INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPAT: GET TIPS AND ADVICE FROM AN INDIAN EXPAT LIVING IN THE USA
Vinod N. is an Indian Expat, who relocated to Virginia last February with his family. He advises other Expats that having support in your new country is key to a successful transition. When asked about the challenges he and his family faced moving to the United States, he said even though they adjusted quite well, the first few months were the most challenging part of the relocation experience. Check out the top challenges that Vinod and his family faced.
Vinod N.
Q. DID YOU RELOCATE WITH FAMILY? CHILDREN? HOW ARE THEY ADJUSTING TO RELOCATING? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR NEW COUNTRY?
A. Yes…wife and one daughter. They are adjusting very well partly because we have had a very cosmopolitan and modern exposure to most things in life so it has not been a cultural shock.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. Initial months were challenging with bank accounts, social security, driving license, house hunting etc… All of which required a significant investment of time on my part.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. No, I have not found any helpful resources for expats except within the office.
Q. ARE THERE ANY TIPS YOU WOULD GIVE TO A FRIEND OR FELLOW EXPAT THAT YOU WISH SOMEONE SHARED WITH YOU BEFORE YOU BEGAN YOUR FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT/RELOCATION?
A. It is important to identify a buddy in the assignment location who can help with the transition process. For a new person the initial two to three months are the most challenging especially around food, housing and tax issues.
