Comments on: (No) Bitching Allowed

By: Linguist-in-Waiting

Linguist-in-Waiting — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:42:56 +0000

No country is perfect. Some things might be better in one’s home country, while other things might be better in the new one. Of course, one will initially find new things to be disturbing, since old things are drilled in one’s head by the time they immigrate, but there isn’t a country where there are all good things and no bad things. That’s called utopia.
Linguist-in-Waiting´s last blog ..Dissertating Blues

By: Seb

Seb — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:43:39 +0000

Alas, the grass is not always greener on the other side. But you are right, it is very very important to do one’s homework, especially for such a major thing as possibly moving to a new country. Sometimes that is not possible, but researching the culture and opportunities that you will have based on your skills is important.
Seb´s last blog ..Star Bear American Apparel T-Shirt

By: kyh

kyh — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:54:26 +0000

Interesting and enlightening post. I think I’ll become an immigrant somewhere in the future. Been planning on this for quite some time.

As to those who bitched about this and that after immigrating, you can say it into their face, “Don’t like it here? Go back to your own country!”
kyh´s last blog ..Great churches of Manado

By: Rich B

Rich B — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:01:07 +0000

Nice post juliette. I know it’s not an easy topic for people to discuss. It definitely makes people uncomfortable.
It’s got to be hard to not have your credentials recognized, or sit through long periods of time expecting to be a doctor but end up driving a cab. I know a lot of doctors from southwest asia and the middle east at work here in the US and they went through similar troubles.
The immigrant anger exists. It is true, there are whole websites that seem to be devoted to attacking canada as a false dream for immigrants. Maybe there are websites like that for those that moved to the USA too. I haven’t seen them. I think it’s because people expect cruddier treatment in the land of “socialism for the rich, and free market for the poor.” I think the world image of canada is one people have placed on a pedestal. It’s not expected from the nation that teaches democracy from the sky with drones and fighter bombers.
I think immigrants should definitely do research though. Learn about the weather, the people, the attitudes, etc.
I’m hoping our immigration experience is better. I’ve got little kids and I hope for a better life for them-one that won’t bankrupt them and crush their souls. I know canadians have the same problems other people have but I know canadians are a good and just people with big hearts and open arms. I still won’t like hockey though, or canadian football…maybe the kids will
If only the CIC would get our papers processed!!!

By: Nomadic Pinoy

Nomadic Pinoy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:08:02 +0000

Your observations are so true! The same thing is mirrored in the US – immigrants with quite a-love-and-hate story of their adopted country.

By: Zhu

Zhu — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:28:59 +0000

@Nigel Babu – It sounds fairly commonsensical but I guess it’s not for some!

@Cynthia – I think a lot of people have high expectations when it comes to France and I’m not sure why. The “French way of life” as seen by Americans is a bit…er… twisted. That said, it’s a nice country, just not exactly like a lot of people expect!

@Max Coutinho – Yes, I’m a little Zhu-Zhu pet

To me, there is still a difference between settling down, adapting and being integrated in the culture. I personally don’t mind people not speaking the language, living in particular district such as Little Italy or Chinatown etc. From my experience, it doesn’t mean that they don’t consider themselves as citizens of their new country.

As for settling down, well, a lot of it is psychological. Everybody go through a difficult phase… it’s a problem when it lasts.

@Bluefish – I think the difference is in how constructive is the criticism. I don’t think everything is perfect in Canada, however, there is some “empty” bitching that I can’t stand. If after three, four, five years to still compare everything with home… you never really left.

@Jennie – I didn’t notice you complained in a bad way to be honest, you sound more “surprised” than totally exasperated with French.

Besides, I can understand it if you are still “in between” the USA and France.

@Agnes – There is a lot of that too! The eldorado doesn’t exist…

@Beth – Now, if only the federal government could hear you and give me a lot of money for blogging!

