Why This NRI Moved Back to India After 8 Years in Canada: Brinell's Family Journey
Brinell and her family moved to Canada in 2016 driven by ambition and curiosity. After 8 years, they decided to return to India primarily for their children's grounding and cultural education. She shares her unique approach of interviewing schools, creating visual boards for planning, and how her kids transitioned from asking permission to play to confidently visiting neighbors' homes.
In this story
- Key Takeaways from Brinell's Journey
- 🎓 Brinell's Background: Why Canada?
- ❄️ Life in Canada: Beautiful and Annoying
- 👨👩👧👦 The Decision to Return: Kids First
- 📋 The Visual Board Approach to Planning
- 🏫 School Selection: Interviewing the Schools
- 📍 Choosing Where to Live
- 👧👦 How the Kids Adjusted
- 🏠 Life in India Now
- ✈️ Travel Recommendations for India
- 💼 Career Planning for Returnees
- 💡 Advice for Aspiring Returnees
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Brinell and her family moved to Canada in 2016 driven by ambition and curiosity. After 8 years, they returned to India primarily for their children's grounding and cultural education. She shares her unique approach of interviewing schools (instead of being interviewed), creating visual boards for planning, and how her kids transformed from hesitant newcomers to confident community members.
Key Takeaways from Brinell's Journey
- Moved to Canada in April 2016 driven by ambition and curiosity to experience different cultures
- Returned to India after 8 years primarily for children's cultural grounding and education
- Unique approach: Interviewed schools instead of being interviewed by them
- Selected IGCSE/Cambridge board for less rote learning and global flexibility
- Created visual boards with priorities for location, school, and lifestyle
- Chose Bombay outskirts for space, nature, and proximity to family
- Key insight: "Book that flight - if you don't, you'll wait another 2 years and get stuck"
The Transformation: "He says 'Mama, can you ask that boy's mama permission to play with me?' It went from that phase to now him going to somebody's house, eating food and coming there and not bothered about what's happening around - because he knows that it's a safe space here."
🎓 Brinell's Background: Why Canada?
Brinell's journey to Canada wasn't driven by the typical reasons. As a microbiologist in learning and development in healthcare, she and her husband were avid travelers who wanted to experience different cultures firsthand.
The Motivation
Their move was driven by a mix of ambition and curiosity:
- Wanted to see how life is different in other countries
- Experience different cultures and food (they love food)
- Assimilate new experiences into their daily lives
- Career flexibility - husband works for a global MNC with location flexibility
Why Canada Over Australia?
Interestingly, they also applied to Australia and got PR there too. The choice of Canada came down to geography and opportunity:
They moved to Canada in April 2016, and their first experience was snow - something they had never seen before. Their daughter was about 2.5 years old at the time.
❄️ Life in Canada: Beautiful and Annoying
Brinell offers a refreshingly honest perspective on life in Canada - comparing it to marriage where everything is wonderful initially.
The Evolution of Snow
| Year | Reaction to Snow |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (2016) | "It was beautiful! First snow we ever experienced. Absolutely loved it." |
| Year 3 | "Oh my god, who's going to look after the yard? Who's going to shovel? Is it your turn or my turn?" |
| Year 7 | "Oh my god, I can't bear this anymore." |
Despite the challenges, Brinell emphasizes she loved Canada just like she loves India. There were no major problems - it was a good life. But something was missing for their children.
👨👩👧👦 The Decision to Return: Kids First
The decision to return was primarily driven by their children's needs and development.
The Wake-Up Call
When their daughter was in grade 5, Brinell noticed something concerning:
What They Observed
- Daughter was growing up "too fast" - not doing the "bachan things" (childish things)
- Both parents had very memorable, joyful childhoods in India despite being from poor families
- They didn't want their daughter to miss that experience
- The "everyone is a winner" mentality in Canadian education concerned them
Brinell's perspective: "We wouldn't be where we are if we would have thought that everyone is a winner."
The Broader Reasons
Why They Decided to Return
- Education grounding: Lower-level education in Canada was missing the base-building they wanted
- Cultural connection: Kids needed to know their cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents better
- Parents' age: In-laws who visited for 6 months yearly could no longer travel
- Roots understanding: Kids needed to understand where they come from, why parents say certain things
- Timing: Kids were at a good age to make the transition
📋 The Visual Board Approach to Planning
Brinell's planning approach stands out - she brought organizational techniques from her corporate experience into personal life planning.
The Plan A and Plan B Philosophy
Always Have Options
Since meeting each other (right after college), Brinell and her husband have always maintained Plan A and Plan B:
- If Plan A doesn't work, what will work?
- If bored with Plan A, can we do Plan B?
- This prepared them for any situation - "come what may"
Creating the Visual Board
The visual board technique helped bring clarity to a complex decision:
Define the End Goal
Not just "the move" but "getting into society and being happy once you're back." This gives direction to what needs to be done.
List Priorities
Write down what's most important: school, location, finances, family comfort, social circle.
