The journey of leaving one’s country is a bold step and it can be influenced by many social, political and economic factors. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) World Migration report estimates 281 million international migrants globally.  This has a direct impact to the individuals, and it can be a game changer on how they see the new home.

Whether you choose to relocate as a refugee, student, international worker or personal interests, you may experience lonely times and beat yourself for making the decision of relocating.

What are the next steps as a newcomer

As a newcomer, it takes patience and embracing the emotions as you enjoy your new journey. Settling might be hard, but it is the only option you have to have better mental health. To settle in you need;

Get a sim card

Being connected to friends and accessing internet can help you access information for available resources and is important for your mental health. Canada has a wide range of phone plans that fit in your budget. Freedom, Bell, Virgin, Rogers and many others are some of the network providers that you can choose from.

Some key points to consider before getting a sim card: –

• How long the plan is
• Cost of the plan and if you can receive calls or texts when you subscription is done
• Auto payment options

“Being a newcomer, I opted for a cheaper plan that almost costed my health, when my plan expired, I could not receive calls nor texts. I had an appoint for my medication pick up but almost failed to make it to the point since the google maps off”

Adam a newcomer to Canada

Note: A sim card can be your life.

Join a community

Being new to Canada you will notice diversity and inclusiveness, finding and joining a community to connect will ease your journey of settling in. Looking for a community to join can be by identifying your interests, whether they fall in sports, photography and community service you have a place of belonging here in Canada. You can do a walk-in at a community centre to attend social gatherings like prayer places, cultural events, libraries or searching on web and Facebook groups.

Joining a community offers friendship, guidance, and a support network, making your journey as a newcomer much smoother and more enjoyable.

These gatherings help you feel a sense of belonging and are opportunities for networking through support groups, friendships, guidance and much more.

Some networking platforms; Eventbrite, meetup

Sign up to be a Volunteer

Through Volunteering, you connect with different communities, acquire Canadian experience and also taking part meaningfully in the community. Canada has variety of opportunities to volunteer through organisations, companies, events and welcome people from diverse backgrounds.

Volunteer with organizations as you meet different people who come in and these can help in your job search as you advance in your journey as a newcomer.

You can find volunteering opportunities on; Charity village, go volunteer and much more.

More to come

Reaching Canada can be exciting yet scary, but we are here to move with you this journey as you explore and uncover the secrets to transforming your life. We will be sharing with you resources you need to better navigate Canada and some social events that we are planning to organize.