Canadian immigration, adjusting to your new life in Canada

Living in a new country surrounded by new people and new cultures can be both exciting and stressful. In your new life in Canada you will be faced with many changes and differences. Some of the things you’ll face will be:

• Cultural Differences
• Four Stages of Adapting to a New Country
• Ways to Integrate

Cultural Differences

Canada is a vibrant and diverse country. Canadians are proud of their multicultural society. Moving and adapting to new country, however, may be a very different and difficult experience for some newcomers. It is not uncommon to feel the following emotions:

• Uncomfortable
• Helpless
• Frustrated
• Frightened
• Insecure
• Unsure how to behave
• That your cultural beliefs and values are being challenged
• That things are not predictable

It is normal for people moving to a new country to experience stress during their first few months.

• Your first twelve months in Canada will be emotional and full of change. There will be many things to learn.
• You will face many challenges.
  • You may have to learn English/French or improve your language skills.
  • You may need more education or training.
  • You may have to take a first job or home that is less than you expected.
• There may be many differences between your old life and your new one.

Your feelings are normal. Every newcomer will experience them to various degrees.

Your family’s move to Canada may be more difficult than yours, particularly if they feel they had little control over the decision to move. They will probably experience the same feelings of discomfort, helplessness, and frustration as they adjust to living here. However, in some cases these feelings may be stronger.

For some children, any change can be traumatic; a move to a new country and culture even more so. Your children may be sad or angry about having to leave their school and friends. Your husband or wife may feel very lonely for friends and relatives. It is important to allow your family to communicate how they feel about living in their new home.

The Four Stages of Adapting to a New Country

The four stages of adapting to life in a new country are as follows:

Stage 1: Euphoria period – fascination period

Just before or shortly after arriving in Canada you may:

• Have high hopes and expectations;
• Feel this is a very exciting time;
• Feel everything is new and interesting;
• Feel very confident and can easily cope with problems and stress; and
• Tend to focus on similarities between your own culture and country.

Stage 2: Disenchantment – frustration or irritation and hostility

During the first six months you may:

• Have good and bad experiences;
• Feel very happy about the challenges you have overcome;
• Feel very frustrated, confused, and disappointed;
• Feel depressed about the difficulties you are experiencing;
• Feel very positive one day and very negative the next;
• Focus on the differences between yourself and Canadians;
• Miss your family and feel no connection to Canada;
• Have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning;
• Have difficulty sleeping;
• Have difficulty going to work or looking for work;
• Develop problems with your partner and children;
• Feel indifferent and want to withdraw from normal activities;
• Lose your appetite;
• Feel loneliness for your country and loved ones; and
• Feel guilty about leaving family members behind.

Stage 3: Gradual adjustment – or recovery

During this stage of your adjustment:

• You start to feel in better control of your life as you gain a better understanding of Canada and Canadians;
• You feel more confident in your language skills;
• You gradually get involved in the community;
• Your sense of humour returns;
• You have a better understanding of how to adapt to life in Canada; and
• You have a better sense of what to do to get what you want.

Stage 4: Acceptance – adjustment or acculturation

During this stage of your adjustment:

• You feel more comfortable in your new culture;
• You may have made some friends;
• You get more involved;
• You understand the new system better;
• You no longer regret having come to Canada;
• You may be studying, planning to return to school, or working at better jobs; and
• You generally feel content.

Ways to Integrate

Here are some ways you can integrate yourself into Canadian society:

• Get to know Canada, its people and places. Learn and discover as much as you can about the culture of your new community. Remain open to new ideas and experiences without compromising your own beliefs and attitudes.
• When in doubt, ask questions. Talk to Canadians about their country. Talk to other newcomers about their experiences in Canada.
• Use the support services available to you. It is important to discuss your feelings. Do not be embarrassed about seeking help. With timely and caring advice, you may be able to adjust more easily, and to enjoy life in Canada.

Learning How to Adapt/Adjust to a New Culture

• Do not expect too much from yourself. Settlement in a new country is a significant process. It is normal for every person living in a new culture (of every age, gender, or race) to experience stress.
• Understand that being aware of cultural differences is part of the process of adjusting to your new cultural environment.
• Explore and appreciate cultural differences. This can help you avoid misunderstandings, develop friendships more easily, and feel more comfortable.
• Remember that adjusting to a new culture takes time.
• Exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep your energy levels high.
• Stay in touch with friends and family to avoid feeling isolated.
• Involve yourself in the community as a volunteer – this is a good way to meet people and to practice your English/French.
• Enroll in an English or French language class.
• Explore subjects that interest you (music, dance, art, learning a language, etc.).
• Think about your own culture and how it influences your attitudes and actions.
• Recognize the need to grieve losses. This may provide reassurance to those who are experiencing emotional distress.
• Find out about the help offered by Canadian settlement agencies.

Be sure to talk to your family about changes that will take place so they too can prepare themselves for the process of integrating into Canada.

Although adapting to a new country is difficult, remember that you and your family are not alone. Others have gone through this process and have successfully adjusted to living in Canada.