Allocate Percentages
Assign importance percentages to each priority to maintain clarity.
Daily Review
Every morning, look at the visual board. New thoughts will come - add them. This prevents things from getting "muddled up."
🏫 School Selection: Interviewing the Schools
Brinell's approach to school selection was unique and empowering - they interviewed the schools rather than being interviewed.
The Selection Process
How They Chose
- Decided on location first based on priorities
- Researched schools in that area through Facebook groups and online reviews
- Booked appointments before moving to India
- Within one week of arriving, visited schools
- Interviewed the schools - asked questions about their approach
- Got daughter's input on what she liked
- Made decision based on "gut feeling" and "vibe"
Why IGCSE/Cambridge Board
The Board Decision
- Provides good platform for higher education abroad if kids choose
- Less focused on rote learning
- More emphasis on projects and understanding environment
- Teachers in IGCSE schools tend to be more helpful and understanding
Questions They Asked Schools
Key questions during their "interviews" of schools:
- What is your thought process on education?
- How will our kids assimilate in this environment?
- What will teachers do to keep them comfortable?
- How do you handle kids who don't know Hindi/Marathi?
- What support systems exist for transition?
📍 Choosing Where to Live
Location selection was driven by their visual board priorities, with school being the anchor point.
The Priority List
What They Needed
- Good school nearby: This was the primary filter
- Large house: Bombay apartments are very compact - they wanted space
- Activities for kids: Skating, swimming, table tennis - available "in a jiffy"
- Close to nature: Lakes nearby, gardens nearby, shaded with trees
- Close to in-laws: Family proximity was important
- Close to friends: Social connections matter
Why Not Bombay City
Despite being from Bombay, they ruled out the city itself:
- Houses are very compact
- Couldn't meet their space and nature requirements
- Outskirts offered everything they needed
The Approach
Location Selection Process
- Created visual board with all requirements
- Identified areas that met criteria
- Found schools in those areas
- Finalized school first
- Then searched for house near the school
- Rented first to test if it works
- Now looking to buy after confirming it's the right fit
👧👦 How the Kids Adjusted
The children's adjustment was a primary concern, and Brinell shares both the challenges and the beautiful transformations.
The Language Challenge
Handling Hindi/Marathi
Their daughter didn't know much Hindi or Marathi. Here's how the school helped:
- Teachers gave her a different revision sheet (basics) while others followed textbook
- Created a "club" for her where she could ask questions about Hindi
- Friends in class helped her cope
- She's now very comfortable with Hindi
The 6-year-old son: Born in Canada, he's now speaking "full Mumbai Hindi" - the transformation has been remarkable.
The Social Transformation
The most touching part of Brinell's story is her son's transformation:
From Hesitant to Confident
Before (in Canada): "Mama, can you ask that boy's mama permission to play with me?"
Now (in India): Going to somebody's house, eating food there, coming back - not bothered about what's happening around because he knows it's a safe space.
Why Kids Adjust Well in India
The India Advantage
- Something is always happening - festivals every month
- Can't stay indoors because there's always an event
- When you go out, you meet people
- Neighbors are very interactive - doors are open, people chitchat
- Community activities are constant
🏠 Life in India Now
When asked to describe her return in one word, Brinell says: "Liberating."
What's Working Well
The Positives
- Daughter becoming childish again: Exactly what they wanted
- Son's confidence: From asking permission to play to confidently visiting neighbors
- Travel resumed: Started doing what they love - exploring India
- Meaningful social interactions: With friends who matter
- Cultural experiences: Kids went to a village, brought mangoes from someone's yard, caught crabs from a stream
A Surprising Financial Insight
Travel Economics
Brinell shares an interesting observation about travel:
What's Challenging
Brinell is honest about the challenges too:
- Still hates the heat
- Doesn't like the "kachra" (garbage/mess) everywhere
- Pollution is a concern
- It's not 100% perfect - never will be
But her perspective: "What are you getting in return for that is much more valuable."
✈️ Travel Recommendations for India
As avid travelers, Brinell has strong opinions on how to experience India properly.
Nature and Wildlife
Safari Experiences
- Tiger reserves: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
- Lion reserves: Gujarat
- Key advice: Don't just go to tick markers - teach kids about animals, learn about the wildlife in our subcontinent
- Nature walks: Organizations like Briha Mumbai Society for animals and plants take you for trips in colonies
Unique Experiences
What to Explore
- Luxury camping (glamping): Book a tour and everything is arranged - different from Canada camping but still an experience
- Architecture: India has palaces and structures you won't find in Canada - "so beautiful"
- Regional food: Go eat at the right places, understand different cuisines - jackfruit from your village tree beats jackfruit from Vietnam or Philippines
- Snow experiences: Sikkim is beautiful, Meghalaya (despite current issues) is amazing
- Road trips: Use the joy of driving learned in Canada to explore
The Seashore vs Lake Reality
In Canada, they had to go all the way to the Pacific coast to experience the sea, and even then it wasn't always safe. In India, the seashore is accessible and the experiences are richer.
