Living and working in India

At GOOSE Recruitment we have been working with several Indian airlines to recruit for a variety of Pilot jobs. As a result, we have been speaking to Pilots from all over the world who are not only interested in the opportunities on offer but also the prospect of living and working in India.

If you have been considering a Pilot job in India but have questions about what it will be like living and working there, then look no further.

1. What is Indian culture like?

For those that may have concerns about there being a cultural shock attached to a move to India, your worries will soon be forgotten. India is well known for its warm and welcoming culture and there is typically a very hospitable attitude towards expats and tourists. India’s people are extremely friendly and there is a strong sense of inclusivity towards everyone. Indians are known for viewing family life as extremely important and pride themselves on being good hosts, which is great for anyone moving to India with a family.

It is no secret that India is a country that is famous for its vibrant and colourful culture. In fact, India has one of the oldest cultures in the world and takes influence from many different religions and traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and many more. Overall Indian culture is truly reflective of the diversity this county has to offer.

2. How can I get involved in the local community?

Indian culture is distinguishable through its people themselves, as well as dance, art, architecture, festivals and language. Its mixed culture makes India an incredible place to live, have fun and learn about both the old and new traditions that originate from a variety of places and religions.

Of course, there is no better way to get involved in the community than to fully immerse yourself in it, so make sure you attend at least one of the many festivals and celebrations India has to offer. Indians love celebrating and their festivals attract tourists from across the world. In fact, there are more than 40 festivals a year including, Diwali, Eid, Lohri, Pongal, Holi, Onam and much more.

3. What is the food like?

One of the things India is most famous for is its food. They have one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, varying from lentil dishes, curries, spices and stews, to endless rice delicacies and much more. Perhaps, what makes Indian Cuisine so famous is that its variety makes it appealing to everyone. Whether you are vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or have specific dietary requirements, the Indian diet can cater to your needs. Not to mention it’s delicious and inexpensive. If you aren’t keen on spices or just prefer a western diet, there are also restaurants and hotels that offer many different cuisines. For the most part, Indian cities typically have shops and local markets that sell international products and fresh groceries.

4. What is the weather like in India?

In general, India has a warm climate and temperatures remain hot from April to October but there are some places, such as the mountains and northern states of India that are a lot cooler. You will also need to bear in mind that India has a monsoon season and rainfall can get heavy. Therefore, from a practical side Pilots will need to consider that they will be taking off in both extremely hot and rainy conditions, which may take some getting used to. Nonetheless, this will be a great way to gain new flying skills and experience taking off and landing in a variety of weather conditions.

5. What are the living costs like in India?

The cost of living in India is considered to be extremely inexpensive. General outgoings such as accommodation and bills are low but remember that like anywhere in the world, prices will fluctuate depending on where you are. Largely, the cost of living is extremely low cost for things such as healthcare, shopping, eating out, entertainment and even education fees.

In addition, if good education is high on your priority list you will need to take into consideration that comprehensive education standards may differ compared to western countries. However, there are some great international schools located in every city and India is one of the cheapest countries in the world for Education.

6. Will I need to speak a local language?

The traditional language spoken in India is Hindi but only around 30% of the Indian population speak this, with the second most spoken language being English. Interestingly, unlike most countries, there are 37 different languages spoken across India and each Indian state has its own language. Therefore, if you speak English you will have no problem navigating your way around India and getting to know the local people.

However, if you fancy learning another language, why not sign up for a class? This is a great way to learn some local phrases, which will probably come in very handy when trying to get to know your new area.

7. What is there to see and do outside of Piloting?

Being such a large country, India has endless places for expats to explore. The first place to visit on many people's lists will be the famous Taj Mahal but if you are interested in architecture you won’t be short of other beautiful buildings and famous landmarks to visit.

For those that are keen to explore nature and see more of the outdoors, India can offer everything from cold snowy mountains to the desert and white sandy beaches. This is great if you want to take a holiday and visit a part of India that is completely different from where you are living. One of the best ways to travel India is by train and you can even bag a First Class ticket and travel in luxury for a very reasonable price.

Alternatively, if you want to find a hobby outside of work, why not take up one of India’s traditional hobbies such as yoga or dancing? People visit India from far and wide to try these traditions and finding a new hobby is a great way to settle in and meet people living in your local area.

For any keen shoppers, India is a shopping haven and it is easy to get lost spending hours exploring the well-renowned Indian markets where you’ll find everything from low-cost tailored suits, dresses and saris, to leather goods, homeware and much more. There really is something for everyone.

What do the GOOSE Recruitment Pilot Opportunities look like in India?

India has many airlines and GOOSE Recruitment is pleased to be working with many of them. If you like the sound of relocating to one of the most culturally diverse and exciting places in the world, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to speak to one of our specialist recruitment consultants to find out more about moving to India as a Pilot, please contact our team.