So, you've decided to take the plunge and move to India. Congratulations! This is an amazing country with so much to offer its residents. However, the process of relocating can be daunting, especially if you're doing it on your own. That's where India Relocations comes in. We're a packing and moving service that specializes in helping people relocate to India. We'll handle all the logistics for you so that you can focus on enjoying your new home.
Beauty of India
There are many reasons why people choose to relocate to India. The country is rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. But one of the best reasons to move to India is the beauty of the country.
From the stunning Himalayan mountains to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India is a land of incredible natural beauty. And with so many different regions to explore, there’s always something new to see.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, work, and enjoy the outdoors, India is the perfect destination. With its diverse landscape, work opportunity, and abundance of wildlife, there’s no shortage of places to go on safari or trekking adventures. And when it comes to beach holidays, there are plenty of options along India’s coastline.
Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city or escape to a quiet corner of the country, India has something to offer everyone. So if you’re thinking about making a move, be sure to add India to your list!
Demographics of India
Since the dawn of time, millions of people around the world have been curious about India.
The population of India is young. Both its birth and death rates are close to the global average. More than half of the population is under the age of 30, and less than a quarter is 45 or older. Men have a life expectancy of about 68 years and women have a life expectancy of about 70 years.
India Facts:
Full country name: | Republic of India |
Area: | 3,287,590 sq km (1,229,737 sq mi) |
Population: | 138 crores (2020) |
Capital city: | New Delhi |
Language: | Hindi, English |
Government: | Federal Republic |
President: | Smt. Droupadi Murmu |
Major industries: | Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry, fish, IT, BPO, Softwares |
Major trading partners: | US, Hong Kong, UK, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Saudi Arabia |
Time: | GMT/UTC plus five hours 30 minutes |
Weather
India's climate is fairly warm, with an average yearly temperature of 30 degrees, yet there aren't many months that are really tropical and humid. Throughout the year, it is warm to hot and inviting to take a bath in the 28 degree water on average. Rajasthan is the hotter and rainiest region of the nation. Jammu & Kashmir is the coldest. The greatest time to travel is from November to April because there is less rain. The months of June through September have the most rainy days.
Indian Food
Indian food is designed to be consumed communally in small groups until everyone is completely satiated. A platter of food known as a thali will be used to serve all of your dishes to you at once. A thali is a big platter used to serve every dish at once. Some dishes are sweet and mild, while others are sour and scorching. Since many Indians have numerous smaller meals during the day, most dinners are served later in the evening. The menu features everything from straightforward vegetarian meals to exotic dishes that are rich in texture and flavour. Whether a meal is simple or sophisticated, it is planned and prepared with great care.
What you should know before you negotiate
Always present your business card. It is not necessary, however, to have it translated into an Indian language. It's usually helpful to have an Indian intermediary. For example, you can bring an Indian colleague.
Another option can be to hire someone whose knows how to manoeuvre within India's intricate bureaucracy and get the necessary papers signed and stamped.
95% of the Indian Business Community are these three communities:
Very rarely will you find Muslims in the legitimate business community. Sikhs and Christians are there but in small proportions.
Sindhis, Marwaris and Gujratis are further subdivided into lots of castes and dietary habits change substantially.
In India, "outside" information and new concepts will be accepted only if they do not contradict prevailing religious beliefs and social structures.
Indians tend to think associatively, largely because the country's educational system places a heavy emphasis on rote learning. Indian business people with a higher education, however, are often more abstract, analytical thinkers.
In Indian business culture, perceptions of the truth tend to be guided by feelings; a strong faith in religious ideologies is also common. An argument appealing to both feelings and faith will often be more convincing to an Indian than one using only objective facts and empirical evidence.
The caste system remains one of the most important influences in Indian society.
Most of the business in India is Family oriented, so you may negotiate with the siblings, but the final say will always be the head of the family.
In India everything has to be bargained, always deal with multiple business from different castes and you will get more realistic prices.
Although technically there is equality under the law, inequality between the castes is an accepted reality of Indian life. Because of the strong, coherent, social structure there is little anxiety about life because one knows and accepts one's place in society and the workplace.
Each employee plays a role in the organization; often the role is as important as the actual work the person may perform. The hierarchical nature of Indian society demands that the boss is recognized as the highest individual in authority.
In some offices, employees may rise each time the boss enters the room to acknowledge respect.
Employees do as they're told; even if they know the boss is wrong, they won't argue.
The boss makes all of the decisions and accepts all of the responsibility. Consequently, you'll often find that subordinates are reluctant to accept responsibility.
Because so many pressures are placed on the boss, qualified Indian employees often do not seek such positions of leadership.
