English

I am going to write about the newcomers because I have been one of them. I came to Canada three years ago. During this time, I have studied in three different schools, and as result, among other things, I have met many people from different countries and nationalities, who are also newcomers. Each one has a different life story, reasons why they emigrated to Canada and their own dreams, but the common ideas are: learn the language and settle in this great country.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Many newcomers come without speaking any of them, for this reason the first things we do is enroll in LINC or ESL programs. In addition to this, Ontario is a multicultural province and English is the common language that is spoken everywhere and it is necessary to carry out different situations on a day-to-day-basis. Most of the newcomers are of the productive age and have family, so in addition to learning the language they need to find work, but this is where the difficulties begin. Let’s see….

Going back to the newcomers that I met, some of them had studied at College or University and they were graduates of different careers such as: Engineer, Doctor, Bachelor in Business Administration, Teacher, Nurse, Economist, Accountant, Programmer Computer, Interior Designer, etc. Many of them had the intention of joining the labor market with their profession. They brought experience from their country, but they needed Canadian experience, speak English fluently and be certified here, that meant studying again and have money and time available. So, if the newcomers’ priority is to find work because they have a family to support and other needs to pay for, they may apply and accept entry-level jobs where they can start immediately. While this happens, the newcomers maintain their dreams, expectations and goals and if the end they do not achieve them, I have seen how many people become frustrated and disappointed even considering the possibility of returning to their country of origin. For me that is not the best alternative because it is to limit the future of their family and themselves.

In conclusion, newcomers, who have a profession, should evaluate their goals based on the ease of achieving them. First, learn to speak English fluently. Then, investigate the options they have in relation to their profession or look for new occupations that are according to their interests, resources, time, family and needs. Dreaming is not bad, but the real circumstances are fundamental to decide what to do in our new country. Nothing is impossible but is necessary to work hard to achieve dreams.