Life in New Delhi can be quite chaotic, as you can imagine of a city with so many people. Traffic is often gridlocked, the weather hot and humid, and urban poverty can be very intense for foreign teachers to adjust to. However, if you are bothered by any of these things then you are missing the bigger picture – New Delhi is an enormously fascinating, challenging, and rewarding city to live in and it will open your eyes to a whole different world abroad.
Transportation is cheap and easy to use throughout the city. Rickshaws can pick you up and drive you anywhere you want to go for very affordable rates (although it would be a good idea to start brushing up on your bartering skills now), and Delhi’s new metro system is gaining steam as a reliable and efficient form of transport from corner to corner throughout the city. From the ancient ruins of Tughlakabad in the south to the impressive colonial architecture of Connaught Place in the north, there is certainly no shortage of treasures to be explored all across the city of Delhi.
One thing to note is that living in New Delhi is typically quite a different experience for men and women. India is a very conservative country, compared to much of the Western world, and although the culture is changing rapidly many women often express discomfort when moving about alone in the city. But don’t let this challenge deter you - if you can learn from and adapt to your new cultural surroundings, then you should be able to have a safe and truly enriching experience in New Delhi.