Working abroad is a dream for many Indian graduates who aspire to gain international exposure, enhance their career prospects, and experience different cultures. However, working abroad also comes with its own set of challenges and problems that need to be considered before making such a decision. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges of working abroad for Indian graduates, and provide some tips on how to prepare for this opportunity.
Benefits of working abroad for Indian graduates
One of the main benefits of working abroad for Indian graduates is the opportunity to gain valuable international experience that can boost their resume and make them stand out in the competitive job market. According to a survey by InterNations, 59% of Indians working abroad relocated for their career, a much higher share than the global average (47%) . Working abroad can help Indian graduates develop new skills, expand their network, and learn from different work practices and standards.
Another benefit of working abroad for Indian graduates is the chance to broaden their horizons and enrich their personal and professional lives. Working abroad can expose Indian graduates to different cultures, languages, and lifestyles, which can help them develop cultural awareness, adaptability, and global perspective. Working abroad can also offer Indian graduates the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and meet new people.
Moreover, working abroad can offer Indian graduates better compensation and benefits than working in India. Depending on the country and industry, working abroad can provide Indian graduates with higher salaries, lower taxes, better health care, and more perks. Working abroad can also help Indian graduates save money and invest in their future.
Challenges of working abroad for Indian graduates
However, working abroad is not without its challenges and problems that need to be addressed before taking the plunge. One of the most significant challenges of working abroad for Indian graduates is the potential for culture shock and adjustment issues. Working abroad can mean leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings, and facing a new environment with different customs and social norms. This can be particularly difficult for Indian graduates who are not used to being away from home or who have limited experience with travel.
Another challenge of working abroad for Indian graduates is the language barrier and communication difficulties. Working abroad can require Indian graduates to learn a new language or improve their proficiency in an existing one. This can be challenging for those who are not confident or fluent in speaking or writing in a foreign language. Moreover, working abroad can entail dealing with different accents, dialects, idioms, and expressions that can cause misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Additionally, working abroad can pose difficulties in terms of work culture, work-life balance, and professional expectations. Working abroad can expose Indian graduates to different work styles, work ethics, work hours, and work regulations that may differ from what they are used to in India. For instance, some countries may have more formal or hierarchical work cultures than India, while others may have more flexible or casual ones. Some countries may have longer or shorter work days than India, while others may have more or less holidays or vacations. Some countries may have more strict or lenient labor laws than India, while others may have more or less protection or benefits for workers.
Tips on how to prepare for working abroad
Given these benefits and challenges of working abroad for Indian graduates, it is important to prepare well before making such a decision. Here are some tips on how to prepare for working abroad:
- Do your research: Before choosing a country or a job to work abroad, it is important to do your research on the potential opportunities and risks involved. You should research the country’s culture, language, economy, politics, safety, visa requirements, cost of living, etc. You should also research the potential employer’s reputation, work culture, compensation package, etc.
- Learn the language: If you are planning to work in a country where English is not widely spoken or understood, it is advisable to learn the local language or improve your existing skills. You can take online courses, join language classes, watch movies or shows in that language, read books or articles in that language, etc.
- Network with locals: One of the best ways to overcome culture shock and adjustment issues is to network with locals who can help you navigate the new environment and provide you with support and guidance. You can network with locals through online platforms such as social media groups or forums dedicated to ex-pats or Indians living in that country. You can also network with locals through offline channels such as joining clubs or organizations related to your interests or hobbies.
- Manage your finances: Working abroad can have a significant impact on your finances. You should plan your budget carefully and consider factors
