An Honest View on India After 18 Years (American’s perspective)

Summary

Nicole, an American who has lived in India for 18 years, shares her journey of cultural adaptation, raising children, and balancing life between two countries. From adjusting to India's vibrant chaos to navigating the challenges of parenting, she reflects on the differences between Indian and American lifestyles. Nicole also discusses her YouTube journey, from skepticism to success, offering valuable insights into the complexities of content creation and monetization. Her story offers an authentic look at life in India, exploring the highs, lows, and unexpected joys of living in a foreign culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nicole has lived in India for 18 years and highlights the country's immense size and diversity, which continues to offer new learning experiences.
• 😀 Moving to India from the U.S. was a cultural shock for Nicole, particularly in terms of how chaotic yet controlled the environment is, with stark differences from her small town in the U.S.
• 😀 Building relationships in India, especially in a work environment, often revolves around food, with Nicole bonding with her colleagues by sharing homemade cakes and candies.
• 😀 Nicole's children are bilingual, learning both Telugu (their father's language) and English, with a focus on preserving their language skills during visits to the U.S.
• 😀 Nicole's approach to raising her kids in India involves balancing cultural differences, such as when her daughter wanted to wear western-style clothing, which created tension due to local cultural expectations.
• 😀 Nicole has had uncomfortable experiences with unwanted physical interactions in India, including incidents where people touched her hair or body, highlighting a cultural difference in personal space and boundaries.
• 😀 Returning to the U.S. for vacations is a mix of family bonding and work, as Nicole finds herself doing chores and errands during her trips, which she doesn't need to do in India due to the availability of help.
• 😀 One of the benefits of living in India is the affordability of household help (e.g., housekeepers, drivers), which allows for a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the U.S.
• 😀 Despite perceptions of India being cheap, living costs can quickly add up, especially when eating out frequently, ordering imported foods, or hiring multiple helpers. Nicole advises budgeting carefully.
• 😀 Nicole enjoys sharing her experiences on YouTube, initially starting her channel to fulfill her husband's wishes. Over time, she's grown to enjoy the creative process and has shifted to producing content about India's history and future developments.
• 😀 Nicole receives criticism from some viewers who accuse YouTubers of 'milking' the Indian audience for money, but she defends her content by emphasizing her deep connection to India and the value of offering a perspective from within the country.

Q & A

What was Nicole's initial perception of India before moving there, and how did it differ from reality?

Nicole initially prepared for her move by reading a book and watching videos about India. However, she found that nothing could truly prepare her for the reality of living there. She described India as 'controlled chaos,' noting the overwhelming size and diversity of the country, which became more apparent once she arrived and experienced it firsthand, including the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.

How did Nicole connect with her Indian colleagues in her first job in India?

Nicole connected with her Indian colleagues by offering food, especially sweets and cakes. She kept a candy dish at her desk to attract people to interact with her and later began baking cakes for team celebrations. Food became a key part of her social interactions, helping bridge cultural differences and build relationships.

What language is Nicole's husband fluent in, and how did they manage to ensure their kids remained bilingual?

Nicole's husband is fluent in Telugu, which was important to him for raising their children. To ensure their kids did not lose their fluency in Telugu, especially during their summers spent in the U.S., they maintained regular communication through FaceTime calls with their father and practiced speaking Telugu daily.

What are some challenges Nicole faced as an American raising a daughter in India?

Nicole faced challenges when her daughter wanted to wear Western-style clothing, like crop tops and shorts, which she felt were not acceptable in public in India due to cultural norms. Despite her initial concerns, Nicole realized that her daughter had a valid point—people would stare regardless of what she wore, leading her to rethink her stance on this matter.

What is Nicole's perspective on the cost of living in India for foreigners who expect to save money?

Nicole highlighted that many foreigners move to India thinking they can save money due to the lower cost of living, but they often find themselves spending more than expected. While services like house help are affordable, expenses can quickly add up, especially if one indulges in frequent dining out or maintains a lavish lifestyle.

How does Nicole compare her visits to the U.S. with her life in India?

Nicole enjoys visiting the U.S. to see her family but feels that she doesn't truly get a vacation there. She finds herself caught up in household chores and driving, which leaves her feeling exhausted. In contrast, living in India, she benefits from affordable help at home, which allows her more time to relax and enjoy life.

What is Nicole's opinion on YouTubers reacting to Indian culture without having been to India?

Nicole acknowledges that some YouTubers criticize her for 'milking' the Indian audience, but she defends herself by stating that she lives in India, is married to an Indian, and has direct experience with the culture. She differentiates herself from others who react to Indian content without ever having visited the country or formed an authentic connection.

Why did Nicole start her YouTube channel, and what content does she focus on?

Nicole started her YouTube channel at the insistence of her husband, who encouraged her to create a reaction channel about Indian content. Initially resistant, Nicole eventually embraced the idea and found it enjoyable. Her content focuses on Indian actors and entertainment, as well as more in-depth topics like India's history, future, and what makes the country unique.

What advice does Nicole have for first-time visitors to India?

Nicole advises first-time visitors to India to book a comfortable hotel, as the country can be overwhelming. She also suggests avoiding street food if prone to stomach issues, using reputable tour guides, and making sure all travel documentation, such as visas, are up to date. She also emphasizes the importance of managing expectations, especially around the cost of living.

How does Nicole describe the difference between living in India and the U.S. when it comes to work-life balance?

Nicole explains that life in India offers a more relaxed work-life balance compared to the U.S. In India, it's common to have household help, such as housekeepers and nannies, which frees up time for personal activities. In contrast, the U.S. often requires people to juggle work, household chores, and errands, leaving less time for relaxation or family time.