What It’s Like to Be an Indian Expat

According to the UN Migration Report, there are 17.5 million Indian expats — the largest group of people who live outside their home country! This is great news for those who want to connect with other Indian expats when living abroad.

No matter where you are in the world, as an Indian expat you will most likely have a mix of experiences — from the excitement and novelty of learning the culture of your adopted country to struggling with the inevitable culture shock, with or without a language barrier. So, you may find it comforting to meet other Indian expats who can share information with you, like where to celebrate Diwali, or at least where you can find good Indian food.

How to Meet Other Indian Expats Abroad

Meeting other expats really helps with the settling-in process and can make you feel at home in your new destination a whole lot faster. Established in 2007, InterNations has become the largest expat network with more than 4 million members —with Indians making up quite a significant share! As a trusted community, InterNations offers events and activities that bring expats together, wherever they are in the world.

A fun and easy way to connect with other Indians abroad is by attending InterNations events! You’ll find a wide range of networking opportunities and activities tailored to your hobbies and interests, available both online and in person. The events have a laid-back vibe where you can exchange tips about expat life and make new friends.

A Few Facts about Indian Expats

InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, to answer questions such as why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.

Here are some of the things Indian expats shared about their experiences abroad:

• More than a quarter of Indian expats (2930%) were either sent abroad by their employer or were recruited internationally, compared with the global average of 21%.

• 76% of Indian expats are working full time abroad, compared with the global average of 57%.

• 25% of Indian expats have intend to livelived in their adopted countriesities for more than five years, compared with the global average of 19%, although only 22% think they will remain forever, whereas the global average is 33%.

• 37% of Indian expats are in senior or specialist job positions, compared to the global average of 29%. And 21% work in the IT industry, compared with the global average of 11%.

• 66% of Indian expats feel at home in their adopted countryity, which is nearly on parin line with the global average of 67%.