Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis is an entrepreneur, seasoned traveler, and co-founder of Wovi Overseas. With expertise in migration consultancy, Sarang guides individuals towards successfully navigating life abroad, offering invaluable insights through his book While Pursuing Overseas Dreams for aspiring professionals.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write While Pursuing Overseas Dreams?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: Through my company, Wovi Overseas Consulting, I have been actively involved in overseas recruitment since 2015. Over the years, I have interacted with hundreds of candidates aspiring to build their careers abroad. One common challenge I noticed is that many of them embark on this journey without thorough preparation. This is largely because the essential information needed to make such a life-changing decision is scattered and difficult to piece together.
Recognizing this gap, I felt the need to create a comprehensive guide—one that serves as a friend, philosopher, and mentor to aspirants. My book, While Pursuing Overseas Dreams, is designed to walk them through every step of the journey—from contemplating an international career to successfully securing and settling into their dream job abroad.
The Literature Times: Can you share some of the most common challenges Indian professionals face when moving abroad?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: Indian professionals aspiring to work abroad face challenges beyond just securing a job. Many struggle with lack of reliable information, visa complexities, financial planning, skill recognition, cultural adaptation, and emotional adjustments. Misconceptions about quick job placement often lead to costly mistakes, while legal compliance and workplace integration remain key hurdles.
Cultural differences, homesickness, workplace biases, and family responsibilities* further complicate transitions. Many also overlook long-term career growth, promotions, and residency pathways.
While Pursuing Overseas Dreams addresses these challenges with practical strategies, real-world insights, and structured guidance, helping aspirants make informed decisions and thrive in their overseas careers.
The Literature Times: How does your background in migration consultancy influence the advice you give in the book?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: My experience with Wovi Overseas Consulting since 2015 has given me deep insights into the challenges of pursuing an overseas career. Having worked with hundreds of candidates, I’ve seen common pitfalls—visa rejections, job scams, cultural struggles—and structured While Pursuing Overseas Dreams as a practical guide to help aspirants navigate these hurdles confidently.
Unlike generic career guides, my book offers real-world solutions to common mistakes—trusting misleading agents, misunderstanding visa requirements, or failing to budget properly. It simplifies complex immigration processes and provides sector-specific insights for healthcare, IT, hospitality, and other industries.
Beyond job placement, success abroad requires mental, emotional, and strategic preparation. My book covers cultural adaptation, career growth strategies, and pathways to long-term stability. More than just advice, it’s a roadmap to making informed decisions, avoiding risks, and thriving in an international career.
The Literature Times: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: The biggest challenge I faced while writing While Pursuing Overseas Dreams was structuring scattered information into a clear, practical guide.
Over the years, I had accumulated vast knowledge through my experience in migration consultancy—real cases, visa regulations, industry insights, and candidate struggles. However, organizing this wealth of information in a way that was comprehensive yet easy to follow was a daunting task. I didn’t want the book to feel like a dense rulebook; instead, I aimed for a friend-philosopher-guide approach that readers could relate to and apply in real life.
Another challenge was ensuring accuracy and relevance. Immigration laws and job market trends change frequently, so I had to cross-check details, simplify legal jargon, and provide insights that remain valuable even as policies evolve.
Lastly, making the book engaging was crucial. I didn’t want it to be just an instructional manual but rather a motivational roadmap that not only informs but inspires aspirants to take confident steps toward their overseas careers. Finding the right balance between facts, personal experiences, and actionable advice was a challenge—but one I was determined to overcome to make this book truly impactful.
The Literature Times: How does the book address the issue of cultural adaptation for professionals moving to the UK and Europe?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: Cultural adaptation is key to a successful overseas career but is often overlooked. In While Pursuing Overseas Dreams, I dedicate a section to helping professionals moving to the UK and Europe understand and adapt to their new environment.
The book covers workplace etiquette, communication styles, industry expectations, language barriers, and networking strategies. It also offers mental preparation tips, real-life success stories, and insights into employment laws to help professionals balance work and personal life.
Beyond just securing a job, thriving abroad requires cultural intelligence and adaptability, and my book provides the practical tools to make this transition smoother.
