NRI Stories With Srinath

Srinath

Welcome to NRI Stories with Srinath 🎙️ This podcast brings you real journeys of Indians who made the move - their struggles, culture shocks, wins, and life lessons. Honest conversations to inspire you and prepare you for your own journey initially with NRIs in Switzerland/Europe. Also in mix of Telugu + English (and also few other regional languages like Kannada, Hindi).

  1. May 6

    America Worth It? | 20 Years Real Talk - H1B, Kids, Healthcare

    🔗 Join NRI Stories: The Inner Circle (free, approval only): https://www.skool.com/nri-stories-the-inner-circle-7207In this episode of NRI Stories podcast, I speak with Rama Rao, a Principal Architect working with Cloud, Azure and Databricks, who moved from a village in Khammam District to the UK in 1998 and then to the United States in 2006 - where he has built a 20-year career and raised his family in Florida.We talk about:- How the US job market really works in 2025 - networking vs applications, AI-driven layoffs, and why posted jobs are often already filled- The real cost of raising kids in America - the 529 college savings plan, education costs that rival buying a house, and finding good schools near Indian communities- Navigating H1B visa lock periods, US entry stamping rules, green card timelines, and the $100K minimum salary requirement for new H1B holders- Healthcare in the US - how Obamacare's open marketplace works and what it actually costs as an Indian family- Why Rama Rao left a settled UK life over his wife's objections to take a risk on America - and what he would tell someone considering the same move todayKey Timestamps:00:01:47 Introduction to life in Florida00:04:21 US job market and networking00:06:26 Entering medical school00:07:44 Public schooling system breakdown00:11:35 College financial planning00:13:27 US healthcare and ObamaCare00:19:08 Single versus dual income00:26:26 H1B visa lock periods00:36:06 Work-life balance and leave00:43:04 Raising kids and peer pressure00:52:12 Medical school student loans01:07:58 Advice for newcomers moving to the USThis episode is raw, honest, and packed with the kind of detail no one talks about publicly.📌 Watch all podcast episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szA🎧 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/4W0OEnEeNom8n4Ruk0ocF5?si=4c90e9518a824e23🎧 Listen on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/nri-stories-with-srinath/id1864222012Join Our Community: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamily#NRIStories #NRILife #IndianInAmerica #H1BVisa #TeluguPodcast #IndianAbroad #NRI #USLife #TeluguNRI #GreenCard #NRIReality #IndianDiaspora #Telugu

    1h 12m
  2. Apr 4

    The Honest Truth About Living in Poland

    🔗 Join NRI Stories: The Inner Circle (free, approval only): https://www.skool.com/nri-stories-the-inner-circle-7207In this episode of NRI Stories podcast, I speak with Pradeep who moved to Poland in 2018 and navigated the transition from working in Pune, India to becoming an AVP in IT at a US-based firm in Krakow.We talk about:- How the Poland visa lottery, work permits, and the lengthy TRC (Temporary Residence Card) process actually works.- The stark ground reality of living just 200km from the Ukraine border and how the war impacted local inflation and rents.- Experiencing Poland's healthcare system, including the unique employer-provided private healthcare networks.- The financial realities of 35% taxes, the Polish Zloty (PLN) vs. Euro, and the necessity of dual income for families.- Surviving harsh European winters and navigating communist-era bureaucracy while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance.This episode is raw, honest, and packed with the kind of detail no one talks about publicly.Timestamps:• 00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome • 00:02:48 Pradeep's Background & IT Role at State Street in Poland • 00:06:07 Moving to Poland: The Pune to Krakow Consultant Route • 00:11:12 Moving with Family, Rents & Education Costs• 00:13:07 The Ukraine War's Direct Impact on Krakow• 00:15:21 Financial Realities: IT Salaries, 35% Taxes & Savings• 00:19:35 Understanding Polish Visas, TRC Delays, and EU Long-Term Residence• 00:28:44 Experiencing the Healthcare System: Public vs. Private• 00:35:12 The Truth About Work-Life Balance & Communist-Era Bureaucracy• 00:38:52 Harsh Winters, Walking Culture & Seasonal Depression• 00:41:40 How to Find Jobs in Poland & Top Portals• 00:46:10 The EU Blue Card & Opportunities for Students• 00:48:54 Final Thoughts & OutroWebsites mentioned for job hunting in Poland: praca.pl and pracuj.pl📌 Watch all podcast episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szA🎧 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/4W0OEnEeNom8n4Ruk0ocF5?si=4c90e9518a824e23🎧 Listen on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/nri-stories-with-srinath/id1864222012Join Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamily#NRIStories #Poland #ITJobs #LifeInPoland #WorkAbroad #TeluguPodcast #EuropeJobs #NRILife #TechCareers #PodcastPromo #TeluguNRI #LivingInEurope

