Gone are the days when foreigners come to India exclusively for tourism and short stays. With the boom in Internet-based
technology, several ventures and jobs are being outsourced here by various businesses and companies that are based in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Canada. In order to capture and retain talent, most of these companies prefer expatriates at middle-level management. Today, foreign entrants in India choose permanent residences, long-term stays and in-house residential workstations. In corporate sector, it is widely practiced that the overseas assignments in pleasant locations, including London, Paris, Geneva, Seattle, San Francisco and New York City are offered as a reward to outstanding employees. On the flip side, the positions in distant places are seen as dumping grounds for mediocre. However, the companies choose skilled professionals who can adjust in cross-cultural climate. Though, expatriate selection, training and support services are provided through the human resources department. But, ironically, instead of capitalizing strategic business opportunities and performing result-oriented operations, they get boggled down due to adjustment challenges in the host country. Social impediments in local setting are crucial for these individuals. The major areas of their concern include culture, climate, language, food, social security and health services. India is a diversified country with multicultural ethos. The country is divided into various states that have different traditions, customs, languages, racial distribution and food habits. Expatriates sometime may move from one region to another throughout the Indian soil for professional assignments and needs. Therefore, they experience trouble in dietary adjustment and personal interaction. In addition, proper education and upbringing for their children is a cumbersome task for them. There are few schools with international standards, as well as clubs for recreational activities. Expatriates often live in segregated compounds within social settings. They also have a little knowledge about cross-cultural initiatives taken by social organizations and government agencies. Thus, their participation in community-oriented programs is minimal. Night patrol, crime elimination, traffic management and neighborhood watch programs, initiated by local police do not fulfill requisite standards. Hence, safety concern among expatriates is obvious. Weather is another jostle to their worries. Bizarre heat in summers and excessive rainfall in monsoon is seen in central and north-western part of India. To avoid repatriation, they should mingle and interact with local population in addition to participation in social and cultural gatherings. Traditional infrastructure is passe. With the advancement in Internet-based technology in India, everything is just a click away.