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culture shock

Moving may not be so easy! There are various obstacles, including language barriers, to maintaining a relationship. When a visa holder enters Canada, they may experience many emotions in different situations. 

Adjusting to a different culture can be challenging, particularly when moving overseas. People who have lived in a foreign country for a while will go through an adaptation period where “Culture Shock” is experienced. And it would work for any country since each one of them has its own culture and way of living. So, wherever you migrate you should be ready for changes and for new experiences. Also, you should be ready to learn and adapt to a new environment, and that could be challenging.

Culture shock is a phenomenon you may encounter, whether you plan to live in Canada or want to come for a short period. This country is unique in many ways and different from others. Therefore, we have listed ten tips that can help you cope with culture shock in Canada and make yourself at home there.

1. Realize That Adjusting Takes Time

Culture shock and feeling homesick are normal. You need to just admit that. Many go through an adjustment period in the first weeks and months of immigrating. 

However, you should be patient with yourself and understand that it is a process, and it takes time and effort. You will be excited and intrigued by cultural differences, but there will also be times when you will be disappointed, confused or frustrated. Treat it like a normal process that anyone would need to go through.

You should set goals for yourself, such as having one new “Canadian” thing a week to share with loved ones at home or starting a new hobby that cannot be arranged at home. Step by step you will get used to doing those things and treat them as your daily life.

2. Focus On The Positive

You can easily focus on what is “missing,” such as familiar foods and customs from home. However, comparisons will not help you adjust when faced with trying to adapt abroad. Rather, you should focus on the good things that surround you. Maybe there is a new dish or product in a supermarket that you would not find back there at home, but can try nowhere in Canada?

You should write down fun or interesting discoveries and add them to your list throughout the year. You can jot down your list in a notebook, blog, or journal, or even type a little note on your phone.

3. Research What Activities Are Available

It would help if you researched what facilities are available in the area where you will be living. Are you a movie buff? Research your local movie theatre online. You can even check it out with Google Street View to see what it looks like.

If you are a sports lover, check out the local sports facilities. Make sure you still have access to the activities you enjoyed at home.

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4. Accept That You Will Be Homesick

Most immigrants go through a period of homesickness. At the same time, it’s essential to keep in contact with those who you love. 

Push yourself to start a conversation with people. Embrace your new home by talking about your culture, and take time to get to know their culture.

5. Don’t Compare Yourself To Other People

You shouldn’t compare yourself to others when learning to cope with culture shock. Everyone is different and sets himself or herself up for their speed, even if their home is closer to your workplace or university.

Without overwhelming yourself, do things that make you a little nervous, such as trying unfamiliar foods or practicing a conversation in another language. You will only grow when you find yourself outside of your comfort zone.

6. Learn How To Look After Yourself

Living alone and managing household tasks may be a new experience for you if you previously lived with the family. 

By practicing before you leave to study abroad, you can prepare for this. These are a few suggestions of things you can do to feel less alone and ensure self-care:

  • Learn how to prepare and serve food.  
  • Explore and learn a few of your favourite local dishes so that you can make them and you will feel like you are back home
  • Take several of your favourite recipes with you from home 
  • Get your clothes cleaned
  • Do some general tasks like laundry

7. Find Ways To Relieve Stress

Adjusting to the culture shock of immigrating can be stressful. Therefore, exercise can help you burn off nervous energy as you explore your new home. 

Yoga or meditation can help you relax. It would help if you tried exploring new hobbies or joining a sports club, especially ones that promote socializing, and meeting new people can help you overcome culture shock.

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8. Keep An Open Mind

Look at things from a different perspective. If a fellow student, professor, or colleague doesn’t behave the way you expected, think about how their background and culture affect their behaviour. 

Just as you would want your classmates or colleagues back at home to accept and understand your differences, do the same for them.

9. Improve Your Language Skills

The dialect barrier is frequently a major frustration when moving to a brand new country. It can be the new language or just the different pronunciation that you would need to adapt to. Verbal communication with locals isn’t the only struggle. 

Signage and writing can also be exceptionally confusing, especially in the event that you’re moving to a country that reads from left to right and you are used to reading from right to left. 

Your working environment or college course may too contain numerous terms that you simply may not recognize or they are interpreted differently from your local language. 

Therefore, it may be simpler if you start making strides in your dialect abilities. You’ll be able to improve your language abilities by applying a few of the tips below: 

  • Read course reading material distributed within the dialect of the country. It ought to assist you to become familiar with the typography of the dialect used
  • Read articles or tune in to podcasts related to your course or field of work
  • Use an advanced translator

10. Be Prepared For A Different Climate

An aspect that many people don’t consider when they move overseas is the change in the climate. You may soon experience an entirely different climate compared to the kind of weather you have in your country. 

Ensure that you know all about the various weather patterns in your new country so that you are prepared and it won’t be a major shock to your body. You will definitely have to add to or change your closet so that you feel comfortable and at ease in your new environment. 

To Sum Up

From unfamiliar cuisine to a foreign language, adjusting to a new life can be challenging for international students and other immigrants. 

However, you should not worry. Culture shock is notoriously natural. Anyone can experience that when moving to a new country. Adjusting to a new environment and culture will probably take time and perhaps some expert guidance. 

Therefore, you should follow these tips on how to overcome culture shock when you have just immigrated.


Ashley M

Ashley M. – traveller who has visited 15+ countries, blogger and writer at greatnorthvisa.com. A website where you can reach out to Professional Consultants who help to make immigration to Canada stress-free and easy. 

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