Foreigners find diversity in work abroad
If there are any residual doubts about foreigners happily taking up jobs in India, a chat with those in the country dispels them.
At the New Delhi offices of Technovate e-Solutions, more than 100 foreigners from nine countries work alongside 900 Indians carrying out sales, telesales and booking work for e-Bookers, the leading online travel agency in Europe.
'India is no longer seen as a hardship post. Instead of taking a gap year, these young people come and earn money, they can have long weekends in Goa, and they're working in an international atmosphere with international clients,' said Technovate chief executive Prashant Sahni.
People like Tea Westerlund, 35, from Finland, say they have come for the challenge and new cultural experience.
Initially planning a one-year stay, Ms Westerlund is now into her third year with Technovate, rising from sales agent to team leader.
'This experience will widen my career opportunities. Most people in Finland tend to stay there, so it is a big plus for me to have worked here,' she said.
'In the meantime, I'm being looked after - we get transport from the office to home and we've been put up in a nice guest house.'
Swiss Myriam Vock, 28, said she came to India to enhance her resume.
'I had no idea what to expect, but I realise I've become flexible and able to handle unusual or unexpected situations without getting fazed,' she said.
