As part of the first instalment in my new Expat Series on Guests’ Corner, I chatted to blogger, Ninad Chitnis of Walk and Explore.
Originally from Mumbai, India, Ninad is a full-time engineer and part-time blogger who now calls Switzerland home.
Ninad is passionate about exploring new places and this is something he does whenever he has free time!
While Ninad loves his day job and would never do anything else, his blog, Walk and Explore, helps keep him sane and motivated. On his blog, he shares an interesting mix of thought-provoking content and beautiful imagery.
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Ninad on a few guest posts previously; you can read these here – or follow his blog for more of his writing! 🙂
1) Where are you originally from: That is, what is the country of your birth/home country?
I was born and raised in Mumbai, India.
2) What inspired or made you decide to move overseas to a different country and become an expat?
Originally, I moved for my Master’s studies. Zurich, Switzerland hosts one of the most prestigious science and technology universities in the world, ETH Zurich. So, when I was offered a place in the master’s programme, the choice was obvious.
During my Master’s, I enjoyed the proximity to the majestic Alps and the quality of life here and stayed on for work.
3) How long did it take to settle into life and routine in your new country? (Please also name which country it is/was.)
Since I came as a student, it was fairly easy to get into a routine packed with classes and assignments.
But to really settle into life in Switzerland took a few months. To get used to a different culture, make friends and develop a new comfort zone takes longer.
4) What was your most humbling or eye-opening experience about becoming an expat?
I was shocked the most by the use of first names. In India, this a strict no. Except friends, no one is
ever addressed by just their first names.
We either add an honourific after a name or use the person’s title, especially when there’s an age gap. So, seeing people address someone much older than them by name was surprising.
5) Worst experience or time as an expat in your new country? (If you are comfortable sharing.)
My worst time would be the limbo between university and work. Switzerland has strict rules for
employing foreigners – especially those from outside the EU.
It’s common for employers to reject applications from non-EU citizens without even considering them.
Perseverance and support from friends are what got me through this phase.
6) Would you ever consider moving back to the country of your birth – and please tell us why yes or no?
This isn’t something I have thought of yet. I only started working this year and for now, I’m happy here and keen on exploring Switzerland and other European countries.
7) Do you have any handy tips for expats who have just moved to a foreign country and are settling into life in a new land?
The most important tip is to start learning the local language. This helps everywhere, from making
friends to basic administrative stuff.
People like it when they see you are making an effort to learn their language and integrate into the society.
8) Do you ever regret leaving the country of your birth or do you feel it was the best move for your life/career?
It definitely was the best move for my career.
The degree opened many doors for me – and the confidence gained from building my life from scratch in Switzerland ensured that they stayed open. So, no regrets.
9) If you could take one thing from the country of your birth – what would it be?
I would take the festivals. In India, we celebrate different festivals in a very different manner than in Europe.
But, in Switzerland, I am usually working while it’s a public holiday back home.
10) Do you feel everyone, particularly travel bloggers, should live in a foreign country at least once in their lives and if so, when do you feel is the best time to do it?
An emphatic yes! My suggestion is to move when young; that’s what I did. I feel the experiences gained (would) set the tone for the future.
To read more about Ninad’s experiences and travels, you can visit his excellent blog or follow him on Instagram.
Thank you very much, Ninad, for appearing in this expat guest interview.
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