The Literature Times: Can you tell us about any specific success stories featured in the book that particularly inspire you?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: While Pursuing Overseas Dreams features inspiring success stories, including Amit, an IT professional from India who moved to Germany. Despite 8 years of experience, he struggled with language barriers and cultural differences, finding it hard to adapt to direct communication and independent problem-solving at work.
Frustrated, Amit considered returning to India but chose to learn German, seek mentorship, and adapt his work style. Within a year, he became fluent in German business communication and earned a promotion.
Amit’s journey proves that technical skills alone aren’t enough—resilience, adaptability, and cultural integration are key to thriving in an overseas career.
The Literature Times: What advice would you give to someone who’s unsure about taking the leap to work abroad?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: If you’re unsure about working abroad, make an informed decision, not an impulsive one. An overseas career can be life-changing, but it requires clear purpose, research, and preparation.
Key Considerations:
Define Your Why – Is it for career growth, financial stability, or life experience?
Research Thoroughly – Understand job market, visa rules, culture, and living costs.
Assess Readiness – Are your skills in demand? Do you meet visa criteria? Are you financially prepared?
Adaptability Matters – Success abroad isn’t just about a job—it’s about adjusting to a new work culture and lifestyle.
Start Small – Try short-term assignments, remote work, or networking before relocating.
Have a Backup Plan – If things don’t work out, ensure you have other career options.
Beware of Scams – Avoid agencies promising “guaranteed jobs”; trust legitimate consultants.
Don’t rush, but don’t ignore the opportunity either. Plan wisely, take the leap when ready, and give your dreams a real chance!
The Literature Times: How does the job market in the UK and Europe differ from India, and how can Indian professionals prepare for this transition?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: The UK and Europe job market differs from India in hiring, work culture, industry requirements, and legal aspects. Indian professionals must strategically prepare for a smooth transition.
Key Differences & Tips:
Job Search – UK/Europe prioritizes skills & networking; tailor your CV & LinkedIn.
Work Culture – Emphasizes independent work & punctuality; develop self-driven skills.
Industry Requirements – Some fields need extra certifications; research & upskill.
Salary & Taxes – Higher pay but higher expenses; plan finances.
Visa & Work Permits – Many jobs need sponsorship; target suitable employers.
Preparation Steps:
✔ Improve soft skills & communication.
✔ Gain global exposure via freelancing.
✔ Learn local etiquette & language basics.
✔ Seek mentors who have successfully transitioned.
Success abroad isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about adapting and thriving. With the right preparation, your overseas dream can be a reality!
The Literature Times: What role do networking and building relationships play in the success of professionals abroad, according to your book?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: Networking is key to success abroad, as many jobs are filled through referrals and connections rather than public listings. In While Pursuing Overseas Dreams, I highlight how strong relationships can fast-track job searches, help professionals understand industry expectations, and provide mentorship and support for long-term growth.
Why Networking Matters:
Job Referrals – Many opportunities come through professional connections.
Industry Insights – Helps understand workplace culture and hiring trends.
Career Growth – Mentors and networks open doors for promotions and collaborations.
Faster Integration – Expat groups and professional circles offer job and social support.
How to Build a Strong Network?
Leverage LinkedIn – Connect with recruiters, industry leaders, and peers.
Join Events & Expat Groups – Conferences and local meetups offer valuable exposure.
Engage in Informational Interviews – Learn from professionals already working abroad.
Success isn’t just about what you know, but who you connect with. My book provides practical strategies to help professionals network effectively and accelerate their overseas careers.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers take away from While Pursuing Overseas Dreams as they embark on their own international journeys?
Sarang Sudhakar Chitnis: I hope readers of While Pursuing Overseas Dreams gain clarity, confidence, and a well-prepared mindset for their international careers. My goal is to equip them with practical knowledge about job markets, visa processes, cultural adaptation, and career growth, ensuring they make informed decisions rather than relying on luck or misinformation.
Above all, I want them to understand that success abroad isn’t just about securing a job—it’s about thriving in a new environment, adapting to challenges, and building a fulfilling future with the right strategies and preparation.
