What Kind of Food Can Indian Students Expect Abroad?

When Indian students choose to study medicine overseas, they worry about many things, and among these, food is very important. Indian students adjusting to a new country worry when it comes to food as they are somewhat used to Indian food and traditional eating habits. In this context, the food culture of the destination country is very important for students considering an MBBS abroad program.

MBBS Advisor helps students with information about all aspects of studying medicine abroad like university selection, admission guidance, and lifestyle information to name a few. Food is not just about taste. It is about health and energy. Taking this into consideration, the universities have started providing food options to Indian students based on their traditional and cultural eating habits.

The Indian students studying abroad will find a combination of local food, cooked Indian food, and options to cook. Based on previous experience of the universities, it is a well-established practice to provide hostel mess facilities with options of multi-cuisines.

Food Facilities Available for Indian Students Abroad

The medical universities that offer study options to international students have hostel dining facilities for regular meal options. Whether Indian Food is available or not depends on the country, university, location, and the number of Indian students.

Many universities that offer the medical program follow international standards and provide a good balanced meal of rice, bread, different vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options along with soups and salads.

Many universities maintain Indian student associations that assist new students in locating Indian food shops and grocery stores. In some countries with large Indian student communities, Indian spices, lentils and rice are readily available.

Potential students must verify the particulars of a specific medical university, recognition and international acceptance before making a decision. Checking through the pages of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) will provide the necessary data for aspiring medical students for studying abroad.

Availability of Indian Food in Different Countries

Different countries may offer varied experiences. Based on where Indian students go, some countries may have well established Indian communities which may make food readily available, whilst others may require adaptation to local foods.

Food in Russia

Russia is one of the more popular choices for Indian medical students. Some hostels of different Universities offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

Bread, soup, salads, meat and potato dishes are some of the things students may get used to in Russia. Indian food is also available in hostel mess for medical students in many Universities.

Hostels also provide kitchens for students to cook their own food. Indian Grocery items like Rice and Lentils are also available in the major cities of Russia.

Food Experience in Georgia

With low cost and high quality medical education, Georgia has become an attractive destination for many Indian students pursuing their MBBS. With the increasing Indian student community, more and more Indian students find the food environment in Georgia to be more comfortable.

Universities and private accommodation providers generally offer kitchens. This helps students in the preparation of Indian food. International student cities have Indian restaurants and grocery stores.

For information regarding studying MBBS abroad, and countries, universities, and admissions, you can refer to MBBS Abroad.

Food Experience in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is attracting more and more Indian medical students because of low fees and international medical programs. Local dishes use meat, rice, and bread, and dairy products.

Though there can be some difficulty in the beginning for Indian students, many universities provide hostel kitchens where Indian students can cook their food. Indian Restaurants and Food stores are present in larger cities.

Food Experience in Nepal

Indian students find food adjustment in Nepal relatively easy because of the geographical proximity and close culture. Availability of Indian food including vegetarian food, rice, dal and vegetables and other dishes is widely available.

Vegetarian Food Options for Indian Students

The vegetarian food issues that Indian students face are diminishing because of the needs of students from different cultures in international universities.

A lot of countries offer dishes for vegetarians, which include:

• Rice and vegetables
• Bread and milk
• Fruits, salads and soups
• Pasta and noodles
• Beans and lentils in some places

Students should look into these options before deciding on a university. They can post on the Indian student group pages to find out more about the food on campus.

Can Indian Students Cook Their Own Food Abroad?

Homesick Indian students have adopted cooking their own food as a solution to the problem due to a lack of home-cooked food. Fortunately, many of the housing options for students come with kitchen facilities.

There are many benefits of cooking your own food. First, you can cook in the way you prefer, whether that be a specific diet or taste. Second, students can save some money on food. Lastly, you can prepare food that relates to your culture.

Although most people would consider this a good solution, medical students will have to especially manage their time because of the pressure caused by clinical responsibility, as well as regular classes and practical training. For them, simpler healthy meals are the best options.

Preliminary Food Cost Estimate for Indian Students

Food costs vary based on the lifestyle of the student, the country, and the eating habits of the student. Students who strictly depend on university-prepared meals can expect fixed food costs, while students who prepare their own meals have more flexibility to control costs better.

The approximate monthly food budget would depend on various factors such as

• Country of study
• City expenditures
• Hostel mess charges
• Personal food preferences
• How often you eat outside

Students have to factor in the costs of food while drawing up their budget for studying abroad, since the costs of tuition and accommodation come hand in hand with the costs of living.

Students can use the NEET Rank Predictor to help them understand their admission potential and to plan their medical education accordingly.

How Indian Students Can Adjust to Foreign Food Culture

Adjusting to foreign food culture can take some time, and students should avoid drastically changing their eating habits once they move. A more gradual approach will help the body adjust better.

One of the more convenient methods will help the students to understand the food culture of the country better, and help maintain their general health.

Other tips will be to

• Make a network of fellow students so they are not completely isolated
• Learn some basics of cooking which will help them satisfy some of their cravings for Indian food
• Bring one of their favorite foods which are easily shelf stable

Food is an important consideration when selecting an MBBS university abroad, even though many people concentrate on the tuition fees, and rankings. Other considerations like the hostel facilities and student support services, and food, are equally important.

Before committing to a university, students should ensure that:

• There are options for Indian food
• Hostel kitchens
• Nearby grocery stores
• Affordable prices for daily meals
• Student reviews for food services

Making a life as convenient as possible helps students focus more on their medical studies and decreases the challenges of adaptation.

Students must also plan according to changes (and bring flexibility) to medical education policies in other countries. Furthermore, they must keep track of current medical education policy guidelines and portals (NMC, WHO, NEET, WDOMS) in order to safeguard their careers.

Conclusion

Food is an important part of student life, especially for Indian students when they go abroad for medical education. Major (if not all) international countries provide food services that are sufficient to comfortably accommodate students of other cultures.

After evaluation and careful planning, Indian students can enjoy foreign foods while maintaining their eating habits by utilizing self-cooked food as well as services of Indian restaurants and food courts. Selecting a university with the best student services and support makes the whole experience of MBBS abroad worthwhile.

MBBS Advisor provides important guidance to students regarding overseas medical education, admission procedures and other useful information in order to assist students in making the right decisions regarding their careers.