“I was amazed by the Argentine culture”
Published 31.10.2024
Phillip Edwin, an Indian engineer who had settled in Buenos Aires to serve as the focal point for a new project in Argentina, has a story worth sharing. His journey as an expat and the elements of the country that captivated him are quite fascinating.
After spending seven years at the Techint Engineering & Construction office in Mumbai, Phillip Edwin, Piping Design Lead Engineer, returned to Argentina in June to contribute to a new project. Despite being far from home, he has embraced Buenos Aires and is enthusiastic about witnessing the project's development.
Although the new project has not fully launched yet, Phillip was involved from the outset with initial tasks. His role as the focal point is essential for coordinating between the Argentine and Indian engineering teams.
“When the project officially kicks off, much of the work will be led from India, and I'll be liaising with my Indian colleagues. I handle the project’s tasks assigned from India and coordinate with both the Buenos Aires and Indian team leaders,” he explains.
A good place
This isn’t his first time in Argentina. He had been for almost one year and a half in the country between 2016 and 2017. First, he collaborated in the Shushufindi project (Ecuador) from Buenos Aires, and then on one project for Tecpetrol. So, he knows Techint E&C’s local offices very well.
Phillip shares: “I was really impressed by the work culture here. The Argentine people are exceptionally polite and warm. Everyone greets each other everywhere, prioritizes others, and offers help.”
Regarding Techint E&C, he believes “it is a great company.” “I feel very comfortable, work efficiently, and interact well with everyone. The main focus is on completing assignments and meeting deadlines, which aligns with my view on management. Plus, it’s easy to communicate with managers and directors,” he states.
Big differences
While Phillip finds the local culture fascinating and has adapted to it, he is surprised by certain traditions, especially those related to family and relationships. He observes: “Many young people in my department told me that they rent their own place, earn money, and become independent. It’s a positive thing, but they are separate from their parents, which is quite different from how we do things in India. That was the first thing I found unusual here.”
In India, the traditional “joint family” system is still prevalent. Phillip explains that in the past, it was common for people to live with their parents, grandparents, children, and spouses all under one roof. While this arrangement has become less common and now typically involves a single-family unit, he describes his own experience: “Previously, my household included my parents, my brother, his wife, his children, and myself all living together. A few years ago, we separated, and now I live with just my parents, my wife, and our children.”
Phillip notes a significant contrast between Argentina and India regarding women’s employment and personal freedom. “In Argentina, most women are employed. In India, although women traditionally focused on education and attaining qualifications, it was less common for them to enter the workforce. However, this has changed; women are now not only taking care of their families but are also leading in every field,” he says.
Food and fun
Knowing where to go and what to eat is a major advantage of being in the city for a second time. Phillip has already sampled many Argentine dishes, such as asado, entraña, milanesas, and pizzas porteñas—all of which he enjoys. However, when he craves Indian food, he cooks with the spices and salts he brought from abroad.
In his spare time, Phillip has taken on the role of “tour guide” for his Indian colleagues who are also living in Buenos Aires. “I show them around the city. We've visited many places, mostly parks, cycled to Puerto Madero, and traveled to Tigre,” he shares.
He even walks from his hotel in the Recoleta neighborhood to the office every day—a feat unimaginable in his hometown. “I really appreciate the streets and roads; everything is very clear,” he notes.
Phillip insists that he feels “comfortable and happy” in Buenos Aires. “At work, I'm getting to know all the changes and clients. We have meetings every week, get together regularly, and stay updated,” he emphasizes.