Family and Companions

An official dependent is either a spouse or a relative (child, parent, or sibling) who is financially dependent on the grantee. A small maintenance allowance is provided for accompanying dependents according to grant category. The balance of maintenance expenses for dependents is the responsibility of the grantee. An accompanying dependent is one spending at least 80 percent of the grant period abroad with the grantee.

Family life occupies an important place in Indian society. Although migration and urbanization have contributed to dispersing the traditional extended family, you will find that social activities including the whole family are more common than in many Western countries. Thus, it could turn out to be less of a challenge than expected when you arrive in India with your family. In fact, your children are likely to play an essential part in establishing relations with other families.

Education for Children

In India, there are no free services for quality nursery or pre-school at state level, even though the Government of India published The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act in 2009.

In large cities, there are better childcare facilities. There are plenty of good preschools and nursery schools catering for the needs of foreigners.

Schools in many cities use English as a medium of instruction.  Elementary school age children of grantees generally enjoy the experience of going to school and making new friends their age.  For those in high school, it may be a priority that their studies stay closer to the curriculum they follow at home.  Some schools in India prepare students for the American high school diploma.  Many expatriates find the Calvert system of correspondence courses satisfactory.  Before leaving home, consult the school the child is attending about the syllabi for the courses that will be missed.  The school may even have an arrangement for the child to keep abreast by correspondence during time spent in India. 

When you arrive in India, you may want to ask your colleagues or neighbors for suggestions on the schools within your area. Most of the time admission is easy since they are private schools, you can speak to the school management regarding the admission.

USIEF has listed a few schools in cities where USIEF has an office. Note that all cities/towns are not included in the list, so please reach out to USIEF if you are placed in any other city which is not mentioned in the list.