Still looking for any reasons why India is better than the US? I found one: the visa. When I listen to my friends, who pay 700+ € (in advance, of course), have to fill out dozens of forms, and have to visit the embassy, once across Germany, I lean back and chuckle lightly.
Applying for the visa really is a piece of cake. Two pages, in total about 60 words, and that’s it. Being used to the US questions á la „Do you plan to overthrow the US government?“ or „Are you a member of a radical organization?“ (like one would really check that box;) ), I only raised my eyebrows lightly at the questing „Name of father or husband“. I won’t comment on that, I guess that’s part of being intercultural…
Additional stuff I needed:
- A letter of invitation (which I got by fax half a day after I asked for it from my Indian department),
- two pictures,
- a proof of payment,
- and the passport, of course
and that’s it 🙂
Oh yea, the payment. Take a guess! 200 €? Nope, too much. 100€? Still to much! A mere 50€ for half a year in India, plus 7€ shipping costs.
All of the forms and information I needed are available online, at http://www.indianembassy.com or http://www.indischebotschaft.de (same page, different name, available in German and English).
Well, now I have to wait and hope that I will be accepted…wish me luck, guys