Success and failure are frequently attributed to environmental factors.
Whenever you are convinced that you are right, insist that whoever objects accepts in writing the full responsibility for the consequences of not following your instructions. Staff members are usually so reluctant to accept responsibility that making this demand usually ensures that your wishes will be respected.
It is important to insist that employees write instructions down or for you to distribute written instructions, so that no one can later deny being informed of them.
The best policy is to create a "paper trail" by circulating reports and memos, even to people not directly affected, so that staff members can't claim that you didn't inform them. Complaints, requests, and decisions of any kind should be given in writing.
A business traveller who is a boss will be forgiven most lapses in etiquette.
But even the slightest physical altercation, such as shoving or grabbing someone by his or her shirt, is unacceptable. Lose your control and you will automatically lose authority of any kind.
It will be in your best interests to mask any hostile feelings with a smile.
Interpersonal skills such as the ability to form friendships are sometimes considered more important than professional competence and experience. Nevertheless, there is a deep respect in this culture for university degrees.
Indians are generally too polite to directly answer "no."
Since the word "no" has harsh implications in India, evasive answers are considered more polite.
For example, if you have to decline an invitation, it's more acceptable to give a vague and noncommittal answer such as "I'll try" or "We'll see" rather than "No, I can't."
If you are the boss, it's often your presence that's important, so that the negotiations can take place at the top level.
Because of the rigid hierarchy in Indian business culture, a subordinate will be able to meet only with a subordinate. Once you have gained access to the necessary senior contact, however, the two of you may need only to exchange pleasantries while your assistants concern themselves with the details. At this stage, allow your Indian counterpart to do the talking.
Business in India is highly personal. It is also conducted at a much more leisurely pace than in the United States.
Hospitality is an intrinsic part of doing business in India; most business discussions will not begin until tea is served and there has been some preliminary "small talk."
When refreshments are offered, it is customary to refuse the first offer, but to accept the second or third. To refuse any beverage will only be perceived as insult.
Talking about your friends and family is an important part of establishing a relationship with those involved in the negotiating process. Indian businesses are often run by families. Within family-run businesses, there is a common belief that people outside of the family are not to be trusted.
Often, no one else is allowed to do the work when the head of the family is away. The head of the family usually keeps firm control by limiting information, even with his own family members. Expect Indian negotiators to be shrewd at the bargaining table. Although it's necessary to obtain good legal and tax advice before proceeding with negotiations, you will have to be flexible and not appear too "legalistic" during negotiations.
You will have to be prepared to offer competitive technology packages with close technical follow-up, if your business deals with these concerns. The technical assistance you are willing to provide and how effectively you can train your client's employees will be key considerations in the decision.
Delays are inevitable and must be expected, particularly when dealing with government bureaucracy. The Indian government is notorious for moving at a slow pace, and communication within the country is often a challenge. You will have to be patient and set aside any unrealistic expectations regarding deadlines and efficiency.
There are some foreign women in responsible positions working in India.
In Indian business culture, any final decision must be in accordance with the family, group, and social structure.
Entertaining for business success
Business lunches are preferred to dinners.
A visitor to India will probably receive a deluge of social invitations, even from minor acquaintances and total strangers!
People will sometimes urge you to "Drop in anytime." Consider this a genuine invitation. It's still the best policy, however, to phone ahead before visiting--particularly if it's someone you've just met.
If you are invited to a dinner, arrive a few minutes late unless it is an official function. If the dinner is in a home, you should arrive 30 to 60 minutes late. Remember in Indian home and parties liquor/ alcohol is served first and food is served later and could be as late at 11 midnight, so be prepared before for this. Indians drinks first then eat.
Once you arrive at an Indian home, you will sometimes be adorned with a garland of flowers, which you should remove immediately as a sign of humility.
Remove your shoes before entering an Indian home.
According to Indian custom, the guest is regarded as a kind of god and must be welcomed as such. As a guest, any mistakes in etiquette will be forgiven and never brought to your attention.
Muslims, as well as Hindus, generally keep their women within the confines of the kitchen, although this practice is less pronounced among Hindus. In modern homes you will find ladies sitting and enjoying with everyone, in these houses drinking and smoking is not treated as taboo. In most of the Indian homes inspite of having air-conditioned smoking inside is accepted. No one goes out to smoke.
Businesswomen can take Indian businessmen out for a meal without causing awkwardness or embarrassment to the men. A male guest, however, may insist on paying for the meal.
Washing your hands both before and after a meal is essential. Moreover, in Hindu homes, you will also be expected to rinse out your mouth. Eat only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. It's considered acceptable, however, to pass dishes with the left hand.
