How important is to know English before coming to Canada as an immigrant

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Language has many functions on our lives. Have you ever thought about it? I did. Especially when, some years ago, I was in London, England, without knowing a word in English.

I had to find a job to support myself. And that was the hard part: find a job where I didn’t have to communicate in English. Eventually I found one. I was my cousin’s nanny. And his mother wanted somebody who could speak Portuguese to him. So, it was a perfect fit to me. But it was a part-time job and I needed more. So I found another job. I was a cleaner to a big house and I had to clean it in four hours. Oh boy, that was hard!

At that point I started to “remember” my education and how many efforts I have made to get it. I had a degree on Social Communication and a diploma on Teaching. I started to ask myself what was I doing there. I had to find better jobs. By the way, I have nothing, nothing at all, against baby-sitting or cleaning houses. I just knew I could do better money using what I had learned.

As I was a teacher, I started to look for jobs as a Portuguese teacher, which is possible in London. And again, I found new jobs, but I was working just a few hours and, again, I was not doing enough money.

By the time, I didn’t have money to invest in education and I was literally stacked.

To simplify this story, I ended up going back to Brazil, for many reasons, the main one being the lack of visa possibilities.

So, my conclusion, from my own experience – and that could not be everyone’s truth – is that YES, is better if you can come to Canada (or any other country) being able to communicate in the language.

I am not saying that it is impossible coming to Canada not knowing English. Actually, it is. And I absolutely know that people find jobs even if they don’t speak English well. What is in the table here is how much you are willing to tolerate. Not being able to communicate affects your self-esteem. Affects your ability to sort things out. Affects your belief in who you are.

Language is an important part of one’s culture. It is a vital tool that allows us to learn and to interact with people. We use language to ask questions, to demonstrate how we feel and what we need, to make sense of our experiences.

When you are in a different country and you cannot communicate effectively, you may experience some frustration, maybe a lot of frustration. And you must be ready for that. I have been there and I can tell you that it hurts a lot not being able to deliver properly a message. You feel incapable. You feel vulnerable. So it really depends on how you will look at this situation. You must be aware that you will be going through that.

Do not give up

Learning a new language is something beautiful. Is something meaningful that will enhance your own skills. You will be a better person after that process. You will be better prepared and aware of differences and diversity. You will be able to communicate even better in your own language. It will improve your employment potential and certainly it will help you make lifelong friends. Learning a second language in loco is even better. Is quicker and you will learn the culture along with that language. Take advantage on that and ask questions.

And never, ever give up. Do not feel ashamed! Do not feel diminished. You are doing something that not everyone is up to do. So, take proud of yourself. Just be aware that it will take sometime to learn and you definitely deserve that time.

THE PROS AND CONS OF MIGRATION

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Human migration is not a new movement happening in the world. It goes back to the early humans as a way of survival, looking for food and better resources to live. And has never stopped since then.

Many developed countries experience a big flow of immigration. And this is a complex subject as it has its pros and its cons.

For some people immigration is an issue, causing fear, uncertainty and anxiety. To others, immigration is actually, an economic solution and an integrated way to live with no barriers.

Even though I am an immigrant here in Canada, who came from Brazil, I can see some of the negative impacts that immigration can possibly bring to some countries. Issues such as pressure on public services (health, education, welfare etc.), increase of unemployment for local people, decrease of wages, risk of loosing the national identity and language, cultural differences and adjustments, can be just a few of the negative effects of immigration.

And similarly because I am an immigrant coming from a country essentially shaped by immigrants (Brazil was mainly colonized by Europeans and Africans) I can observe the pros of immigration. Economic growth can be sustained, population growth is also maintained, services to elderly can be offered (when there are no sufficient people locally). Immigrants bring diversity and innovation, which creates new experiences and enrich the local culture by adding new food, art, and creativity just to mention a few.

Immigration is a vast topic that has to be planned and controlled by each country, in order to bring the best for both: the host country and the immigrant. Laws and regulations have to secure immigrants’ rights. The host country has to offer a settlement infrastructure to guarantee that the immigrant will adapt. The only thing that has to be out of this topic is bias.

Meet Jorge Fernandez, the Executive Director at the Immigrant Centre.

Fernandez is a graduate at University of Quito, in Ecuador.


He has arrived in Winnipeg in 1985 and has started at Immigrant Centre as a client. He envisioned himself working at the organization at the very first time, when he was in the waiting room at the then called International Centre. He overcome challenges. He couldn’t speak English and he came to Immigrant Centre looking for guidance. Not much longer after that day, Fernandez was working at the organization, first as a volunteer and then as an employee.


While making a difference working over different levels at Immigrant Centre, he has helped countless immigrants and newcomers to settle in Winnipeg. As the Executive Director, he is creating and enhancing programs that help Immigrant Centre's clients, making a difference into their lives. Jorge Fernandez also plays an important role in the national conversation about changes in immigration policy and innovative practices.


The Immigrant Centre is an organization that provides settlement services to newcomers in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Manitoba Museum

Today we decided that it was time to finally visit the Manitoba Museum, here in Winnipeg. What an amazing experience!

I highly recommend that. It was a nice surprise seeing what those walls so close to downtown are hiding. It worth every cent you spend in there.

First we visited the Earth Explorers area. That was nice, not so super surprising, but interesting. You will find beautiful images and videos to see, but not too much to experiment though.

The amazing part was, however, the Museum venue. It was unexpected to us, to be honest. My daughter didn’t even want to go. She ended up loving it and having lots of fun!

What an amazing exposition they have there. I can tell you: take your kids to the museum. Go yourself and explore it. Do not leave the city without knowing this museum.

You are going to learn about human history and natural history.  You are going to learn about how Manitoba was formed and most important: you are going to experiment it. You will board a pirate ship and you will learn that the museum was built around the ship after it was brought and place it there.

You will have fun. You will learn and you will love it. I really don't want to kill your experience there by telling you all the experience we had. In my opinion, you have to see and feel it by yourself. I could not help but share with you, though, that it is an awesome place to spend some time in. Grab a good pair of shoes and walk the museum! I hope you like it as much as we did.

Inspiring Daphne Odjig mural. Beautiful.

Impressively detailed mockup 

Amazing entrance at the pirate ship

10 tips to smooth your settlement in Winnipeg, Canada

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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.