New Country, New Life
My name is Angie, and I am from Taiwan. I graduated from Laurentian University and Cambrian College for Public Relations and Communication Studies. I have been in Sudbury for five years, and I love traveling, learning about new cultures and trying different activities. I have been to many places around the world; but I really enjoy my time here in Sudbury.
Being an international student and newcomer in Canada is hard. It can be difficult living in a country alone without any similarities to your original lifestyle. There are also a lot of frustrations when living in a different country that has a different language. However, these difficulties were solved during my time here. I have been fortunate to have a lot of help from my friends.
Certainly, the weather is the biggest difference to me because in Taiwan the coldest temperature is 9 degree Celsius. Minus 40 is definitely the coldest feeling ever to me, but I do love snow! I know I sound crazy, but I love it. I have also learned skiing, snowboarding, and skating while in Canada. I wasn’t able to do these in Taiwan, so they are definitely the best experience I have ever had so far.
I understand how lonely it can be for anyone coming to a new country and trying to settle in. It is hard. But, we have to live our lives to make it the best experience possible! Here are some of my tips to help international students and newcomers to adapt to a new culture:
Be curious
You should always be curious and willing to try new things. I mean come on; you are in a totally different country! Enjoy the freedom and new experiences. Create a beautiful memory in Sudbury.
Be open minded
This might sound similar to the first tip, however the difference is to try to embrace this different and new culture. It is important to come to a new country and learn their lifestyle. We should also share our culture and experiences with Canadians too. Furthermore, adapting a new culture is always hard, especially due to the language barrier.
Try Poutine
The first thing that my Canadian friends told me to do it is to try poutine! It’s amazing to know that fries, gravy and cheese can go together so well. It is probably the best thing in my life.
Don’t forget to put on a HUGE winter coat and a pair of HUGE winter boots
I came from a tropical island, so I was not prepared for winter at all. I remember the first time I had to buy expensive boots and an expensive coat… trust me, it’s worth it.
Make as many friends as you can
People here in Sudbury are very friendly, and we should help Sudburians learn about our culture in order to make a strong connection. Be as social as possible! Meet new people, new friends to make new opportunities. Just like Forest Gump said “ life was like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
The lifestyle in Sudbury is unique to me, but it is my second home. I wouldn’t change anything! I have made so many friends and have been given a different life experience.
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