Temporary Assignment in Bangalore? What is it like?
 

I work for a large automotive company and am considering a 3-6 month temporary assignment in Bangalore. It would be a great opportunity for me career-wise but I'm wondering if anyone can tell me something about living there. I am female and am also concerned about the corporate culture. How are females viewed in the corporate world there? Any insight regarding living and working there would be appreciated.

Hello - Living in India and B'lore can be chaotic and traffic is a nightmare. But Blore is probably the better cities in India in terms of climate. Food will not be a problem here also but make sure that you stay close to where you work. The roads and traffic is really bad.
I would sugest you check this site IndiaMike.com which is a expat site and has a section on Blore.
Feel free to ask me any questions.

Thanks. I'll look at the website and may get back with you for specific questions.

There has been a very heavy discussion from a poster going from Seattle to Hyderabad for their company, although it relates to Hyderabad and not Bangalore it could be very interesting for you to read as some very indepth opinions and comments. of course they are different places but you may get some ideas and perspectives, I till top it for you so look out for that posting.

The post is titled " Missing comforts in India"

I live in Hong Kong and travel to India about 1-2 times a month. I love traveling and working there, and would certainly encourage you to take this short assignment (a longer one would be challenging even for me I think and I have lived in Asia a long time). Of all the cities in India, Bangalore would be my first choice of a place to live. The climate is fantastic, it’s never too hot or too cold (it’s like California without the earthquakes and with much better English levels). Go to weatherbase.com for info. It is a very green city, low rise for the most part; although the amount of construction going on is quite amazing. It is the “pub city”, lots of restaurants and bars with lots of outdoor bars, kind of reminds me of Europe in that sense. Many good restaurants as well. It is a young city due to the tech hub that it has become.

It has good air service to places like Singapore (about 4.5 hours), or Bangkok (under 4 hours) so if you feel the need to get out for 3-4 days to a place where you can drink water from the tap (at least in S’pore) and have a bit more “westernized” experience, you can do that. (You will feel the need to get away from India from time to time, it can be overwhelming IMO.) You can also get to really interesting nearby places like Mysore for a history and culture infusion. Closer in is Nrityagram village which has an Indian classical dance academy. There is frequent air service to Delhi and other parts of India as well.

Housing is really an issue, there are not a lot of good short-term flats available and prices are fairly steep, so ask your company about this pronto, they may already have something set up.

I have found being a business woman to be no problem in India, there are many women working in the professions and corporations, and you are accepted with no issue. It is a pleasure working in India IMO, the level of English is excellent and the Indians are extremely friendly people.

Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city.A professional place to work in,salubrious climate, though a little chaotic traffic,nice people to get along with.Hotels, restaurants, pubs,clubs you name it.Absolutely safe ( take the necessary precautions like in any metro )for single female.Respected and regarded in the corporate world.If BAngalore is an option to 'also' improve your career,go for it lady !!