    49 min
  3. Mar 26

    India vs. Sweden: Here’s Why I Can't Go Back

    In this episode of NRI Stories podcast, I speak with Akshay who moved to Sweden as a student in 2016 and navigated the transition from an integrated Master's program to landing a successful career in the European tech industry.We talk about:- How the Sweden student visa, part-time jobs, and job hunting process actually works- Navigating the Swedish job market and securing a role at Scania after numerous rejections- Experiencing Sweden's incredible healthcare system during his wife's pregnancy and childbirth- The financial realities of high taxes, dual-income necessity, and the country's exceptional work-life balanceThis episode is raw, honest, and packed with the kind of detail no one talks about publicly.Timestamps:• 00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome• 00:02:06 Akshay's Background & Current Role at Scania• 00:05:06 Moving to Sweden: The JNTU Kakinada to BTH Program• 00:10:30 Navigating Master's Credits and Part-Time Jobs• 00:18:05 The Wake-Up Call: Job Hunting and Facing Rejections• 00:23:08 Understanding Swedish Work Permits, PR, and Citizenship• 00:28:42 The Current Job Market & Job Seeker Visas in Sweden• 00:30:53 Wife's Career Journey and Moving to Stockholm• 00:34:35 Experiencing the Swedish Healthcare System During Pregnancy• 00:44:34 Financial Realities: High Taxes and the Need for Dual Income• 00:51:05 Starting the "Sweden lo Sweet Couple" YouTube Channel• 00:54:37 Final Advice for NRIs: Work-Life Balance vs. Struggles Abroad📌 Watch all podcast episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szA🎧 Listen on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/nri-stories-with-srinath/id1864222012📥Download your free Swiss Move Guide: https://nristories.iamwithsrinath.com/swiss-move-guideJoin Our Comminuty:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamily#NRIStories #SwedenPR #IndiansInSweden #SwedenVisa #NRILife #TeluguPodcast #IndianAbroad

    1h 8m
  4. Germany Broke Him. Then It Gave Him Everything | NRI Stories Ep 10

    Mar 2

    Germany Broke Him. Then It Gave Him Everything | NRI Stories Ep 10

    In this episode of NRI Stories podcast, I speak with a Teje who moved to Germany as a student 4 years ago — and spent 18 months without a job after finishing his Masters.We talk about:How the Germany student visa and job seeker visa process actually worksWhat he did to survive 2 years of unemployment with no income guaranteeHow he finally got his job, PR, and settled down , including getting marriedWhat Germany honestly feels like for him todayThis episode is raw, honest, and packed with the kind of detail no one talks about publicly.Timestamps:• 00:00:00 Podcast Journey & Introduction• 00:02:20 Meet Teja: Current Job & 6 Years in Germany• 00:09:02 Engineering in India to Masters in Germany• 00:15:35 Initial Expenses & Student Life in Germany• 00:23:47 2 Years of Rejections & Job Search Experience• 00:32:51 Landing the Job & Visa Application Process• 00:36:04 Work-Life Balance & Healthcare in Germany• 00:40:17 Advice for Incoming Students & Professionals📌 Watch all podcast episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szA🎧 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/4W0OEnEeNom8n4Ruk0ocF5?si=4c90e9518a824e23🎧 Listen on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/nri-stories-with-srinath/id1864222012Join Our Comminuty:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilyMusic licensed from: [hoopr.ai](http://hoopr.ai/)#NRIStories #GermanyPR #IndiansInGermany #GermanyVisa #NRILife #TeluguPodcast #IndianAbroad

    53 min
  5. Feb 25

    What Indian Students Discover Only After Landing in France | NRI Stories Ep 9

    Thinking about studying in France? Think again before you sign up with an educational consultancy! 🇫🇷📚In this episode of NRI Stories, we uncover the unfiltered truth about studying in France as an Indian student. Educational consultancies often paint a perfect picture of studying abroad, but the ground reality of living, studying, and finding a job in France can be vastly different. We sit down to discuss the hidden challenges, the language barrier, the real cost of living, and the job market realities that agents in India usually hide from you.If you are planning your Masters or Bachelors in France, this video is a MUST-WATCH to prepare yourself for the actual European student experience!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:47 Private vs. Public Universities (The 10 Lakh vs 3 Lakh gap)11:43 Deciding on Europe after US Visa rejections17:40 The truth about Indian Consultancies & Commissions26:05 Applying for Charpak & Eiffel Scholarships34:46 Real Cost of Living: Rent, CAF, and Metro expenses38:47 Why learning French is mandatory for the Job Market40:45 Part-time job struggles & Anil’s personal experience46:49 Post-study work permit (APS) and finding IT jobs01:02:13 Safety in Paris: Theft precautions for studentsAbout NRI Stories with SrinathNRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals, tourists and students navigate immigration and settlement or visit Europe, including Switzerland. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.Join Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilySpotify/Apple: NRI Stories with Srinath#StudyingInFrance #FranceStudentVisa #StudyAbroadReality #NRIStories #IndianInFrance #EducationConsultants #FranceJobMarket #MastersInFrance #TeluguPodcast #DiasporaStories #StudentLifeInEurope #StudyInFrance #TeluguNRI #SettlementAbroadMusic licensed from: hoopr.aiDisclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.

