Overcoming Culture shock; 10 tips to adapt to the new life in Canada
Moving to Canada can be exciting, but it also means you might encounter things that are different from what you're used to. There are cultural differences between where you’re coming from and where you are now.
Here Are 10 Hacks to Thrive In This Unfamiliar Cultural Environment.
- Keep an open mind.
Canada is a diverse and multicultural country, home to people from various backgrounds, beliefs, languages, cuisines, and values. It is important to keep an open mind towards people and different ways of doing things.
In Canada, everyone is treated equally and with respect, regardless of gender, occupation, race, religion, or sexual orientation. You shouldn't allow biases from your home country to influence your words and actions when interacting with others.
- Be polite.
Canadians are known to be very polite - the words ‘please,’ ‘sorry,’ ‘thank you,’ ‘may I,’ and ‘excuse me’ are frequently used in social settings and interactions. Learn to use the words “please,” “sorry,” and “thank you” frequently.
Being polite is valued and expected, even with strangers. Shocking? Yes.
- Be punctual.
In Canada, timeliness is a sign of respect; everyone makes every effort to arrive on time for all personal, professional, and social commitments. If you are late, people will assume that something has happened to you or you have forgotten about your appointment. It may also be seen as disrespectful. If you expect to be late or unable to attend, social decorum requires that you notify the host or meeting organizer of your schedule change as soon as feasible.
Remember, there is no 'African Time.' Make it a habit to be punctual to events and the workplace to avoid being perceived as rude.
- Reach out to settlement services when you need help.
Settlement services and agencies exist in Canada to provide free support to immigrants at every step of the journey.
They are available both before and after arrival and are funded by the Canadian government to promote the smooth integration of newcomers into Canadian society.
Settlement services may help you find a job, register for language classes, access government and community services, understand local culture and customs, and exercise your rights in Canada.
- Tipping for services.
Tipping in Canada is not perceived as rude; rather, it's a cultural norm deeply ingrained in the society. It's a gesture to show appreciation for good services.
In Canada, many workers earn only the minimum wage, and it's expected that tips earned will supplement their income.
You can tip restaurant wait staff, food or grocery delivery personnel, bartenders, coat check personnel, hotel staff, hair stylists, beauticians, masseurs, taxi/Uber drivers, and many others.
- Tailor your resume to the position you want to apply for.
You should customize your resume to fit the job description and requirements of the position you are applying for.
Tailor your work experience, skills, and any additional information to match the role. Also, remember to craft a compelling summary for your resume.
To land a job of your dreams, networking is essential. Through networking, you can get job referrals, which could potentially give you an edge over other applicants.
- Volunteer:
Volunteering is an integral part of Canadian culture, involving freely giving personal time for the benefit of others, groups, or causes. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer at charities, non-profit organizations, political parties, religious faith groups, youth organizations, and more.
This concept may feel unfamiliar, as volunteering operates differently in Nigeria compared to Canada. However, it's an essential part of Canadian culture to understand and adapt to.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, both newcomers and locals, and helps build social and professional networks.
- Finances and Healthcare.
Open a bank account and understand the banking services in Canada. Budget for essentials and familiarize yourself with the cost of living, which is vastly different from that of Nigeria.
Also, get a health card and register with a family doctor for primary care. Familiarize yourself with how the healthcare system works in Canada. Both are vital to know and comprehend, given the significant differences in how both systems operate in your old country, Nigeria, and your new country, Canada.
- Transportation
Explore public transportation options like buses, trains, or subways. Consider reading about the transportation system in Canada.
Fun Fact: There is a previous article on the Transportation system in Canada as a culture shock. Read up, walk down memory lane and learn as you read.
- Download paper.
You might have been wondering how to send a few thousand dollars to your loved ones in Nigeria. Don't worry, Paper is the answer to your question. Download the Paper app to send money to your loved ones in Nigeria without hassle.
These are just a few tips to help you during your stay in Canada. To learn more about interesting topics, follow Paper today.
Enjoyed reading this?
Share it with your friend(s) and family who recently moved to Canada.
