Settlement

Immigrating to Canada was an adventurous and transformative experience for me, filled with moments of both excitement and bewilderment. After I landed in this country, I encountered an unexpected culture shock. I also started to learn how people are different, how there are different ways of living life, and the many possibilities that exist in Canada. This helped me to be more open-minded and ultimately grow as an individual.

One of the most surprising aspects of Canadian culture is its multiculturalism and diversity. China is a comparatively traditional and homogeneous society; I was awestruck by Canadian multiculturalism and open-mindedness. In downtown Toronto, I met people from different countries and religions, and I was shocked by how people dressed to express their individuality and personality. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about different cultures and make friends with people from various backgrounds, which let me gain a deeper awareness of the richness of human experiences.

However, other than the excitement, I also encountered moments of difficulty. The language barrier proved to be a significant challenge initially. I could handle basic conversation but had difficulty engaging in deep conversations. Also, I lacked common knowledge about Canadian cultures such as hockey and baseball. Sometimes attending social gatherings with local people became daunting as I struggled to express myself adequately. However, through watching YouTube videos, chatting with local friends, and all-day immersion in an English-speaking environment, I gradually improved my language skills and gained confidence in my ability to communicate effectively.

Another aspect of culture shock that proved challenging was adapting to Canadian social norms and customs. I had to navigate a new set of social etiquette that was different from China’s. I was accustomed to using diplomatic language in China, where people tend to be more outspoken. In addition, I used to use deferential language when I spoke with people who were older than me; however, people here address one another by their first names. In the past seven years, by observing and learning from the local community, I gradually adapted to these cultural nuances, finding a balance between my own cultural background and the new environment I found myself in.

Throughout this journey, I learned valuable lessons and became more empathic, open-minded, resilient, and confident. I discovered that cultural differences are catalysts for personal growth and inclusiveness. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds allowed me to broaden my horizons and foster a deeper sense of empathy and acceptance.