    1h 3m
  6. Feb 10

    Does Switzerland Support Working Moms? (Finance Career Reality)

    In this episode, Kavitha breaks the silence on the reality of being a working mother in Switzerland's finance sector.With 15 years of experience living in Switzerland, a Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification from India, and a specialized career in Transfer Pricing, she reveals whether the Swiss system actually supports ambitious parents or makes it harder for them.From the exorbitant cost of childcare (Kita) to the logistics of school lunches and the "unspoken rules" of corporate growth for immigrants, this is the unfiltered truth about balancing a finance career with two children in Zurich.We discuss the hard questions:- Is a high Swiss salary enough to cover childcare for two kids?- How do Indian CA certifications hold up in the Swiss market?- What is the reality of finding Transfer Pricing jobs?- How do you manage school lunches and half-days without family support?- Is it worth moving to Switzerland as a family today compared to 15 years ago?From an Indian CA to a Finance expert, this episode provides a roadmap for professionals looking to move to Europe, while giving a hard reality check on the famous "Swiss Work-Life Balance.Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Start📥 GET YOUR COPY OF SWISS SETTLEMENT GUIDEMoving to Switzerland with family? Get the complete reality check - permits, job market, costs, childcare, and everything you need to know.Download free: https://nristorieswithsrinath.systeme.io/swiss-survival-guide-askAbout NRI Stories with SrinathNRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals and families navigate immigration and settlement in Europe. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.If you're planning to work or settle in Europe with family, subscribe to get real stories, real costs, and real pathways - just authentic experiences from people living the NRI journey.Watch Previous Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szAJoin Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilySpotify/Apple: NRI Stories with Srinath#SwissJobs #FinanceCareer #CharteredAccountant #IndianInSwitzerland #ZurichLife #TransferPricing #WorkingMom #CostOfLivingSwitzerland #NRIStories #ExpatLife #SwitzerlandVlog #CareerAdvice #CAjobs #SwissChildcare

    1h 6m
  7. Feb 2

    480 Days Leave, But 40% Tax? Sweden Working Mother Reality

    In this Telugu podcast episode, Chandrika shares her journey as a working mother who moved from Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh) to Stockholm, Sweden as a dependent spouse. From struggling with job applications as a dependent visa holder to becoming a Solution Architect at Scania, this episode covers the reality of dependent spouse life in Sweden, Swedish parental leave (480 days!), job hunting without work permit initially, learning Swedish language, förskola/dagis childcare system, work-life balance, cost of living in Stockholm, and building a Telugu community abroad.Chandrika's journey started as a trailing spouse - moving to Sweden with her husband's Scania job transfer in 2018, no independent work permit initially, and facing months of job applications. She walks through landing in Stockholm with culture shock, Nordic winters, learning Swedish at SFI (free language school), the frustration of dependent visa job hunting, and finally getting hired at Electrolux and later Scania.The conversation explores: How do you build your career when you moved for someone else's job? What happens when your child speaks more Swedish than Telugu? How does Swedish parental leave actually work? What does it cost to raise a family in Stockholm vs India? How is COVID handled differently in Sweden? After years away, do you still feel Indian, or has Sweden become home?Chandrika provides honest insights on the Swedish job market for dependent visa holders, the permit journey from dependent to PR to citizenship🔗 Connect with Chandrika:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandrikapulakeshYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chandrikapulakeshDisclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Start1:25 - Why this podcast - Helping professionals navigate Europe2:50 - Meet Chandrika - Solution Architect at Scania4:33 - From Chittoor (Rayalaseema) to Sweden6:04 - Engineering & Career at Cognizant8:13 - SAP Career switch - Materials Management10:06 - Husband's opportunity in Sweden11:50 - Planning abroad - IELTS & Canada plans13:37 - The LinkedIn message that changed everything14:51 - Scania visa process & moving to Stockholm17:47 - First days in Sweden - Culture shock20:04 - Public transport free with stroller21:13 - Finding community - Open preschools24:17 - Förskola (preschool) system explained28:07 - Learning Swedish - SFI language school31:15 - Job search journey as dependent33:02 - Working at Electrolux - Swedish work culture36:43 - COVID in Sweden - No lockdowns38:11 - Decision to settle permanently in Sweden40:28 - Parental leave - 480 days explained41:21 - Delivery experience - Sweden vs India42:18 - Permit journey - Work visa to PR to Citizenship46:16 - Life as working mother - Support system49:26 - Job opportunities & advice for Indians52:02 - Patience needed - Medical & bureaucracy55:07 - Telugu community & avoiding loneliness58:03 - Cost of living - Taxes & savings reality📥 GET YOUR COPY OF EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT GUIDEMoving to Europe with family? Get the complete reality check - permits, job market, costs, childcare, and everything you need to know.Download free: https://nristorieswithsrinath.systeme.io/swiss-survival-guide-askAbout NRI Stories with SrinathNRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals and families navigate immigration and settlement in Europe. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.Join Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilySpotify/Apple: NRI Stories with Srinath