Touching a communal dish with your hands may cause fellow diners to avoid it.
Never offer another person even a spouse food from your plate. This practice is regarded with disgust in Indian culture.
Do not thank your hosts at the end of a meal. Saying "thank you" for a meal is considered insulting because thanks are perceived as form of payment. Instead, offer to reciprocate by inviting your hosts out to dinner. This invitation will signal that you value the relationship you have established with your hosts.
Over tipping is discouraged. In better restaurants, 10% is a sufficient tip, if the service charge hasn't been added to the bill. Tipping in India is used not only to reward competent service, but to ensure that "things get done"; the term "baksheesh" is defined by both of these practices. Discreet and strategic use of "baksheesh" will give you access to increased privileges, such as getting a seat on a train that is officially "sold out."
If you stay overnight in an Indian home, you may not always have your own room. The "guest room" is a concept known only to the very rich. In most middle-class homes, the bedroom is wherever the bedding is rolled out.
When you stay in a house with servants, and the servants have had extra work because of your presence, it is an appreciated and thoughtful gesture to give them money as a gift when you leave. Nevertheless, consult with your hosts and let them tell you the appropriate amount to give. Giving too generously, in relation to the servants' monthly pay, may put your hosts in an awkward position.
When you are hosting a social event, every guest should be contacted personally by phone, even if you have already sent a printed invitation. Be aware that Indian guests will not always "R.S.V.P." or turn up after insisting that they will be attending. you may also expect guest walking with their friends or relatives.
Invitations should be sent out early, and phone calls should come closer to the party day.
Although orthodox Muslim women are usually kept hidden from the view of men, husbands should nevertheless be invited to bring their wives to a social function.
Some guests bring their own guests; you will have to be accommodating.
If guests are late or come with friends (or aged relatives or strangers picked up off the street), or don't come at all, your warm and gracious manner must not change. You should consider the informality of your Indian guests as a compliment, rather than as a sign of bad manners.
Since it's so hard to predict when guests arrive, and how many of them there will be, it is sensible to decide for a buffet rather than a formal "sit-down" dinner.
A variety of catering services are available if you don't want to cook. Some restaurants and hotels also cater, or you can host parties on their grounds.
Lamb, chicken, and fish are the meats eaten by all Indians who are not vegetarians.
The food at the buffet table should be clearly labelled so everyone finds it easy to decide what they can eat. Ensure that you have plenty of vegetarian dishes.
Dietary Restrictions
Serving Alcohol
Making appointments
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
General Guidelines
Appreciated Gifts
Respectfully addressing others
General GuidelinesHindu Naming Patterns
Muslim Naming Patterns
Sikh Naming Patterns
Acceptable public conduct
Although you'll observe abundant sexual symbols in Indian society, this does not mean that public intimacy is tolerated.
Never try to talk to a woman who is walking alone.
Indians of all ethnic groups disapprove of public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex. Refrain from greeting people with hugs or kisses.
The majority of Indians are Hindu. Most Hindus avoid public contact between men and women. Only Westernized Hindus will shake hands with the opposite sex.
A minority of Indians are Muslim. Traditionally, there is no physical contact between men and women. Moreover, if a religious Muslim male is touched by a woman, he must ritually cleanse himself before he prays again. Consequently, women should not offer to shake hands with Muslim men (nor should men offer to shake hands with Muslim women). If a Westernized Indian, however, offers to shake hands, you should do so.
Other Indian religious groups, such as Sikhs and Christians, will also avoid public contact between the sexes.
In large cities, men and very Westernized Indian women will offer to shake hands with foreign men and sometimes with foreign women. Western women should not , however, initiate handshaking with Indian men. The traditional Indian greeting is the "namaste." To perform the "namaste", hold the palms of your hands together (as if praying) below the chin, nod or bow slightly, and say "namaste" (nah-mas-tay).
This greeting is useful for foreigners in any circumstance in which a handshake might not be appropriate. Moreover, it's a sensible alternative to a handshake when a Western businesswoman greets an Indian man.
The comfortable standing distance between two people in India varies with the culture In general, Hindu Indians tend to stand about 3 or 3 1/2 feet apart.
While travelling in public transportation in India, never keep your purse in your back pocket, and avoid carrying a purse at all if possible.
To beckon someone, you hold your hand out, palm downward, and make a scooping motion with the fingers. Beckoning someone with the palm up and wagging one finger, as in the United States, will often be perceived as an insult.
Standing tall with your hands on your hips--the "arms akimbo" position--will be interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.
Pointing with your finger is considered rude; Indians prefer to point with the chin.