@Gabriel – I feel exactly like you, except my “Argentina” is France. I always explain Canadians that I didn’t hate France, but that I wanted to choose the country I wanted to live in, and not just stay in Europe for the sole reason I was born here. I like going back to France as a tourist, but I feel more comfortable living in Canada. It doesn’t make France hell on earth!

@khengsiong – When you talk of the “place to make money”, I think you are right on. I also know a lot of foreigners who go to China or the Middle East to make money, and it is the sole purpose of their move. They completely disregard locals and only thin of paying their mortage back home. It’s too bad, really.

@Maria – Dear silent blog reader, I take praise like that anytime!

Thank you so much for taking the time to say something nice. I deeply appreciate it!

@Tulsa Gentleman – Europeans can be like that too, some still think they are the center of the world, the same way some Americans think they rule the world.

@Seraphine – Thank you for your nice words! I think to immigrate you must be either very innocent, or do plenty of research. I was able to be very innocent because I traveled a lot before coming to Canada, so I expected the culture shock, some loneliness etc. If immigrating is your first bog trip abroad and you are not aware of these problems, you are in for s surprise.

@Adam – Thank you! It’s very interesting to hear from a couple, since I immigrated by myself (well, I was the one moving). I do agree, being on the same page is a must before leaving.

I actually think it can sometimes be harder for Americans or Europeans to adapt because the culture shock takes more time to come. If you are, let’s say, from a tropical island, you will notice immediate difference with Nunavut. If you are from North Korea, you know everything is difference. But for a lot of Americans and Europeans, life seems similar at first, which is a mistakes because there are many difference, notably at work and in social relationships.

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:57:37 +0000

Such a great post. Thanks. Potential immigrants absolutely must do their due diligence when it comes to informing themselves about every aspect of such a life changing decision such as moving to a new country. My partner and I massively researched Canada before immigrating from the U.S. We were very well prepared and good thing, too. Compared to many other immigrants our hardships have been light – but still significant. The knowledge we gathered helped immensely and our expectations were generally spot on. At times it has still been difficult. Immigrating to another country means starting over in many ways. For some, it means starting over completely. Canada may be a new culture for some immigrants. The U.S. and Canada do share a common connection and some history and are both considered “North American Culture.” Despite this we have had our own process of adjustment. I am proud to say there are serious differences between the U.S. and Canada which we had to get used to. We expected certain challenges after moving. A critical one, which is mentioned in your post, is finding employment. Almost every immigrant we know has had to take some sort of “menial” job – one below their accumulated skill level. I feel very fortunate my partner and I knew what our first year or so would be might be like. A very, very good piece of advice I’ve given those who’ve contacted me prior to immigrating to Canada has been that the move (immigrating) will challenge you in ways you may not expect. Before you move, do your research and, if in a relationship, communicate with your partner and be sure you are both “on the same page.” Make sure you are in accord and your relationship is solid because the move will be challenging. No doubt about it.

By: Seraphine

Seraphine — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:59:10 +0000

i think it is like that for new jobs, new relationships, new almost anything. some people adapt easily, others find change a struggle. some people are going to be happy no matter what happens to them, and others will always be unhappy. one person likes to take risks, and another wants everything handed to them.
so it doesn’t surprise that immigration can be difficult for some. you “hit the nail on the head” (an american idiom) when you talked about being separated from family and one’s support system. when you make a major move, you have to “grow roots” to find nourishment.
flowers can bloom, even in the snow.
you are a remarkable woman, zhu.
Seraphine´s last blog ..Nothing Lasts Forever, Q.E.D.

By: Tulsa Gentleman

Tulsa Gentleman — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:04:50 +0000

Some people do not deal well with change, some thrive on it. People who don’t like change probably should not be immigrants. A lot depends on attitude. For example in my travels I have encountered more than a few American tourists who seem to be offended by the fact that these “foreigners” don’t speak English. THEY are the foreigners, duh!

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:17:23 +0000

Did I tell you I love your blog?

Sincerely,
One Silent Blog Reader