Adjusting to Life Abroad: 5 Cultural Tips for Indian Students 

In the recent years, we have seen hundreds and thousands of Indian Students going abroad to study. There is no doubt that the studying abroad experience opens a world of new and exciting opportunities. No matter what destination they choose, being an international student means also welcoming new challenges. If you are an Indian student heading to the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or anywhere else, this blog can be your guiding light to overcome some of the most common problems, such as Cultural Adjustment.  

Cultural differences can be a challenge, especially when you’re away from the familiarity of home. Indian families majorly adapt the collectivistic culture, while countries like the US, UK, and more follow Individualistic culture. Being an international Indian student can get difficult, but with the right tips, you’ll be able to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this blog, we’ll walk you through five essential cultural tips that will help Indian students adjust to life abroad with ease. 

1. Embrace the Local Lifestyle 

Imagine having to change your daily lifestyle and adapting to a completely new one. Seems quite scary, right? This is one of the biggest cultural shifts that you will face when you move abroad for your studies. From something as small as transportation to something as big as student accommodation, the local life will change a lot for you. 

Tip: The first step to adapting to the local lifestyle is to get involved in the community that is around you. Make friends, go try local foods of the city you are in, join the university clubs, visit the historical places, and keep an open mind to new experiences. 

For example, if you’re studying in the UK, you might notice that people value punctuality and tend to keep personal space. Similarly, in the US, small talk with strangers is common, and in countries like Australia, a casual, friendly attitude is often appreciated. 

2. Understand Social Etiquette and Communication Styles 

It’s time for you to understand how India differs from Western countries. For instance, Indians often rely on gestures and indirect communication. However, you will see that in the Western countries, their communication style is much more direct. For example, if you are studying in the UK, you may come across someone who says whatever they have in mind. It may come off as rude or blunt to you, but it’s simply their way of being clear and honest. 

Tip: Be mindful of different communication styles. If you’re in a new country, try to adjust your communication to fit in with local norms. If you’re not sure about how to approach someone or how to express yourself, observe others or even ask your peers for advice. 

Another important thing to do as an Indian student in overseas land is respecting their social etiquettes. Even if it does not make sense to you, you must not speak ill of their culture or country. And a pro tip would be to avoid topics of politics or religion, since they don’t really like discussing such topics in casual conversations. 

3. Develop Time Management Skills 

Indian students are more relaxed when it comes to time management. But this is another cultural adjustment they need to work on. While Indians have a calmer attitude towards punctuality, the Western countries are totally the opposite. They value time as a precious resource, and don’t like it when someone is not punctual. Whether it’s meeting on the decided time for lunch, submitting an assignment on time, time management is a must for Indian students. 

Tip: Get used to managing your time effectively. Make sure you’re always on time for lectures, meetings, and social events. Use a calendar or time management apps to keep track of deadlines and appointments. Learning to be punctual not only helps you fit into the local culture but also shows respect for other people’s time. 

Moreover, balancing and getting used to the sudden change in academic and social life abroad can get overwhelming. Therefore, having a good time management habit can help Indian students thrive in their new environment. 

4. Be Open to Diverse Friendships 

This one can actually be quite interesting and fun, if you look at this with an open mind. As an international Indian student, you will come across many students from different parts of the world. This can be both exciting and intimidating. While you may feel homesick and upset at first, you will get comfortable in a few weeks or a month. You may want to become friends with other Indian students, which is good. But don’t limit yourself to just Indian students, since you have the opportunity to interact and experience diversity. 

Tip: Make an effort to interact with people from different backgrounds. Take the time to engage with students from various countries and cultures. This will not only expand your social circle but also enhance your learning experience. Remember that many international students face the same challenges you do. So, be nice, and open to new cultures.  

5. Stay Connected with Home, but Don’t Isolate Yourself 

Being from a collectivistic culture, it is natural that you feel homesick quite often. Therefore, it is essential to stay in touch with your loved ones. Whether it’s your family, friends, partner or your furry friends, a video call every two days can ease your feelings of homesickness and anxiety. Fighting these feelings is tough when you’re away, but it is equally important not to isolate yourself from the new world around you. 

Tip: Use technology to stay connected, but make sure you’re also living in the present moment. Explore your new city, join campus events, and make new friends. Try not to interact with just other Indian students. Explore new cultures and lifestyles of people around you. While staying connected is important, balancing it with real-life experiences will help you adapt and grow. 

Conclusion

Adjusting to life abroad is a journey, and it’s completely normal to feel a little out of place in the beginning. But remember, these cultural differences are not obstacles—they’re opportunities to learn, grow, and become more open-minded. So, kickstart your study-abroad journey with these five tips!