Starting a Fresh Life in Canada
I used to see the world in a certain way, but trading in Sri Lanka for the Canadian landscape did more than just change my zip code. It flipped my perspective entirely.
Hi, I’m Chamika! Originally from Sri Lanka. Currently, I’m residing in Canada with my husband and son.
Canada is a country which is built and maintained on top of migrants and the values they bring into the country. Lots of people move to Canada for different reasons, but for me, it was all about learning more as a teacher and putting down roots. We’re still getting settled in and every day feels like a new adventure for us.
Migrating here definitely caused a shift in my mindset. Canada has its own unique way of life, values, customs, and everyday practices that are different from what I’ve been used to. In fact, there have been times when I questioned things I’d never thought to question before.
Migrants will not be able to survive long in the Canadian society without preparing themselves to change their view on certain things that the Canadian people value very highly. Understanding how much Canadian society and system values individual rights and inclusion is crucial.
Starting fresh in Canada made me realise the importance of assimilating, so I decided to embrace the challenge and learn about them!
There’s a free resource waiting for you at the end of reading this post. Enjoy and get your download later!
Embracing a New Environment
As everything is new, migrants need to attend different occasions, which mostly are open to anyone so that they seize the opportunity to network. During the few months of summer, the country has many cultural festivals, community events, and neighbourhood gatherings organised. These give the best insights about diversity and traditions.
Before moving to Canada, I have heard about Canadian politeness. When I got here, I witnessed it first hand. I hear people say “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry” all the time and without effort, I too get used to politeness just like being kind to one another is contagious. Apart from that, they respect a person’s privacy, personal space, and punctuality. They are genuinely friendly in helping another individual.
As a migrant, it was important for me to integrate with the Canadian workforce. This entailed being familiar with the job market, professional network updates, and different workplace cultures. My outdoor lifestyle has also changed because recreational opportunities abound here. Engaging in activities such as skiing, hiking, or kayaking is common among Canadians.
The key to success in migrating is being open-minded about things that happen around you, having the preparation to adapt to the environment, focusing on your goals, and taking small steps towards achieving those.
It all boils down to the skill of assimilating.
Have you ever considered migrating to another country, and if so, what was your experience like? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
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