Expatriate community in Goa?

Hi!

This may seem like a far fetched question but here's goes. I'm wondering if there's a large/small expatriate community that lives in Goa all year round? Are there lots of foreign youngsters living there on a long-term basis in my age group 13-19? Any help would be nice cuz I'm planning to move there for at least a year to relax and any info would be nice. Are there lots of foreign people living there on a long-term basis? As in actually living there. Is Goa's foreign community larger or Pondicherry/Kerela?

[jaz]

Hi

A friend of a friend of mine (whos British) has moved to Goa permanently and is loving life. Apparently there is quite a large expat community in Goa and they hold social events/meetings etc so l don't think it would be to hard to meet foreign residents whilst your out there.

[stoot]

There are many English in Candolim and Benaulim who are re-turnees for many years now. Most stay 3-4 months, a few for 6, and the odd one or 2 try staying during monsoon. I do not know of[ not saying there aint], any in these groups who have spent over a year from 'Home'. Not just English, many N.Europeans have been returning, and most just enjoy Goa. I think any kids, if any would be found around Vagator/Arambol area. Take care, Tommy.

[oldhippie]

There are quite a few Brits living in Goa on a permanent basis. Most of them seem to be older retired folks living around Calangute - Candolim. A lot of the younger folks spend 4-6 months of the year there primarily in the tourist season and head back home.

Bill

[ray]

Hi Jazz,
We are moving to Goa, and i've read that there is a community from foreigners living there.
Is there a possability to cantact them??

Thanks

[Jeroen]

The long-term residents I met in Goa seemed not to be classical expats as you find elsewhere, but rather people who kept on missing the bus or train out of Goa

[ray]

Those peaple whom missed there train or bus out of Goa, how long are they able to
do it, and do they finally get there recidence permit anyway??

[seventies'hippy]

Have a look here, theres an ex-patForum
And another one Here

If you're in the UK theres a relocation programme on TV everynight this week BBC2 6pm about brits living in goa.

Lots of 'mainly' brits after several years holidaying in goa decide that they want to live there full time, They open British Bars & Restaurants, Many of them don't give a toss for the goans, the goan way of life and know zilch about India.

I'm not going into all my other thoughts about the place now, It's Sad,,,,,,,

[BenAjay]

When I was in Goa couple of years ago, I found the foreign community to be pretty racist against Indians. I was apalled that my American friend was invited to this Israeli party and when we showed up, they let him in and not me. The bouncer's exact words "Sorry, no Indians".

How ironic to be discriminated against in India ! Of course my American friend and I left immediately. It may be an isolated incident but I have heard similar stories from other people of Indian origin.

[seventies'hippy]

I fell in love with goa 30+ years back, so it's always got a soft spot for me.

But when I see how It's turned out, and Its mainly the Brits that have caused it with their lagerish attitudes & fish n'chips/bingo culture I feel ashamed to be British,,,,,,,,,,,,

[BenAjay]

well, my experience was with the Israelis. But some of my good friends back in the US are Israelis. So one can't just blame one nationality. But when the local culture promotes it, they can get caught up it in.

[oldhippie]

Ajay
Its not just the Israelis although these guys are bad news and its unfortunate that they seem to like Goa.
The British charter tourists also seem to treat the local Goans very badly.

[carol]

Does anyone see the racism amongst Indian people? between states, castes etc. Indian hotels, restaurants, shops etc rush to serve westerners pushing their own people out of the way. hey................... look and see...........the shacks on the beach won't allow indians sit on their sunbeds, a friend did'nt discriminate last year and others started to allow it...I could go on and on......

[cyberhippie]

Carol we're all very aware of the social and caste barriers that exist amongst Indians.
But emm it's their country to run as they wish!! A guest or tourist acting like they own India and barring Indians is a little different!!
From a discrimatory point of view it may well be the same but it kind of makes you wander why anyone would relocate several thousand miles around the world despite Indians.
This is what we're getting at, why up sticks to somewhere then try to lead a life exclusive of Indian influences, it stinks of white imperialism, and I'm afraid the excuse that the locals do it, trying to justify this behavior is just that, an excuse.
In my view whether your British, Indian, Kurdish, Gypsy or an Eskimo when you're a guest in someone elses country short term or long term you should try to integrate, reach out, not push away.
Isn't this what the whole debate is about in Europe right now, the lack of integration we've seen from various groups of people who ended up in Europe over the last 30 years.
We expect it from them but ignore these same requirments when we go abroad. India is only the latest example in this, look at Southern France Italy, Greece and Spain.
A bit of respect goes a long way in life!

[Sunflower]

To Cyberhippie, I agree TOTALLY