There was a time when going abroad used to be a luxury. However, crossing the seven seas has become very common nowadays. The large number of people flying to different countries on academic or work purpose bear testimony to this. Metrolife caught up with a few such people who have worked or are working abroad and asked them about their experience.

 Parag Barhate, a software engineer, spent three months in Mishima, Japan when he was working for Wipro. “It is a small town where people haven’t had much exposure to the outside world. However, they are familiar with Indians since at least 30-35 software engineers are present there at any given time,” says he. According to him, obtaining visas and immigration has become easier thanks to the companies that take care of everything. 
Agrees Deepali Kashyap, another techie who has been to the UK thrice in a span of two years. “The more often you go to these countries, the easier it is. But getting a visa for the US is difficult as compared to the UK,” suggests she. “Since I received a work permit for six months, I had no hassles at all.” 

While Shriram, working for a telecom major in the UK feels that immigration procedure have become stringent post 9/11. “As for me, it was not difficult because everything was taken care by the company. It takes a long time after you submit all the relevant documents since the Immigration Department of the particular country has to get back to you,” notes he.

However, going from an organisation is different as compared to going for a personal reason. Kiran N, a student of the California State University didn’t have as easy time as the techies since he had to make several rounds of the visa office. “You should  have the right documents,” advises he. “It also depends on your luck and the person issuing it. Sometimes it may take months while at times, it is issued in a matter of few minutes.”

What do these people think about the increasing number of people flying abroad? Shriram says, “A few years back, there was less awareness about studying or living abroad. With more people settling abroad, it has become easy for everyone.” Kiran on the other hand feels it is the increasing number of opportunities in courses like art and drama, that motivates students to study abroad.

English has broken all barriers feels Chitralekha Narayan, Global Head of Training at Athiya, a company that trains corporates,   “Everyone speaks English nowadays and parents prefer to send their children to English medium schools. This has certainly been the most important factor.”

Another factor has been the Internet, which presents a world of information and opportunities in front of the youth, according to Chitralekha. “The visa processing has also become simpler and loans are easily available suiting different needs.”