Whistling under any circumstances is considered rude and unacceptable.
Winking will usually be perceived as either an insult or a sexual proposition.
In India, grasping the ears signifies sincerity or repentance. Since ears are considered sacred in India, pulling or boxing another person's ears is a grave insult.
Feet are considered unclean, so never point your feet at another person. You will be expected to apologize whenever your shoes or feet touch another person.
To tip a taxi driver, simply round off the fare.
When making purchases at a store, your change is simply placed in your hand, without explanation of the amount.
Keep plenty of small change on hand, as street merchants and taxi drivers will often claim that they don't have change.
Expect a deluge of bicycles, motorcycles, and cars. When crossing the streets, you will have to be exceptionally careful and alert.
Giving money to a beggar will only result in your being pestered by dozens of them. The best policy is to avoid even making eye contact.
When walking past an Indian temple, keep your hands in your pockets. If your hand is free, a stranger may offer to shake your hand. This is a scam often used by street merchants who quickly slap a temple bracelet on your outstretched arm. You will then be expected to pay for the bracelet.
Beware of charming Indian con-men. One common scam occurs during long lineups for train tickets or similar items. For example, a man behind you engages you in friendly small talk. He then suggests that if you give him the money, he can get you a train ticket quickly, through one of his connections.
He may insist, in the meantime, that you relax and have a cup of tea while he obtains your ticket. Needless to say, he doesn't return. Consequently, don't be naïve enough to give money to strangers in this or similar situations.
Guidelines for business dress
Men should wear a suit and tie, although the jacket may be removed during the summer.
Wearing leather (including items such as belts and purses) may be considered offensive, particularly in temples. Hindus revere cows and do not use leather products.
Businesswomen should wear conservative dresses or pantsuits.
Dresses should not reveal too much of the legs. Pants for women are also acceptable. On more formal occasions, however, if you decide to wear pants, they will have to be "dressy."
Indian women often wear a sari to special events; Western women can also wear saris. If you are considering wearing a sari, be aware that it requires practice to walk in one naturally and with confidence. Also, there is a belief among some Indians that saris often do not look flattering on Western women.
If you are a woman and decide to wear a sari, make sure that it is one appropriate for the occasion. And never boast that your sari purchase was a "bargain."
If you have Indian servants during your stay, they will probably invite you to weddings, naming ceremonies, and related events. For a Western female guest, it is appropriate to wear a sari on these occasions. Your servant hosts will interpret it as a gesture of good will and equality if you make the effort to wear an Indian costume.
Another common Indian costume that is perhaps a better option for Western women is the "Punjabi suit." It consists of loose pants and a long blouse. They are usually sold as a set, and are available in a wide variety of styles. You can also have them custom-made.
For men, most formal events in hot temperatures require a "safari suit", which consists of a short-sleeved shirt-jacket and matching pants.
In the winter, suits and ties are appropriate.
In Bombay, Calcutta , Chennai or any other coastal city during the monsoon, a shirt and tie is acceptable.
For casual wear, short-sleeved shirts and long pants are preferred for men.
Shorts are acceptable for men only when jogging; women who jog should wear track pants.
Topics of Conversation
General Guidelines
Talking about your friends and family is an important part of establishing a relationship with those involved in the negotiating process.
Conversation is considered an "art form" here; people will put a lot of time and effort into a discussion. This does not mean, however, that you should feel the need to "bare your soul."
Indians tend to be enthusiastic about discussing politics and religion. They enjoy opinionated conversations and don't necessarily want to hear only bland pleasantries from a foreign guest. Nevertheless, refrain from tackling these controversial subjects unless you are well informed.
As long as you know what you're talking about, you can air dissenting opinions freely. Otherwise, it will be in your best interests to remain silent, especially if the subject is India.
Welcome Topics of Conversation
Topics to Avoid
Required Documents
Insurance policy.
Customs Regulations
Dutiable / Restricted Items
If the total value of the above items exceeds RS 500,000,(approximately $12000) or items that exceed the one- piece limit will attract a duty of approximately 40.8%.
For more information, please visit https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/IN-India-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-summary.htm
General Precautions
Whereas in the majority of cases, a stay in India does not result in significant ill health, taking some precautions will avoid problems which would spoil your stay. Outside the major cities, the medical infrastructure may be rudimentary.
Pre-existing illnesses, long term medication
Take care to carry all your medications, plus some extra supplies in case your return is delayed. Do consult your GP before your holiday.
These give rise to around 1/3 of medical repatriations and may be serious. Remember that vehicles and roads in India are often in a bad state of repair and that driving standards are not always of the highest. So take care, especially in the evenings and at night. Wear seat belts. Helmets are mandatory with motorbikes.
