Many Indians move overseas filled with ambition — to study, work, reunite with family, or explore a better life. But have you ever wondered what daily life looks like for them?
In this blog, we explore the real-life experiences of Indians living in countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK — going beyond the glamorous image to highlight the everyday routines, challenges, and joys.
📅 Daily Life: Structured Yet Busy:
Indians abroad typically fall under categories like:
- Students
- Working professionals
- Dependents
- Parents visiting children
👉 Weekdays are busy:
- Professionals have tight schedules.
- Students attend university, followed by part-time jobs.
- Evenings are often consumed by errands, cooking, and rest.
👉 Weekends bring relief:
- Short trips, movies, meetups, and shopping provide a break from the weekday grind.
🚗 Transport: Adjusting to New Norms
Unlike in India where two-wheelers dominate, life abroad leans heavily on cars and public transport.
- Own vehicle = more freedom and flexibility.
- Public transport = affordable, reliable in cities, but with fixed schedules — especially limiting in suburbs and remote areas.
🍛 Food & Groceries: Simpler, Limited Options
The dining style abroad is often different from what Indians are used to.
- Two meals a day (lunch & dinner) are more common than three.
- Breakfast is usually light (toast, cereal, or coffee).
- Indian vegetables and spices may not be readily available, especially in smaller cities.
Frozen alternatives and Indian grocery stores fill the gap, but prices can be high.
🎓 Student Life: Challenging but Rewarding
Studying abroad isn’t always easy.
- Students often live in shared accommodations, work part-time jobs, and manage high tuition fees.
- Jobs may include roles at petrol stations, restaurants, delivery services, or customer support.
- The experience teaches self-reliance and time management and builds resilience for future careers.
❌ But not all stories are smooth: A few falls into online betting, gambling, or excessive spending, leading to debt, visa issues, or even academic dropout
👨👩👧👦 Life on Work, Dependent, or Visitor Visas
Individuals who travel on work or dependent visas — or parents visiting children — usually face fewer financial challenges but still need to adapt to:
- Cultural differences
- Colder weather
- Isolation, especially in non-urban areas
Having a few familiar faces nearby can make a big difference.
🎉 Celebrating Festivals Abroad
Across the world, Indians form strong community networks and celebrate festivals like:
- Diwali, Holi, Ugadi, Pongal, Eid, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and more
- Celebrations include potluck dinners, temple visits, and cultural performances
- These moments help preserve traditions, especially for second-generation kids growing up abroad
🫂 Final Thought
Life abroad can be exciting, but it isn’t without struggles.
Behind the selfies and scenic posts are stories of:
- Hard work
- Loneliness
- Cultural adjustments
- And the challenge of building a new life far from home
“No matter how far you travel, how much you earn, or how successful you become —
What truly matters is having people who care for you, especially when you need them the most.”
“Wherever you go, whatever heights you achieve,
Never forget to respect your roots, your culture, and your motherland.”