Settlement

1. Being far from family is emotionally difficult
One of the hardest parts of coming to Canada is being separated from your loved ones. The first weeks and months can feel very long. When you don’t find a job quickly, you feel the absence of your family even more. You can feel lonely, confused, and lost in a new environment.

2. Social interactions are very different
Where I come from, in Africa, you can greet your neighbor, talk with strangers, and even have personal conversations with people you just met. In Canada, people value privacy. Most interactions are short and polite: “Hello,” “How are you?” or “Nice weather.” It is not that people are unfriendly, they are just more reserved and focused on their personal lives and difficulties.

3. Finding a job takes time and patience
Some newcomers find a job in a few days, while others wait six months, eight months, or even a year. There is no rule. Whether it’s an entry-level job or a job in your field, you must be prepared emotionally and financially. Patience and resilience are essential. Don't feel frustrated because you don't quickly find one, remember everyone has his one life history, continue doing effort and keep your positive mind.

4. Canada has many resources to help newcomers
One positive thing is that help is available everywhere. Information is not hidden. When you need help with a service, a document, or a website, there is always customer support. You can call, send an email, or fill out a form, and they will answer you. The customer service is honestly impressive.

5. Getting a training in a high-demand field is a great start
I wish I had known earlier that beginner-level training can open doors. Fields like customer service, elderly care, childcare, security, or retail hire a lot. These jobs help you gain Canadian experience while you adjust to the culture and improve your language skills. So if you have the possibility to do a training in relation to one of the fields, do it.

6. Language challenges can affect job opportunities
If you move to a province where the main language is not your own, you will face extra difficulties. Sometimes you may not get a job because your English or French is not strong enough yet. It is important to accept small beginnings, celebrate progress, and keep learning. Great news here, provinces have free courses for language classes to facilitate the integration of newcomers.

7. The weather is a big shock for people from tropical countries
Canadian winters are extremely cold. Sometimes you don’t feel like going outside at all. But the good news is that summer and autumn are beautiful seasons, and spring is also nice even if it’s a bit cold. Also, winter clothes from tropical countries are not warm enough. Canadian winter clothing is made for –20, –30, and even –40 degrees. It is better to keep the money to come and buy adapted clothes here.

8. Each province feels like a different country
Canada is a big country with many provinces, and moving from one to another can feel like crossing a border. Some documents you use in one province are not valid in another. For example, each province has its own health card. Even phone plans from the same company can be different. It is important to get information before moving between provinces. Despite these differences, Canada is a beautiful country with many cultures and people from around the world. Once you accept change, adapt to the lifestyle, and even celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, you start to feel at home.

Coming to Canada is a big adventure filled with challenges, surprises, and learning experiences. Even though there are things I wish I had known before arriving, each lesson has helped me grow stronger and more confident. Canada may not always feel easy at first, but with patience, adaptation, and an open mind, it becomes a place where you can build a good life and feel proud of your journey.