“Tea is treated like oxygen”: Foreign engineering student decodes life in India; From head wobbles to midnight street food adventures and more

When she left Zambia to pursue engineering studies in India, she carried along her textbooks, winter wear, and the quiet confidence of someone stepping into a new beginning. What she couldn’t prepare for, however, were the unwritten lessons — decoding head wobbles, navigating auto rickshaw rides, and understanding why tea holds near-sacred status.

Through her Instagram account, @mercy_jo123, the Zambian student documents her everyday experiences with humour and warmth. Rather than dramatic culture-shock revelations, her posts feel like casual voice notes to friends — amused, reflective, sometimes overwhelmed, yet consistently observant.

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Fashion: Between Streets and Screens

One of the earliest things she noticed was the contrast in fashion. On the streets around her university, young women confidently wore crop tops, oversized shirts, and globally trending outfits. But when she watched popular Indian films, the portrayal sometimes shifted. Sometimes,not always. Characters who appeared modern and bold in one scene would adopt a more conservative look in another, depending on the storyline.

The Auto Rickshaw Experience

For many newcomers, India’s three-wheeled auto rickshaws are more than just transportation. Her initial rides felt chaotic and exhilarating all at once. Traffic seemed to surge from every direction. “Your body has no idea which way is up,” she joked online.

Curious Glances, Open Conversations

As an African student, she became aware of curious looks in markets, small shops, and public areas. The stares were rarely unfriendly, mostly inquisitive. In many places, people simply weren’t used to seeing someone from Zambia. Yet these moments often led to conversations rather than discomfort, turning curiosity into connection.

Tea: More Than Just a Drink

Back home, tea was simply one beverage among many. In India, it felt almost essential. Morning chai before lectures. Afternoon chai during study sessions. Evening chai with classmates. Roadside stalls serving steaming cups to workers, students, and strangers.

Declining tea sometimes felt like declining companionship. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a ritual of bonding.

The Head Wobble Mystery

A subtle tilt. A gentle sway. A motion that can signal yes, no, maybe, understanding, or simply attentiveness.

In the beginning, conversations required replaying interactions in her mind. Over time, context became the key. Tone, facial expression, and situation spoke louder than the movement itself. What once seemed impossible to interpret gradually became second nature, a quiet milestone in her adaptation.

The Art of Bargaining

In many Indian markets, price tags are suggestions rather than final numbers. Watching negotiations felt theatrical. A vendor would quote a price. The buyer would respond with exaggerated disbelief, and the performance would continue.

She realised that bargaining wasn’t confrontation; it was participation. It wasn’t about being difficult; it was about engaging in the rhythm of the marketplace.

Midnight Street Food Adventures

Even after sunset, food stalls buzzed with life, attracting students and night owls drawn by the aroma of sizzling spices. Back in Zambia, midnight street food wasn’t routine. In India, it felt perfectly normal.

There was initial hesitation, concerns about spice, hygiene, and whether her stomach would cooperate. But curiosity often triumphed over caution. Each new dish became part of her growing collection of experiences, shaping her journey as an international student.