Adjusting to your new life in Canada
Depending on your country of origin, you may have to make only minor adjustments to life in Canada, or you may find yourself in an entirely different environment than you are used to. There are many aspects of everyday life in Canada that may take time to become accustomed to, but if you plunge in with a positive attitude, these adjustments will slowly but surely happen for you.
Language
One of the most difficult adjustments is language. If you do not speak either English or French, you will find it hard to understand what is being said, and you will have a hard time being understood. This can cause problems in all areas of adjustment. Tests are given to determine proficiency, but for your own sake, master the language beyond minimum standards. Canada offers free language training, called LINC, which stands for Language Instruction for Newcomers. Practice your new language often, and if possible, take classes for English as a second language. Listen to television and internet broadcasts of the English language where possible, and have your family practice together by speaking English only in your home before you leave. Be sure your children are learning right along with you. It will help them a great deal when it is time to study in the new language in Canadian schools.
Food
We are often defined by the foods we eat, and the foods that identify us culturally supply a part of our identity and our security. It's possible to find ethnic stores and restaurants in Canada, and you can enjoy the foods unique to your country of origin. There will be fewer choices and they may be more expensive, but they’re generally available either in local shops or they can be ordered online. Before you leave home, try to obtain and sample typical foods from Canada so that the cuisine won't be a shock when you land. You may find some new favourites.
Community
Sometimes migrants congregate in communities with other migrants of similar origins. This can be a good transition tool, but it can also hold one back in adjusting to the overall Canadian way of life. When you feel ready, venture out into the broader, more varied cosmopolitan environments. You have as much to offer Canadian life as it has to offer you. Become a part of your new country and its rich diversity.
Find a host
For further assistance in learning about Canada, consider contacting one of the host programmes available in all provinces. Volunteers are available to help you understand how to navigate through your daily life in Canada. They can explain procedures for getting around on a public transportation system, enrolling your children in school, how to find the various kinds of stores where you will be doing your shopping, and much more. They will also help you with the language and explain any customs that are different from your country of origin.
A comprehensive and very useful list of telephone numbers and internet urls can be found here.