    1h 2m
  8. Jan 20

    Is it still possible to move to Europe? | NRI Stories

    📥 GET YOUR COPY OF SWISS MOVE GUIDE FOR INDIANSThinking about Switzerland? Get the complete reality check - permits, accommodation, costs, job market, and everything you need to know.Download free: https://nristorieswithsrinath.systeme.io/swiss-survival-guide-askIn this Telugu podcast episode, Prasad Koribilli shares his extraordinary 20-year journey across two European countries - 8 years building life in Finland followed by 12 years (and counting) in Switzerland. This isn't your typical immigration story of studying abroad and returning home. This is about someone who moved from India directly to Finland, committed fully to European life, and never looked back.Prasad's journey started with a bold move - leaving India straight for Finland (not the usual US route). He walks through the reality of landing in Finnish culture, building a career in Enterprise Architecture, the unique challenges of 8 years in Nordic winters, and then the surprising decision to leave Finland for Switzerland after fully settling in.The conversation explores the deeper questions long-term immigrants face: After 8 years in one country, why move again? What does work-life balance in Europe actually enable that wouldn't be possible elsewhere? How do you manage running Out of the Box EA consultancy, teaching at an Academy, AND working full-time corporate - all simultaneously? What keeps someone in Europe for two decades instead of returning to India?Prasad provides honest insights on Finnish vs Swiss work culture, the permit journey across two countries, raising a family through multiple international moves, the reality of building a consulting business while employed, current job market landscape, and the complex relationship with India after 20 years away.🔗 Connect with Prasad:Website: https://outoftheboxea.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheBoxEAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaala_easy_broCricket Winning moments by Prasad's team: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxjLyoB4B2gAVgBLn1KlYBvKWjoZWJ97GF?si=bvTecZPy6jcv_nCRDisclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed by the guest are their personal views and do not reflect our stance. We have no intention of defaming or harming any individual, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in this video. Our aim is to provide information to help the audience make informed decisions.Timestamps:00:00:00 Start00:02:48 Guest intro00:04:26 Studies00:07:54 Plan for going abroad00:11:05 How he landed his first job00:15:10 How he ended up in SAP Domain00:17:00 His next steps to go abroad00:21:55 His first onsite experience00:23:34 How he moved to Finland for good00:26:50 How onsite (NRI life) changed his path00:32:14 Why he stayed as NRI and did not go back00:32:47 Finnish culture and life00:36:25 Costs & Family life in Finland00:38:05 How to move to Finland & Visas00:40:02 Why Switzerland after Finland?00:43:30 Found job in Switzerland00:45:10 Switzerland vs Finland00:47:20 Why he is SAP expert00:51:15 How he helps with Content Creation00:58:45 Survival in AI advancements01:03:55 Can you move to abroad?01:07:01 Still achievable NRI dream01:08:05 Why he never went back to India?01:10:29 Kids life style of NRIs01:22:10 Priority now for NRIs01:25:10 Prasad's suggestion to growAbout NRI Stories with SrinathNRI Stories with Srinath is a podcast helping Indian professionals, tourists and students navigate immigration and settlement in Europe, including Switzerland. Through real conversations with people who've made the journey, we provide practical guidance, honest experiences, and actionable information.Watch Previous Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdUKjwndfjKs3GlDRn9GFstP7hXc2szAJoin Our Community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisstelugufamilySpotify/Apple: NRI Stories with Srinath

    1h 31m

About

Welcome to NRI Stories with Srinath 🎙️ This podcast brings you real journeys of Indians who made the move - their struggles, culture shocks, wins, and life lessons. Honest conversations to inspire you and prepare you for your own journey initially with NRIs in Switzerland/Europe. Also in mix of Telugu + English (and also few other regional languages like Kannada, Hindi).

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