I get lots of email from all over the word with people interested in immigrate to Canada. I’m impressed with the visa processing time (in some countries you’ve been waiting more than 5 years) and at the same time with the impression that people have that everything in Canada is perfect. No, Canada is not perfect and I assume no place is perfect. We always (and should) have pros ans cons.
However, what impresses me is that people are interested in living in Canada but at the same time they don’t know what to do, where to go, where they want to live, how much money they have to bring and believe me, how can I find a job for them. I wish I could be all this, but I am not, and I’ve been working hard to conquer my little space too. Things in the beginning are always difficult, but if you are prepared, you can succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and most important, do your homework. Have a plan before you arrive in Canada.
When I was planning to live in Canada I was concerned about how much money I can receive. At that time (back in 2003) I did not have a good internet connection (was using dial-up) and I had to wait until midnight to start my research. It was tough, but I knew that’s how I could succeed. I was lucky to met a guy (also a Brazilian) who helped me a lot, giving me lots of information and still today, we only talk using Facebook, Gmail or MSN. It’s being 8 years already – but I know this is something that will happens soon.
My secret to know what’s behind the curtain? I had a notebook that I used to write notes, later I was doing some research on the internet and only at the end, if I did not find an answer to my questions, I’d bother Marcelo and ask for help. He did what he could – but at the same time, there are situations that it is not possible, and then you have to act fast to do what it needs to be done. What I’d like to share with you is Marcelo’s secret:
- Save money to have a comfortable life for 1 year
- Study English (or French) a lot
- Canada is not a paradise and stop making comparisons with your homeland
- If you’re living in Canada, it is because you chose to live here. Canada did not knock at your door and invited you to come
- Be active, interact with people, make new friends and network
- Save more money and study more – never is enough
- Don’t be afraid to say you did not understand
- Recognize other people’s time and the efforts they’re making in help you
- Volunteer
10 I will leave to you. What do you want to say?
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