Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Mumbai, India

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Mumbai

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

No I did not.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

I speak one that some people speak, but not Hindi. I am planning on learning basic Hindi, but may not have time.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

No, but I am in extreme culture shock now.

GeoBlue

Learn MoreGet Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlue

Connect

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

Pretty bad. I cry a lot and wonder what I got myself into. I am opening up an office for my company in Mumbai. I'm 27, and feel very much out of place even though my parents were born in India and I have some family there.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

No. Never had the honeymoon phase, and I'm in the anger stage now.

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

homesickness....have never experienced that. Eat and drink much less. Am more angry and frustrated....but India is a pretty frustrating place for Westerners.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

how cheap it is?

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

how cheap it is, lack of respect for others, extreme inefficiencies, lack of cleanliness

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

not really

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

It's rough. Much easier to come to a country with a significant other, so you can share the highs and lows together. Wish I did that. Think long and hard before you move somewhere. I'm sure in the end it will be a growing experience, but not so happy about it now.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to India Network Contribute
Help others in India by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in India.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal