Getting used to daily life in India as a Foreigner - Cross-Cultural Immersion Tips

[popapape]

Ha Ha.... so funny. India is a sub continent with more language and people of different races. Even i get surprised when i visit some part of our country. Imagine European countries under E.U (as a country) and now think of India with all of her states and different people and culture. From East to West transition is from Rice to Wheat From south to north it is from dark to light. Sour to Sweet Taste. Ur too soft. Life is harsh here.

[suerayss]

Also, Indians live in such tight spaces and space is so dispropotionately organized that 90% of ppl live in small rat holes called flats but pay prices that match tokyo and new york. This leaves no personal space and this factors heavily into the cultural aspect of indian existence that outsiders can almost never get used to it and there is suffocation not just from pollution but from lack of personal space which is important.

[alaivani]

@suerayss I agree that disorganization, water and electric problems, basic infrastructure problems, space limitations, pollution and other factors definitely create problems for outsiders, let alone even NRIs who have been outside India for awhile to find adjustment in India difficult and even impossible. About the space problems, yes, things like overcrowding can make a person from a country with a lot of space feel claustrophobic! - Jennifer Kumar, Cross-Cultural Coach

[suerayss]

As an Indian I always presume that India is the most difficult country to settle down and assimilate for outsiders. And I don't mean the people but the difficulty in having access to simple practical stuff like water, clean air or organized services. Things that can be taken for granted in other countries even lesser developed countries like say thailand or sri lanka or malaysia. India makes life very difficult for outsiders in my opinion. As an Indian I don't see it but i know outsiders who do.

[MrBart629]

Good luck, I had the shits from being there for a month been there 4 times in my life so far, I love the culture but it's so different compared to a North American atmosphere very congested and noisy but at times you'll see beautiful things I hope to go to Egypt soon love the deserts

[GAURAV1140]

In India you have to punch your way inside the culture....you have to assert yourself.....u can see how an italian girl has risen in India to the throne...Sonia gandhi

[alaivani]

@GAURAV1140 "Punch your way inside [Indian] culture" I like this metaphor. Yes, this along with being assertive is especially important. I am finding I need to be MORE assertive in India than in my own country - USA- where it's assumed people are more assertive!

Jennifer Kumar

[popapape]

@alaivani : Remember all that you have taken for granted in USA it isnt in India. ITs too crowded and yes you have to Punch in some times through the crowd.

[alaivani]

@popapape Yes, you are right- due to population and different cultural expectations, we need different strategies to be 'successful' in the US and India. I have moved back to India for a second time after making this video, and have learnt a lot and yes, I agree, I have taken A LOT for granted in the US. Thanks for the timely reminder. Jennifer Kumar

[lekden1655]

i moved to canada few months ago from bangalore. i am learning from your experiences.

[alaivani]

@lekden1655 I am happy I can share something that helps you. What in particular has been the most helpful tip from the video? What other tips not in this video have been helpful to you in adjusting to Canadian culture from India?

Jennifer Kumar, Cross-Cultural Coach

[lekden1655]

@alaivani hi may i add your fb to talk more.

[lekden1655]

hi i like your video on culture shock

[alaivani]

@lekden1655 Thank you. I'm interested in your experiences.

Jennifer Kumar, Cross-Cultural Coach.

[dernaren]

@alaivani I assume u live in TN. And if u don't mind me asking, u had any other problem adapting to their culture? btw i'm from Tn as-well!

[alaivani]

@dernaren Yes, there were easy adjustments and more difficult adjustments. Mostly the adjustments that dealt with my mindset and behavior were a challenge. I had some problems getting used to taking tests in India and also some of the rules of the classroom as in America it's much more relaxed. I also took time to get used to the heat! It's very hot in Chennai.

Jennifer Kumar, Cross Cultural Coach

[MrIndoCanadian]

@alaivani You can try living in mountaineous areas in India like Himachal Pradesh and so on.

[orangedac]

just be yourself and forget about all the assimilation.

[alaivani]

@orangedac I agree, if we are able to be ourselves, and be authentic, we will surely attract people to us that want to be friends and we will be successful. This is only part of the game in adjusting to life in a new culture or in a new social group however. We have to learn the social rules, cues and behaviors to be successful as well. The key is being able to integrate these into our already authentic selves. This has been my experience. Thank you for watching my videos.