If you need treatment, it is safer to take medicines by mouth than by injection if at all possible. Similarly, avoid blood transfusion unless in a life or death situation. This will avoid your contracting blood transmitted diseases.
Exposure to strong sunlight can result in unpleasant and possibly severe burns. Try and prepare your skin before you go and, in any case, avoid long exposure to sunlight. It is essential to use a high factor sunblock. Remember that the combination of heat, sunlight, dehydration can lead to sunstroke with potentially serious consequence.
Vaccination Requirements
There are no compulsory vaccinations required to visit India, however, depending on the length and conditions of your stay, the following vaccinations are recommended.
Tetanus and polio (with diphtheria if possible)
Essential
There are almost no contraindications
Viral Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B
Less Common Vaccines
Meningitis A + C
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
Malaria Prohylaxis
Risk
Prevention
Drug Prevention
Risk
Causes and Prevention
Treatment
Special Risks
Sexually transmitted diseases
Apart from AIDS, particularly in the larger cities, many sexually transmitted diseases would be an unpleasant souvenir to bring back from your holidays (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B).
Always use condoms
First Aid Kit
Around 55% of travellers per month of stay present with medical problems requiring treatment. So it is best to carry home remedies. Never buy medicines in the open air markets.
Medical emergencies : NA
Country telephone prefix : 91
International telephone prefix : 900
Police : 100
Fire Control Room : 101
Ambulance : 102
Centralised Accident & Trauma Services (CATS) : 1099
Ambulance Helpline , Delhi :1092
Women's Helpline, New Delhi : 1091
Women's Helpline, Anywhere in India : 181
Senior Citizen Helpline, New Delhi : 1091 , 1291
Anti-Obscene Calls Cell, New Delhi : 1091
Anti Stalking Cell, New Delhi : 1091
AIDS Helpline Anywhere in India : 1097
Medical Helpline, State-Andhra Pradesh :108
Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Goa,
Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka,
Assam, Meghalaya,
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
Relocating Kids
Successfully relocating kids internationally can be as much an attitude of mind as it is practical logistics.
Getting the practical aspects of the move to go smoothly and calmly is important in helping children make the necessary adjustments. Planning the shipment of personal belongings and pets, the leaving of one home, traveling to a new country and then settling into a new home, country and school are separate issues whose individual aspects must be addressed from a child's point of view.
Children can form negative perceptions of any part of a move, not just from what they hear from their parents and friends, but from what they do not hear.
Common concerns children have about an international move can be :
Involving the children in the processes of moving can go a long way to relieving some of these concerns and explaining to them what is happening and going to happen can relive others.
When parents present a positive, but realistic, attitude towards a move, children will feel much happier too; they can easily pick up and adopt their parent's negative attitudes.
The practical aspects of moving that directly affect children are discussed below. Addressing each, in consideration of an individual child's needs, will help them relocate successfully.
Shipping
Shipping as many of a child's personal possessions as possible will help them settle quickly into their new home by providing them with familiar objects and toys with which to personalize their new room. Providing personal photos and photo albums for children can also be helpful for reassuring them that their friends and relatives are not gone and forgotten.
When children can see their belongings being packed and placed in the lorry, they can more readily accept they will see them again. If they have also seen a removal lorry delivering a shipment to a neighbour’s house they can be more confident that the lorry with their shipment will do the same too.
Leaving and Closure
Saying goodbye is important for children. They need to know that friends and relatives will not forget them, and are waiting for them to return, either for visits or permanently.
It might be painful at the time of the good-byes, but in the long run it can leave children more comfortable with the thought of being away from home.
Traveling
If it is necessary to fly to the destination, tips to help families do so can be found in our section Flying with Kids.
Arriving and Settling-In
Schooling
For expat parents, the decision on whether primary childcare of pre-school children will be done by a parent, domestic employee or day-care centre is made harder by the addition of factors that really only occur when the family is abroad.
If one parent has fulfilled the primary childcare role before the move, they may be happy to continue doing so afterwards. However, in some countries it is not common practice for expat parents to do this as most families employ full-time domestic staff. In these circumstances it can be difficult for an expat caregiver to integrate into the group of caregivers because of language difficulties, or because the caregivers perceive the expat to have a different social status and thus remain detached.
Other expats, who employ full-time staff, may also not 'approve' of an expat who looks after their own children, which can make it difficult for the care giving expat to mix with other expats during the day.
When both parents have worked before the move, it can difficult for one to adjust to staying at home and assuming full-time childcare duties. If expat childcare in the host country is also commonly carried out by domestic staff, there may also be the problems discussed above.
