Sandra On: You Never Really Understand Your Own Country Until You Leave It [Creator - Culture, 183K Followers, Ukraine]

Sandra has built a life between two worlds, discovering that distance often reveals the deepest truths about home. In this conversation, she reflects on cultural misunderstandings, unexpected belonging, and why leaving Ukraine helped her understand it more than ever before.

Q. What's the one Indian habit you've fully adopted that would shock your old Ukrainian self?

Honestly, at this point, so many things feel normal that I barely notice them anymore.

But if I really think about it, my younger self would be shocked that I meditate, practice breathing exercises, and willingly eat spicy food.

The fact that I not only tolerate spicy food but actually enjoy it would be completely unbelievable to 13-year-old Sandra from Ukraine.

Q. What's been the funniest culture-clash moment with your in-laws so far?

This still makes me laugh.

One day, my mother-in-law said something in Hindi, and I heard the word “dude.” My immediate reaction was, Wait, did she just call me dude? I thought it was surprisingly casual and modern.

For a moment, I was genuinely impressed by how relaxed Indian mothers-in-law seemed.

Then someone explained that she had actually said “doodh,” which means milk in Hindi. She wasn’t calling me “dude” at all—she was simply asking if I wanted milk.

That misunderstanding remains one of my favorite cultural mix-ups.

Q. With your recent trip to Ukraine and the visa journey you've documented, how has the contrast between home and India shaped the way you see both places?

I love my motherland deeply, even with everything it is going through today.

When I arrive in Ukraine, there is a feeling that is difficult to describe—a certain heaviness in the air. People are tired of the war, tired of the politics, and tired of the uncertainty. Yet despite that, the moment I land, I feel completely at home.

Living in India and traveling across Asia taught me something important: you never truly understand your own country until you leave it. Distance creates perspective.

Everything we learn and feel exists in comparison. Without experiencing something different, it is difficult to fully appreciate what home means. India helped me see Ukraine more clearly, and Ukraine helped me appreciate India in a deeper way.

Q. What's been the most rewarding part of building a life and an audience in a country that wasn't originally yours?

The loyalty has been the biggest surprise.

I never expected so many people to genuinely care about my perspective or be interested in how I see their culture. But I think that connection comes from curiosity. I am genuinely interested in India, and I believe people can feel that.

The warmth extends far beyond social media. Indian people have been incredibly welcoming, and when you approach them with sincerity, that warmth is often returned tenfold.

Today, it feels as though I have brothers and sisters spread across the world who are rooting for me. That sense of belonging and community is the most rewarding part of this journey. Nothing else comes close.

Q. If your boyfriend could keep only one Indian habit and you could keep only one Ukrainian habit forever, what would each of you choose?

For him, the answer is easy.

He would absolutely keep eating raw onions and green chilies alongside almost every meal. As a Ukrainian, I still find that habit slightly difficult to understand.

As for me, I would never give up potatoes. In any form. That is completely non-negotiable.

And, of course, borsch.

You can take the girl out of Ukraine, but you cannot take the borsch out of the girl.

Q. What's next for you and your content? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?

With India, life is always unpredictable. I am constantly being invited to new places and experiences, and honestly, I consider that a blessing.

My biggest focus over the next few years is building my clothing brand. I want to work with Indian manufacturers and designers to create something that is rooted in India, made in India, and meaningful to the people here.

That is the plan.

And knowing India, I am sure it will surprise me along the way.

Bio

Sandra On is a Ukrainian creator documenting India through the eyes of an outsider who became an insider. Through her widely followed platform, she shares thoughtful observations on culture, identity, relationships, and everyday life, building a loyal community that connects with her curiosity, honesty, and humor. Alongside her content journey, she is also building her clothing brand, blending global perspective with Indian creativity and craftsmanship.

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Interviewed By Mohd Farhan