events every month. InterNations member in Pune