From Hyderabad to Dublin: The Overseas Journey of a Software Engineer
Dreams Beyond borders: Early Motivations and Cultural Curiosity
While studying at the Indian Institute of Technology in Allahabad, Suras Nayak dreamed of exploring life far beyond his native Hyderabad.Fascinated by global cultures and inspired by international films, he developed a strong ambition to experience living abroad and broaden his horizons.
His first encounter with life outside India came during a 45-day student exchange program in China as a teenager.This formative experience ignited his passion for future international opportunities.
Laying the Groundwork: Career Beginnings at Amazon India
Suras’s father, himself an experienced software engineer, introduced him early on to coding, shaping his professional interests from childhood. While completing his degree,Suras landed a six-month internship at Amazon’s Bengaluru office-a city known as India’s tech capital located about an hour south of Hyderabad by air.
After graduating in 2020, he secured a full-time position with Amazon India earning nearly ₹6.8 million annually (around US $75,000). Over the next year-plus, he gained valuable industry experience and learned about internal transfer policies that allowed employees meeting certain criteria after two years to relocate internationally within the company-an option that promptly caught his attention.
selecting Dublin: A Strategic Move into Europe’s Tech Hub
Nayak evaluated openings across several European Amazon offices including those in Germany and the U.K., but ultimately chose Dublin due to ireland’s rapidly expanding technology sector. By 2026, Ireland hosts headquarters or major campuses for tech giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft-making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation centers.
“When I received my offer as a software growth engineer based in Dublin with an annual package around €122,428 (US $144,000),I was ecstatic,” Suras recalls. “Sharing this milestone with my family was truly unforgettable.”
A Supported Transition: Relocation Experience and Initial Impressions
The visa application process took roughly six to eight weeks; all related costs were covered by Amazon. Upon arriving in Ireland early 2025, temporary housing was provided while relocation services helped transport personal belongings from India.
“My first month here was filled with finding,” he shares enthusiastically. “Every neighborhood I explored reinforced that moving here was absolutely the right decision.”
Adjusting to New Realities: Climate Differences & cost Management
Dublin’s cooler climate posed an initial challenge compared to Hyderabad’s predominantly warm weather throughout most of the year.Additionally, living expenses proved significantly higher than back home-especially rent and groceries-which demanded careful financial planning unlike anything Nayak had previously encountered.
- Housing: Sharing a three-bedroom apartment with two colleagues costs approximately €4,000 monthly (US $4,725), translating into about €1,450 (US $1,713) per person each month.
- A Typical Monthly Budget Includes:
- GitHub Copilot subscription: €9 (US $11)
- Revolut Premium banking plan: €9 (US $11)
- Broadband internet service: €15 (US $18)
- MOBILE phone bill:€15 (US $18) < li >< strong >OpenAI personal use :€24( US$28 )< / li >
< li >< strong >Streaming subscriptions such as Netflix & Disney+ :€25( US$30 )< / li >
< li >< strong >Public transportation via buses :€30( US$35 )< / li >
< li >< strong >Electricity & gas utilities :€50( US$59 )< / li >
< li >< strong >Clothing & electronics shopping :(100-150)€(118-177)USD< / li >
< li >< strong >Groceries budget :(150-200)€(177-236)USD< / li >
< li >< strong >Dining out expenses :(400-500)€(472-591)USD< / li >
< p>“Eating out has become my largest expense here compared to back home where I mostly ate meals prepared myself or at work,” Nayak admits candidly.< / p >
< h3>Cultivating Community Connections Abroad
< p>The social landscape initially felt unfamiliar since making friends required more effort than back home where relationships formed naturally through school or neighborhood ties; however , platforms like Meetup facilitated meaningful interactions . Locals proved kind ,easing any sense of loneliness .”Building friendships takes initiative but is deeply rewarding ,” he reflects . Now comfortably settled , Suras enjoys both professional environments plus vibrant community life .< / p >
< h2>A Long-Term Vision Rooted In Financial Security And Personal Growth
< p>Suras made prudent investments before relocating – purchasing a three-bedroom apartment valued near ₹16 million (~ US$180K )in hyderabad during 2023 intending rental income streams later on .Real estate remains one of India’s most resilient investment sectors amid economic fluctuations.
< p>Nayak plans on residing abroad for another decade or more until accumulating net worth between €400K-500K (~ US$470K-590K ),aiming ultimately for around one million euros (~ US$1.17M ). Only then does returning permanently appeal.
He appreciates quality-of-life improvements gained overseas – tranquil parks perfect for reading or relaxing plus easy access throughout Europe fuel ongoing travel passions realized since college days.
recent trips include scenic road journeys across ireland alongside visits within U.K., frequently enough accompanied by family members eager alike explore new horizons together.
“Traveling remains close part heart; being based here lets me embrace it fully whenever possible,” Suras reflects happily.