💼 Career Planning for Returnees
Brinell offers practical insights on career transitions for returnees.
Her Situation
Career Flexibility
- Husband: Works for global MNC, moved with same company - got a better position. Coming from North American market to Indian market, he brings value to APAC.
- Brinell: Started two businesses in Canada that were running well. Put them on hold to explore options in India. Getting consulting requests from people wanting to know about doing business in Canada.
Advice for Job Seekers
The Reality Check
- Indian companies are wary of taking people who haven't worked in India recently (similar to how Canadian companies are wary of those without Canadian experience)
- Start searching for jobs in India while still in Canada
- Once you have something in pipeline, one spouse can come first, get the job, then bring family
- Or send family to parents first while you secure employment
- If finances are in place, this is less of an issue
Key insight: "It's all about approach. If you're approaching it the right way, there are a lot of options."
Investment Considerations
Brinell's Wish: "One thing I wish I knew was about investments. We tried to find a lot of information but it was very scattered. For OCI holders who come to India and become residents, what investment options you have and how you can mitigate the risks of having investments on both sides - that is something we're still working on."
💡 Advice for Aspiring Returnees
Brinell's advice is practical and action-oriented.
Do Your Homework
Learn from Immigration Mistakes
Many people weren't prepared when immigrating from India to Canada. Don't repeat that mistake when returning:
- Research thoroughly
- Create checklists
- Understand financial implications
- Know what to expect
The Visual Board Method
How to Create Your Visual Board
- Define end goal: Not just "the move" but "being happy and settled in society"
- List all priorities: Financial, family, career, social, location
- Allocate percentages to each priority
- Review every morning - add new thoughts
- Divide tasks between spouses: "This is your part, this is my part"
Critical Mindset Shifts
What to Remember
- Don't expect India to be Canada: "You've been in India all your life and suddenly you're coming from a different country expecting India to be like that country - that's totally wrong."
- Give India a chance: The India you left has grown exponentially but is still laid-back.
- Be rational about age: Many returnees are in their 35s-40s. Age is a factor in career transitions.
- Give yourself time: Don't expect instant success.
The Most Important Advice
Book That Flight: "If you've made a decision, stick to it and go ahead. If you're not going to book that flight, you're going to wait for another two years and then you'll be like 'oh I'm stuck here.' That has also happened. There are many stories of that happening too. Don't get stuck."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brinell's background and why did she move to Canada?
Brinell is a microbiologist in learning and development in healthcare. She and her husband are avid travelers who moved to Canada in April 2016 driven by ambition and curiosity - wanting to experience different cultures, food, and lifestyles. They also got Australian PR but chose Canada because it's closer to more places to explore and they wanted to be "where all the action is."
Why did Brinell decide to move back to India after 8 years?
The primary reason was their children. Their daughter in grade 5 was "growing up too fast" - not doing childish things. They wanted their kids to have joyful childhoods like they had in India. They also felt Canadian education was missing "grounding" and didn't want the "everyone is a winner" mentality. Additionally, in-laws could no longer travel to visit, and they wanted kids to know their extended family better.
How did Brinell select a school in India?
They interviewed schools instead of being interviewed. They chose IGCSE/Cambridge board for less rote learning and global flexibility. They visited schools, saw classrooms, observed teachers, got a "vibe," and asked specific questions about how teachers would help their kids transition. They also took their daughter's input. School was selected first, then housing was found nearby.
How did Brinell's children adjust to India, especially with languages?
The IGCSE school teachers were very helpful - gave daughter separate revision sheets for basics while others followed textbook, created a "club" for Hindi questions. She's now comfortable with Hindi. The 6-year-old son (born in Canada) now speaks "full Mumbai Hindi." Kids adjusted well because India always has something happening - festivals, interactive neighbors, community activities.
What is Brinell's advice for planning a return to India?
Key advice: 1) Do your homework - don't repeat immigration mistakes. 2) Create a visual board with end goal (being happy and settled, not just the move). 3) Make checklists with priorities and percentages. 4) Write things down. 5) Book that flight - if you don't, you'll wait another 2 years and get stuck. 6) Don't expect India to be like Canada. 7) Have Plan A and Plan B always ready.
How is life in India now for Brinell's family?
Life is "liberating." Daughter has become "childish again" which they wanted. Son transformed from asking permission to play to confidently visiting neighbors. They've resumed traveling, having meaningful social interactions, and experiencing cultural activities. Kids went to a village, brought mangoes, caught crabs - experiences they treasure. Challenges remain (heat, pollution) but "what you get in return is much more valuable."
Planning Your Return from Canada?
Brinell's journey shows that with proper planning, clear priorities, and the right mindset, returning to India after years abroad can be a liberating experience for the whole family. The key is doing your homework, creating your visual board, and most importantly - booking that flight.
Connect with families who have made similar moves and get practical guidance for your return journey. Use the checklist mentioned by Brinell to plan your move systematically.
