Ever wonder what it would be like to move to London for a year, leaving your friends, family and all things familiar behind? Desi Globetrotter interviews former expat Raman Dherari who made her travel dreams into a reality. Single, ambitious and ready for a new adventure, Raman left Vancouver in 2007 and landed in London Town in her late twenties to experience living on her own in a large, vibrant global city. Now a high school teacher in her 30’s and living back in Vancouver, Raman reflects on her experiences and shares the highs and the lows of living the expat life. 

Desi Globetrotter:  Can you tell us what motivated you to live abroad?

Raman: I wanted to experience life outside of Vancouver. I had visited London a few times before I decided to re-locate. I was enamoured by the architecture of the buildings and curious to learn more about the history and lifestyle of the British!

Desi Globetrotter: When you told your family and friends you were moving, what was their initial reaction? Do you think their reaction was based on you being a single, South Asian woman moving to a foreign country or do you think that it didn’t matter?

Raman: Well, I must admit that at first my parents freaked out! Initially, with the support of my eldest sister I went ahead and got my working visa and sorted out my finances.  I booked my flight and then I basically told my parents that I was taking off to England.  I knew that if I asked them they would freak out and their reaction could change my decision.  I knew they would play the guilt card and put forward the idea that I would be wasting my precious earned money. So yes, I told them once I had a solid plan.  I think that it was the best decision that I made for myself. 

Being a South Asian single woman, I knew that it would be difficult for my parents to understand the desire for travel and life experience.  In addition, I was the first one in my family to travel through Europe and the first sibling out of five to live abroad.  My parents and I had many disagreements because they worried about what people would think about a single Indian girl living without her parents in a foreign country. However, I didn’t give up on my desire to gain life experience. I had a Bachelors degree, enough money and determination. I couldn’t let anyone at this point in my life say no to me. I hope that this experience taught my parents that South Asian women and women in general can do anything.

Desi Globetrotter: What were your first thoughts/emotions when you landed in London? 

Raman: I was excited and scared. I don’t have any relatives in London. I didn’t have a job set up or a place to stay. I had booked a hostel so my focus was to successfully find the hostel once I arrived and then take it a day at a time.  All I knew was that I was not returning home for at least 3 months.  I had felt a sense of peace with my decision so when I arrived I did not have any anxiety or regret. Rather I felt liberated and excited to see what the future in London would hold.

Desi Globetrotter: What were the steps you took to find housing in London and what is the average cost of rentals?

Raman: I was fortunate because the day I arrived, I met an amazing woman named *Beth from Australia.  We were staying in the hostel together. We quickly became friends and her friends offered for us to stay in their place. Beth’s friends got a short-term position in another country. So two weeks later we moved into their apartment. I paid 80 pounds a week without a deposit.  London is separated by zones.  Zone 1 is downtown.  We were residing in Zone 2 and paying a very cheap price.  This area usually charges about 550 to 600 pounds a month plus amenities. After two months, Beth’s friends returned to work in London. At this point, I had successfully landed an excellent job in marketing so financially I was set. I had saved enough money for one-month deposit and moved out. I paid 480 pounds a month living in the same Borough and zone.  Again, I had received an excellent deal.  I lived with three other roommates. 

Desi Globetrotter: Was it easy to get a visa or work permit (from Canada)? 

Raman: Yes, it was super easy to get a work visa. I had to show them that I had enough money in my account and provide documentation about my education. There is an age window that I had to fit into. Please note that although it is a two-year work and travel visa, you can only work for one year.  For the other year, you have the right to travel.  Overall, the application was really easy to fill out and I received my work visa after a month of filling it out.  It was a painless experience!

Desi Globetrotter:  How did you make a living in London and what’s the cost of living like in London?

Raman: I was fortunate that I got a job within two weeks of living in London.  I had a relatively good salary where I had enough money to travel and live comfortably.  I must admit that when I travel to the UK for pleasure I found it to be very expensive.  However, once I started earning pounds, I realized that it is financially relative. I recommend signing up with a temp agency if you would like to start work right away.  There are many temp agencies looking for temporary workers.  This is a good way to start earning money right away!