When considering the employment of domestic staff for childcare duties, expat parents need to consider how they will communicate with the caregiver, what language the caregiver will use with child, as well as the cultural attitudes of the caregiver towards diet, health/safety, behaviour and discipline.
If the family is planning to stay in the country for an extended period of time, a local caregiver can in still knowledge of the language from an early age and the child is likely to grow up bi-lingual, though if both parents work long hours the child's native language ability may suffer.
Cultural attitudes towards childcare vary enormously and in some countries expat parents need to be firm in laying down ground rules with an employed caregiver. Areas of concern can be the provision of acceptable activities for the child, when it is safe for the child to go outside (in some countries children are never taken outside to play during the winter), television viewing and diet.
The availability of day-care facilities varies from country to country, as does the quality. They also split into two general categories; local and international.
Local facilities will usually use the local language and most of the staff and children will be local nationals. An expat child in such a centre will be immersed in the local language and culture.
International facilities usually use English as the medium of instruction and can be of a standard and quality comparable to the best in Europe or North America. Some staff may be native English speakers, though there will probably be local staff too. Local children are often enrolled in such facilities, by parents anxious for their children to grow up bi-lingual.
Whether the centre is local or international, expat parents should take care to find out as much as possible before enrolling their children. A meeting with staff and a visit during school hours is important, as is talking to parents of children who have attended the centre.
Most expat children attend what are commonly referred to as international schools. These have been set up to provide quality education, in English, to children of many nationalities.
Within the broad umbrella of international schools are 'American', 'British' and 'International' curriculum schools.
At elementary and middle school level, there is not much to choose between them in terms of curriculum and teaching style. At high school level the curricula vary greatly.
American curriculum schools aim towards Standardized Assessment Tests (SATs) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These are the most common exams used to assess students for entry to American universities. At high school level students usually study a broad range of subjects until they graduate. For students who are likely to transfer back to America, or another American overseas school, accreditation by one of the US agencies or the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) can be important.
British curriculum schools generally follow the British National Curriculum and students study for the GCSE and Advanced ('A') Level examinations. Accreditation is not seen as so important by many of these schools, though they can be among the best of the international schools. Students generally study at least 8 GCSEs and 3 or 4 'A' levels.
In many countries there are also German, French, Pakistani and other nationality schools, sponsored by governments and organizations, which provide the standard education of that country.
International curriculum schools are usually members of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), based in Switzerland. IB school may follow any, or all, of the Primary Years, Middle Years, or Diploma programs. Many also offer IGCSE courses (the international version of the GCSE exams). The IB Diploma program is a demanding multidisciplinary course that can be taught in English, French or Spanish, though most use English. The IB diploma is widely recognized for entry to universities around the world.
Local schools are another option for expat children, though parents should consider difficulties that the language of instruction and the content of the curriculum may pose for their child. For younger children a local school can be a good way for them to learn the local language.
Whichever school is chosen, the suitability of the school, both socially and academically, for the child should be considered. Also, important to consider is where the child will go when they leave the school (another school, university, etc.) and whether the curriculum will help or hinder that future move.
To determine the quality of a school, parents should ask as many questions as possible of the school, parents of children who have attended it and expat staff at their embassy.
To find an international school in your destination country, see our directory below:
American Embassy School |
|
Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110 021, India |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 11 2688 8854 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
3-18 |
FEES : |
Pre-Kindergarten : US$ 18,037 KG-Grade 5 : US$ 24,056 |
American International School Chennai |
|
100 Feet Rd, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113, India |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 44 2254 9000 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
3-18 |
Nationalities: |
24 |
Fees: |
For fee information, contact admissionsdirector@aischennai.org. |
American School of Bombay |
|
SF2, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex Road, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 22 6772 7272 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
3-19 |
Nationalities: |
50 |
Fees: |
Day only: US$ 3208-US$ 17208 |
Other Fees: |
|
FEES: |
Registration US$1,000; Capital levy Pre-K |
Bangalore International School |
|
