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What's it like for an American in India? What cultural differences should one be on the look out for? How important is the language difference? Is it just an idea to visit and not to live for Americans? What's the crime like in India? The public transit/traffic (as in do you need a car)? The night life? The weather? The general attitude of the people over there? Things like that ... look forward to your input.
What's it like for an American in India? What cultural differences should one be on the look out for? How important is the language difference? Is it just an idea to visit and not to live for Americans? What's the crime like in India? The public transit/traffic (as in do you need a car)? The night life? The weather? The general attitude of the people over there? Things like that ... look forward to your input.
There will certainly be someone post who has spent a lot of time there.
I've spent a lot of time traveling to a lot of 'third world' countries, and met a ton of people who have been to India...
Generally they all say it's a completely differnent world with all different social norms, different everything.
Language barrier...not so much. Indians study English. Well, Britian was their colonizer, so they had to study English, and most still do. That being said, there are a lot of languages in India.
Living vs Visiting. I believe most people just backback travel around. That being said, some live there, like anywhere else.
Crime....from my understanding, you just get asked a lot for money - beggars, etc. But I think crime figures would be way lower.
Public transit. You definitely don't need a car. Every form of public transportation is around in all kinds of different forms.
Nightlife is almost non-existant...but I heard Mumbai has some clubs, but not much of anything.
Weather...hot. But northern India near the Himilayas, gets some winter. Generally India = hot.
What's it like for an American in India? What cultural differences should one be on the look out for? How important is the language difference? Is it just an idea to visit and not to live for Americans? What's the crime like in India? The public transit/traffic (as in do you need a car)? The night life? The weather? The general attitude of the people over there? Things like that ... look forward to your input.
It depends on a lot of factors, are you visiting or staying? Where are you going? Some parts of India are socially more conservative than others. Race and gender (YES, both will make a difference in the way you are treated-***especially if you are traveling alone***)? Naturally you're in an different country so the culture will be different, but that shouldn't be a bad thing. While educated Indians speak English-and the ones you are likely to interact with will speak some English, many many Indians do NOT. Don't assume everyone will understand you, especially if you are outside of the major areas. Also, just as there are differences between American English and British English, Indian English is slightly different as well. So you may still struggle a bit to understand some English speakers. Be patient with people (and with yourself). I know New Delhi has a decent transit system, and the rickshaws are quite cheap-though some will try to scam you when they know you're foreign. India is usually quite warm, but depending on the time of year they experience a serious rainy season. Be prepared for that because it POURS.
I am a US citizen of Indian heritage. Was born in India & lived/worked there for many many years.
If you are serious in visiting/living in India, then PM me - I will provide all the info you want.
India is a great country to visit or live in. You will enjoy the time you spend there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by star314
What's it like for an American in India? What cultural differences should one be on the look out for? How important is the language difference? Is it just an idea to visit and not to live for Americans? What's the crime like in India? The public transit/traffic (as in do you need a car)? The night life? The weather? The general attitude of the people over there? Things like that ... look forward to your input.
What's it like for an American in India? What cultural differences should one be on the look out for? How important is the language difference? Is it just an idea to visit and not to live for Americans? What's the crime like in India? The public transit/traffic (as in do you need a car)? The night life? The weather? The general attitude of the people over there? Things like that ... look forward to your input.
That's quite a lot that can't be answered simply. I've spent some time in India, including 1 time renting and living in a place for 6 months.
Americans are very outgoing and socially are freer, imo. This sometimes causes your friends to cringe a little, others not so much. There are a lot of subtle cultural things about India you just have to go thru to really understand. Its a learning process. People know you are from outside and Indians are very accepting and understanding. But remember India is very diverse. Every part of India is unique culturally. Its hard to classify India as one big culture. You'll find Los Angeles is different than New Orleans. But in India is way more diverse. Different languages. Different foods. etc.
Crime - petty crime is common. There are a lot of thieves there. Rape is also a problem in certain places. I've had more issues with thieves there than in Los Angeles where I live.
Public transit - buses and trains are all over. The more common ones you take, expect overcrowding like you've never experienced in your life Also taking a 3rd class train anywhere far will take foooorrreeevvveeerrrrr.... I spent 36 hours on a 3rd class train one time. It was torture, but laughable later on.
Indians are very generous. People are also on survival mode, so sometimes generosity is hiding another motive, mostly asking for money. When I actually lived in India I had friends there. That was a totally different experience than just backpacking around. I trusted my friends and we had some really good times together.
There are a lot of formalities in India, but its vast and you just have to learn it. But just be yourself and have a good time. Respect elders.
Its not a cheap destination as it used to be. I remember getting rooms for 40-50 rupees a night. Now they are 4000 - 5000 during the peak season. But if you stay outside the big foreign tourist areas during peak seasons and maybe stay in one area for a longer time it will cost less than living in the US, possibly.
If you are serious about moving there I would say go for it! I had some good times and some bad times. But I will say that my friends in India are still my friends and some of them I talk to all the time, including one friend I talk to almost every day. India is crowded and intense. But have fun
You are thinking too much. It hardly matters if you visit India or any country. There will be some problems like language, food and location. but it can be overcome if you have some to guide you.
I am a US citizen of Indian heritage. Was born in India & lived/worked there for many many years.
If you are serious in visiting/living in India, then PM me - I will provide all the info you want.
India is a great country to visit or live in. You will enjoy the time you spend there.
Hello Rohanbasrur,
My name is Dee, currently of New Orleans. My partner and I are planning to go to India within a year or so; hopefully to stay. There we would like to spend our time with ISKCON, volunteering etc. I know so little about India, though, that I hardly know where to begin.
I know english is popular there but I would like to be a little less the westerner and at least know a few phrases, but in which language(s)? I have many other questions. lol Any sage advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Dee
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Also taking a 3rd class train anywhere far will take foooorrreeevvveeerrrrr.... I spent 36 hours on a 3rd class train one time. It was torture, but laughable later on.
Hey thanks!