 

Desi Globetrotter: What are the positives and negatives of living in London?

Raman: Well, I believe that I had to observe instead of look at the negatives and positives.  My philosophy on travel is to try and be as culturally relativistic as possible.  London is a bustling city where there are many people and their transit system has a difficult time keeping up with the demand.  Be prepared for the tube to break down during your visit! It happens. I also recommend that women are careful when traveling at night on the outskirts of London from zone 4 etc.  It can be dangerous.  I believe that regardless of where you go, you must be street smart.  For example, I asked many locals and transit employees about safe places for me to travel during late nights within London.  I recommend that you do you research and be aware of your surroundings. 

Desi Globetrotter: What are your thoughts about the locals in London? Was it easy to make friends?

Raman: I found it easy to make friends. My friend Beth introduced me to her contacts in London. I joined a gym, where I met some people. I also joined an acting class where I met some really cool people. Furthermore, I went out with my work friends and met friends through their networks and finally, my roommates and I became fast friends.  They also introduced me to their network of friends. I recommend that if anyone is thinking of living abroad, join a club, gym, or class and make an effort to go out and meet people. 

Desi Globetrotter: Now that you’ve moved back and have had time to reflect about your experience, what lessons did you learn while you were away and how did your experience change you when you moved back?

Raman: I must admit that I had a difficult time shifting back into Canadian life. London is a bustling city where every night of the week there is something to do. I was really sad when I returned. I left behind my friends, work and life in London. The re-adjustment process took about six months. However, I also realized that I am more resilient and that I was meant to be a teacher. While I was in London, I wanted to take chances free of my parents and families influence so I decided that I would quit my marketing job and embark on a the journey to find the right career for me.  My friends in London encouraged me and supported me during this process. I am really fortunate that I met such wonderful people while on this amazing journey. I quickly realized that my passion was teaching and working in a school environment. When I returned to Vancouver, I started taking classes and successfully completed the education program. I think my career change and returning to school kept me motivated and positive upon my return.

Desi Globetrotter: Do you have any tips for readers thinking of moving to London?

Raman:  There can be times where you are ‘kicked down’ where something gets stolen or if you don’t get the job that you want while you are abroad.  Just don’t give and keep going! You may never have this experience again so make the most of it! Enjoy it! Also, make sure you get a care card right away and get a bank account asap.

Desi Globetrotter: What are some of your favourite local places or hidden gems to visit in London?

Raman: I really enjoyed going to local pubs and traveling through the UK. I recommend going outside of Zone 1 and head over to Zone 2 and 3 to experience decent priced pubs.  Sunday roast at a pub is a must!  Shopping at Primark is also a must.  They have shoes; purses, clothes, pillows, blankets and everything under the sun that will help you get settled for a cheaper price.  Also, I recommend visiting the art galleries, as they are FREE!!! Finally, on Wednesdays, West end theatre (like NYC’s Broadway) has deals where you can watch a live theatre show and enjoy a dinner for the total price 25 pounds. 

Desi Globetrotter:  This travel blog is about independent travel from a South Asian perspective. From your experience, do you think young South Asians take advantage of travelling or living abroad as compared to other cultures?

Raman:  Absolutely not! My hope is that more South Asian women go out and explore the world and learn about themselves. I did not meet any other South Asian women in England that were travelling and living abroad.  I met many Australians, New Zealanders, and Europeans who were living abroad and travelling. 

Desi Globetrotter: Where’s your next international travel destination?

Raman: I recently went to Miami, Florida with a couple of my friends. My next travel plan is to visit New Zealand in December.  My goal in life is to keep travelling even if it is short trips. 

*Beth’s name has been changed.

*PhotoCredit: Raman Dherari and Creative Commons – Harshil Shah, Metro Centric, George Rex, Jim Linwood, TJ Morris