Hennur Bagalur Road, Kothanur Post, Banjara Residency, Geddalahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 80 2846 5060 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
3-17 |
Fees: |
Not publish on website |
Calcutta International School Society |
|
724, Anandapur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 33 6500 4702 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
4-18 |
Fees: |
http://www.calcuttais.edu.in/images/Fee%20Structure%202018-19.pdf |
Canadian School of India |
|
4 & 20, Manchenahalli,, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 80 2343 8414 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
2.5-19 |
Nationalities: |
40 |
Fees: |
S$2,500.00 |
Hebron School |
|
Nilgiris, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001, India |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 423 222 5820 |
ENROLMENT: |
India International School |
|
Opposite VT Road, Shipra Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 141 278 6402 |
ENROLMENT: |
|
Age Range: |
4-18 |
Fees: |
http://www.iisjaipur.org/Fee-Structure_PDF.pdf |
International School of Hyderabad |
|
c/o ICRISAT, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 502324 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 40 30713865 |
Fees: |
http://www.ishyd.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ISH%20School%20Fees%202014-15.pdf |
Kodaikanal International School |
|
Seven Roads Junction, Club Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101 |
|
Tel : |
(+91) 4542 247 500 |
Fees: |
https://www.kis.in/admissions/fee-schedules/ |
Mahindra United World College of India |
|
Village Khubavali, P.O. Paud, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra 412108 |
|
Tel : |
097644 42752 |
E mail: |
info@muwci.net |
Web site: |
www.uwcmahindracollege.org |
Mallya Aditi International School |
|
Behind NIPCCD building, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560106 |
|
Tel : |
080 4044 7000 |
E mail: |
maisadmn@aditi.edu.in |
Fees: |
http://www.aditi.edu.in/admissions/ |
Mercedes Benz International School |
|
P-26 MIDC Phase 1,Rajeev Gandhi Infotech Park,Hinjawadi, Pune – 411057 |
|
Tel : |
+91 – 20 42954444 |
E mail: |
admissions@mbis.org |
Web site: |
https://www.mbis.org |
Fees: |
https://www.mbis.org/admission/fee/ |
Pathways World School |
|
New Delhi, 2, Hemkunt Colony, Greater Kailash, New Delhi - 110048 |
|
Tel : |
0124 487 2000 |
E mail: |
swati.gomber@pathways.in |
Web site: |
https://www.pathways.in |
Fees: |
https://www.pathways.in/Home/admission |
The British School |
|
Dr Jose P Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 |
|
Tel : |
011 4066 4166 |
Email : |
thebritishschool@british-school.org |
Fees: |
https://www.british-school.org/Admissions-FeeStructure |
The International School Bangalore |
|
NAFL Valley, Whitefield-Sarjapur Road, Near Dommasandra Circle, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562125 |
|
Tel : |
080 2263 4900 |
Email : |
school@tisb.ac.in |
Website: http://tisb.org |
|
Total Enrolment: |
http://tisb.org/admissions/ |
Woodstock School |
|
Tehri Road, Landour, Near Landour Community hospital, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179 |
|
Tel : |
0135 661 5000 |
Email : |
admissions@woodstock.ac.in. |
Website: |
https://www.woodstockschool.in |
Fees: |
https://www.woodstockschool.in/fees/ |
Ecole Française Internationale |
|
Ashishwang Bungalow, Plot No.72, Pochkhanwala Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, Mumbai |
|
Tel : |
(0)22249 08801 |
Email : |
admin@efib.in |
Website: |
www.efib.in/en/ |
Fees: |
http://www.efib.in/admission/ |
Ecole Française |
|
2 Aurangzeb Road - - New Delhi 110011, India |
|
Tel : |
+91 113041 9550 |
Email : |
contact@lfidelhi.org |
Website: |
https://lfidelhi.org/ |
Fees: |
https://lfidelhi.org/admission-apply/tuitions-and-fees/ |
Lycée Français |
|
12, Victor Simonel St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 |
|
Tel : |
0413 233 5831 |
Email : |
proviseur@lfpondichery.net |
Website: |
http://www.lfpondichery.net |
Fees: |
http://www.lfpondichery.net/web/index.php/en/about-us-menu/applying |
Culture Shock
Culture shock is an integral part of relocating; everyone suffers from it to some extent. The term 'Culture Shock' can be misleading, as it is not only the different culture of the host country that can be unsettling. Instead of the label culture shock, try considering the phrase, 'stress and anxiety resulting from unfamiliar surroundings'. When moving abroad, not only the predominant culture of the people and city around you changes, there is often a lifestyle change for the family too: apartment living instead of a house with a garden, a private school instead of a state school, increase in disposable income, domestic staff being employed in the home, only one parent working. Even if you can buy recognizable and favourite food items in the host country, there are likely to be changes to taste, quality and price due to local climatic conditions, production and preparation methods and the cost of importing. These lifestyle changes can be as difficult for a family to adapt to as the cultural changes. The change in environment can lead children to become depressed, anxious, unhappy, badly behaved and physically ill. Advance preparation and introduction to the likely changes will mean that they are less surprising and ultimately less problematic. Introducing A New Country as Your Future Home
The best way to introduce children successfully to something new is to make it exciting. The following ideas can be used to prepare your children for an international move:
Post Arrival Strategies for Relieving Culture Shock
It is the unfamiliar aspects of a country that prompt the stresses of culture shock. For children it can seem that everything is different and unfamiliar. The language they hear around them and the signs they see are likely to be unintelligible. The buildings, shops, foods and restaurants can all look strange too.
