In the huge modern world, thousands and hundreds of people are willing to leave their homelands and travel to another country for various reasons. It is their dreams for the new life caused by the motivation and goals. People who hope to escape persecutions, war, poverty or famine believe that they can find relief on soil of another country. On the arrival, immigrants often meet challenges that they are not able to anticipate. These types of difficulties vary from the navigation of legal complications to the understanding of complex transportation systems, battling cultural shock, securing employment and living arrangements, depression, psychological distress and despair.
1. Language barriers – Language plays a significant role in a human’s life. It is considered as the biggest issue faced by the immigrants to any country. Every area of life gets affected if you are not able to communicate and interact with people especially when you are in other country. Learning a native language is very necessary, as it is helpful at every step even in your day-to-day activities like job, school, buying food, etc.
Important facts –
a. Countries like US and Canada have more than one major language, that is, French or Spanish and several minor languages.
b. French is an official language in Canada especially recognized by the government.
In Canada, there are local or national bodies that could help you with the courses on both culture and language of the country. Among all, learning at least one language is essential. In an ever growing and increasing global market, employers may value your multi-lingual skills when it is compared with those who know one or two languages only.
2. Employment – A research has been conducted which shows that new immigrants commonly faces finding a suitable employment when they start their life in a new country. In various settings, language skills are in a great demand whether it is international financial sector or government bodies. In such case, interpreters might be in a short supply. However, new immigrants face two problems particularly that include getting their achievements recognized and important local work experience.
Important fact –
a. In Canada, you can get your credentials recognized before you enter the country and find important work experience and opportunities.
3. Housing – It is also the most important factor or you can say, it is the priority of an immigrant when he/she lands to another country. Sometimes, there are cases when the housing market can create problems in your country. Therefore, it is important to research in advance, as internet allows you to search and explore the past or local situations.
Important facts –
a. In Canada, both local and national agencies offer specific programs to the new comers.
b. The Canadian National Housing Agency has special and dedicated section for the immigrants to explore the important information and process.
4. Access to services - Through a comparison, it has been analyzed that the services available in a new country is completely different to that of your native country. Most of the immigrants accepted that the knowledge of resources availability in the first place is a huge barrier. These services include legal advice, social services, and access to mental health or health care. In a new country, advance research can make all kinds of services easy.
Important facts –
a. In Canada, social service departments should be your first port of call for help.
b. In language issue, interpreters are available through social services to make you aware about your rights and the portals where immigrants can seek any kind of help.
5. Transportation issues – If an immigrant can easily access transportation in a new country, it would be much easier to access both employment and education. In this respect, immigrants face problems on two different levels.
a. In a new country, your driver’s license may not be recognized or considered. There is a huge cost associated for becoming qualified.
b. Language can be a biggest barrier as it makes useful local public transit services a difficult task.
The timetables for public transit can be challenging for both locals and immigrants. In major cities of Canada, transport companies offer multi-lingual timetables and information services.
Important facts –
a. In Canada, driving license is issued by territorial or provincial governments. For this, you must check specific regulations for the area you intend to live.
b. An immigrant can use their home country license, but they also require International Driving Permit (IDP)
6. Cultural differences – This might be not in the top of the list, but it is equally important for the immigrants to overcome with. Cultural differences make a big impression on the lives of immigrants. It is divided into various ranges like social customs or many significant issues include religious diversity, sexuality, gender and ethnicity. They create vast difference in a new country. The lack of knowledge of cultural differences can create problems for immigrants and the people they make any kind of interaction. It leads to negative mental health and a sense of isolation for immigrants. It is significant to understand that values of each person are different and you need to learn to respect them for others.
7. Problem kids – When parents bring their children to a new country, they faces two major issues. Through their new schools, children are likely to quickly adopt new culture and started pretending isolated from their parents.
a. It does not matter where you come from. It is important for every parent to teach their children to respect your own cultural standards and values along with integrating new culture.
b. When language barrier gets in the way of parents, they will not be able to help their kids in homework or interact at social places like club parties, community groups, etc.
8. Prejudice and racism - This is the most serious experiences, almost all the immigrants’ face. Canada has many progressive laws and diverse communities.
Important facts –
a. Support services include community and peer groups, social services, modern police force (they have anti-racism and strong diversity policies) are available for immigrants facing racism.
b. Both local and national groups work to remove discrimination and racism under the act introduced by the government. 9. Isolation – For most of the migrants, missing the support of family, friends and extended social circles is considered as a big factor. There are cases when students feel lost, disoriented and alienated when they are moving to the western country. There, individualism is prioritized over family. Canada has major cities comprised of different communities and diverse population.
Important fact –
a. In Canada, community groups offer advice and support to immigrants that are not able to adjust in a different kind of society.
10. The weather – When moving to the new country, most of the people overlook this factor. People feel that Canada is associated with snow and cold weather. For immigrants, adopting the climate change is a great necessity regardless of the place they are settling in.
Important facts –
a. Climate of Canada is very diverse. The country experiences climate up to 35 degree Celsius and 25 degree Celsius maximum and minimum respectively depending on your living area.
b. In coastal regions, the climate is very moderate.
c. In the west, British Columbia has a temperate climate similar to the UK and Western Europe.
Conclusion
In spite of these challenges, it is important to become strong and grateful for the opportunity to live in another country. Most of the people have desires to have their children succeed in school and to live a peaceful and smooth life at a new place. After all, it is important to keep their families afloat in the new and scary place.
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