It was an internship that brought her to India for the first time two years ago and the second time around, a good job opportunity knocked on Sofia Anna's door, which she grabbed without much ado.
“In 2008 I did an internship in Marketing in a Bangalore based company through the international organization AIESEC for a period of six months. Initially, I experienced a huge culture shock but it didn't take me very long to get used to the place,” says Sofia who moved to Bangalore from Poland.
“It was through networking that my current boss offered me a job I couldn't turn down so before I knew it my bags were packed and I landed in this city again, but this time to make it my home.” This young expat also says if it wasn't for the friends she had made here or for the pleasant weather, she might have reconsidered returning to the city. Bangalore is one of the most comfortable places in India to settle down in, she says.
“People here are extremely warm and friendly. Making friends is one of the easiest things here. Back home, the scene is almost a complete contrast,” Sofia laughs.
She admits she hated Indian food for quite a while. “But now I'm accustomed to the cuisine here. I enjoy palak paneer, Kashmiri pulao and butter naan the most.”
Bangalore has changed since the first time she visited it, says Sofia. “There are far too many beggars on the streets now and it's really a distressing sight. Earlier on, I would get cheated by the auto drivers here but now that I know my way around the city, I don't have to argue all that much with the auto guys anymore.”
“There's one attitude about most people here that I don't like — they never seem to appreciate what they've been blessed with. Garbage disposal is one big issues the city needs to tackle. I'm scared of rats but have to face these rodents, dead or alive every other day!”
Working as a publishing manager at EduMedia, Sofia is happy with the work ethics, at least in her own office.
“I've noticed that the Indians in my firm are passionate about their work and they always endeavour to produce high quality output. There are few significant differences from how things function in Europe but I'm glad that bureaucracy is not something I face at my workplace.”
Though her weekend is rather condensed, when she isn't working, Sofia spends a good deal of time with her innumerable Indian friends.
She hasn't visited Poland since she moved here but it sure looks like she's allowing Bangalore to grow on her, yet again.