By finding familiar shops, restaurants and foods, the enormity of the differences will lessen for children. A visit to McDonalds may not be top of the list for adults as a place to eat in Paris, but for children it can be a welcome reassurance that everything they knew has not disappeared.
Making contact with other children who speak their language - preferably those who like the country - will help children settle too. A peer that children can communicate with can help reduce loneliness and anxiety and provide explanations of and introductions to the new culture.
Activities and sports are useful for helping children settle in a foreign country. Football, horse riding, or any other activity that a child likes can give them something to look forward to and a place to make more friends, both local and expatriate ones. Attending a specific group activity eases the pressure of making friends, by giving the child a reason for being part of the group. It will also boost their confidence, encourage them to find positive aspects of the country and teach them, through host country friends, how to make the most of the country that is now home.
Language
A major cause of stress in a foreign country is the inability to understand what is being said and written. This lack of language skills can also make it more difficult to appreciate how to successfully live in a country. If the local language is not being taught in the child's school, consider private lessons.
Younger children pick up a language by assimilation. If you have local friends ask them to speak to young children in the local language, especially if you expect to be in the country for a few years. Continuous exposure to the language will help the child learn it and make their stay in the country much less frustrating and much more enjoyable.
The Cycle of Culture Shock
The effects of culture shock usually fade over time, especially with family support and encouragement to understand the differences met during time spent in a foreign country. Culture shock often follows a pattern of Euphoria (initial enjoyment of all the exciting new aspects of the country), Depression (when the negative differences overwhelm the positive ones) and Adaptation (as adjustment to the country is made). The time scale of this pattern varies for everyone and not everyone experiences all three. The most common time scale seems to be approximately a week of Euphoria, a couple of months of Depression and many months of Adaptation. Many expats feel that the first year in a country is one of ongoing adaptation and orientation.
However, culture shock can be cyclical, and expatriates find that it recurs over time, especially at certain times of year, no matter how long they stay in a country. Special holidays or anniversaries can reawaken aspects of culture shock and spark depression and frustration years after the move.
Children can experience this cycle too and they need ongoing support from their parents to benefit fully from the experience of living abroad.
Moving day is getting closer! Before you leave, many things need taking care of. You're worried about forgetting something? Well, don’t worry!
For your serenity and peace of mind, INDIARELOCATIONS has put together a detailed checklist. This checklist will help you plan all that you need to take care of whilst preparing your departure.
Moving minus 60 days
TRANSFERRED |
CANCELLED |
Clubs |
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Real estate contracts |
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Banks |
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Postal office |
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Cable/Satellite |
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Income tax office |
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Guarding corporation |
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Insurance |
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Phone corporation |
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Water |
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Schools |
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Electricity |
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Oil |
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Gas |
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Magazines |
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Health insurance |
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TV |
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Unions |
Moving minus 30 days
Moving minus 7 days
Moving minus 2 days
Moving day!
Put away all important documents and articles of value (passports, airline tickets, cash, travel addresses, destination country contact details, portable computers, phones, keys etc.), that you wish to carry personally. This will avoid having them packed accidentally.
Upon the arrival of the packing crew, you should go around your home with the crew foreman and point out all that needs to be packed. If you have any special requests; i.e. packing of your beds last, now is the right time to mention them.
There…you are now ready to move with total peace of min
Jet Lag
When you travel to countries located in a different time zone, the disruption of the internal body clock is called the "Jet Lag".
The symptoms vary according to the person: difficulty to concentrate, insomnia, sleepiness, digestive upsets, headaches, etc.
Many scientific researches have been conducted on the Jet Lag and even though the methods to avoid it are not universal, a mix of the following travel tips will at least help you arrive in good shape at destination.
Before the departure
During the flight
Upon arrival
Flying with Kids
A checklist of do's and don'ts for anybody going abroad :
Before departure
During the stay
Travel & Accommodation
Travel Management
We can assist in picking up right kind of travel agency (In India the normal practice to hire a car with driver) right hotels when you travel. Travel guidance for your children and other family members. Booking of Hotels, organizing parties.
Home Search
Cultural Orientation
Emergency Services
Necessary Services
Employing a servant, baby sitter, maids, chauffeurs, Gardener, security Guards etc are not the luxury like in many other countries, but the Expat community considers it as necessity. We shall get all the credentials checked and verified through Police or through other sources.