Is the life of Indians students who settle abroad (US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand)? What’s their daily life like? Is it better?

There are three types of expatriates from India.

1. Unwilling to blend into the new country, acknowledge and adapt to the host country's culture.

2. Take the initiative to explore local neighbourhoods, natural endowments, historical monuments and contemporary festivals

3. Entirely westernised and have no connection whatsoever with being Indian.

To elaborate a little further, expats of first category tend to resist both internally and externally. This leads to friction, because they avoid seasonal happenings like Cherry Blossoms, Summer Exhibitions, Halloween, Christmas Market etc. They also find it difficult to adjust to local palate like coffees, sandwiches, pasta, burritos etc and are always on the hunt for Indian restaurants. Understanding the navigating jargon takes time, hence they avoid travelling alone (eastbound, transferring to streetcar etc). They also limit their shopping experience to malls, fast fashion and Walmart. Unfortunately, some also succumb to weekend 'drinks' parties.

The second category accepts and is on the look for local events and produce. They broaden their horizons to shop at local brands (Metro, Roots, Reitmans, Mark's). Apart from consuming wholesome Indians meals, they include local foods in their diet (brewing coffee, baking pies and cookies, salads etc). They also visit stores other than Walmart, such as Michaels, Ikea, Home Outfitters. They use public transport to it's fullest potential and even go beyond the usual 'downtown' like Black Creek Pioneer Village, Wilket creek Park, Evergreen Brickworks etc. They do not buy into the notion that social drinking is mandatory to fit into the community.

People of the third category are quite a sight to behold! Many a times, they are embarassed of their Indian lineage. They criticise all Indian systems, be it education, transport, traffic, healthcare, foods, hygiene, weather, clothing, mannerisms, or families. In my office, I overheard (she was quite loud) a woman speaking ill about Indian relatives, roadways, heat and everything Indian under the sky. They drive a car always. Walking is, as if, beneath their dignity. They make tea in microwave (it's true), eat frozen waffles and drink chocolate milk directly from the carton (eww!) for breakfast and speak only English at home too. They own all Apple gadgets and condemn all Indian brands, technology and the entire Indian social fabric.

Nikhil Dharwadkar, studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Source: Quora Digest