INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPAT: GET TIPS AND ADVICE FROM AN INDIAN EXPAT LIVING IN THE USA
Soumyajyoti B. is an Expat who moved to Florida, USA from India in 2014. Soumyajyoti moved to the United States with his children, and they are all enjoying the lifestyle America has to offer. Read about Soumyajyoti’s experience moving to the USA and learn what advice he has for future Expats.
Soumyajyoti B.
Q. DID YOU RELOCATE WITH FAMILY? CHILDREN? HOW ARE THEY ADJUSTING TO RELOCATING? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR NEW COUNTRY?
A. Yes with Children. They have all settled very well. They are enjoying their new school, friends and teachers. Above all they like the open space, cleaner air and wonderful weather.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. Everyday brought new learning experiences. Sometimes it can be challenging as things don’t always fall in line with expectations. However, I kept an open mind and looked at the positive aspects. I also spoke to my colleagues who relocated sometime back to get a better understanding from them and their learnings. That helped me plan better.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. The culture is very different, but it did not come to us as a shock since we were well prepared. We have embraced the new culture with open mind. The people here are helpful, also USA has lots of Indians around and hence finding people from one’s own country is never an issue. The Indian Community Center in Tampa Florida is a great resource for the expats coming from India.
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. Be well prepared, learn about the country and the processes/paper work needed. The more one plans, the better they are prepared. Be prepared that getting loans and credit cards in this country with out a credit history can be a big issue, hence please come well prepared with cash and credit cards from home country to tide over the first couple of months. Some financial institutions do provide credit to expats based on the income level and job. “Advancial” was one such institution that provided me great help in getting a credit initially.
