This month my family and I complete 1 year and 5 months leaving in Winnipeg, Canada. As I said before, it has been an amazing journey, with the ups and downs of a new life.
Today, I would like to share with you some tips I’ve learned to
better settle in a new country. That is my experience. It does not mean that it
will work out to everyone. But has been working to us so far.
1. Don’t convert dollars to your home currency
If you are Brazilian, specially, you will be depressed. The
rates are so outrageous right now!
Think on Canadian dollars. As soon as you start doing it you
will have a reference of price and it will make your life easier in terms of
deciding the purchases you will need to make. And don’t go crazy on buying
everything you see in front of you. Although some stuff seems cheap, trust me:
it’s not. Money flies away before you know it!
2. If you ask, many will help
I noticed that if you ask for help, many people would try to
help you out. It doesn’t seem, however, that Canadians will interfere on your
life. I guess this is not considered acceptable to them. So, if you need, ask!
There are a lot of good people out there. And don’t forget to help others too.
It’s always a cycle.
3. Canadians expect a firm handshake when you are introduced
Your handshake must be
firm. It indicates that you are both, open-minded and confident. That’s very
important as a first impression, especially if you are meeting new people and
making new friends. If you are Brazilian, don’t kiss. Just don’t.
4. Appearances matter
In the school environment as much as in the work place,
remember: unfortunately everybody gets a first impression just looking at you.
I know this impression can change, and probably will, but do yourself a favor:
show of your happiness and pleasure on meeting them.
5. Winter
Ok, Winnipeg is cold. Canada can be very cold depending on where
you are from. That’s it. Use proper clothes. Life doesn’t end at the winter.
And the sun will come shinny and bright.
6. Get a local certificate
Is important to any employer in the world to know that the
employee has knowledge and skills to fulfill the job. Getting a local
certificate by going to a Canadian Institution make them trust in you quicker.
And lets face the truth: you will build a network and will make friends! That’s
a perfect deal.
7. Showcase your soft
skills
Especially if you are starting a new career. Skills such as
leadership, strong work ethics, positive attitude towards your life, good
communications skills, time management abilities, social intelligence,
problem-solving skills, self-confidence, flexibility, adaptability, and so on.
Not just mention them on your resume. Showcase them.
8. Get a survival job
We need the first job. It may not be the dream job. But is the
one that will open your doors to the labour market. Get it. And learn from it. The
first is crucial, but it doesn’t need to be the last.
9. Keep looking for your
dream job
It will happen just if you keep looking (and if you are making
your way for it).
10. Keep enough funds to return
You can tell me: “I haven’t come here to return.” But it feels
safer to know that you can come back home if you need. For any reason!
Other than that, enjoy Canada!
Do you have any other tips to settle in Canada? Share with us by leaving a comment! I would love to hear your story.
Do you have any other tips to settle in Canada? Share with us by leaving a comment! I would love to hear your story.
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