Living in Canada

Living in Canada

 

 Lee Hyon-soo

 

According to a recent worldwide survey reported by the New York Post, Canada ranks first among destinations favored by immigrants. Not surprisingly, many Koreans want to immigrate to Canada to try their luck. As an old-timer who settled in Canada half a century ago, I would like to share my experience with prospective Korean immigrants.

 

Having worked for an American bank for several years in Korea with a six-month stint in Japan, I had an amazing stroke of luck in obtaining a job offer from a major Canadian bank. I came to Canada in my early 30s. As I was reasonably proficient in English and had a well-rounded banking experience under my belt, I settled into my new job with relative ease. But my private life was another story.

 

Like other new immigrants in Canada, I too encountered a measure of culture shock. Culture shock is the traumatic effect of disorientation caused by a major change in milieu experienced by new inhabitants. But I eventually managed to overcome my culture shock by embracing Canadian customs, values and beliefs. It took a lot of getting used to.

 

Another challenge I faced was finding my place in Canadian society. As a newcomer, I felt like the odd man out at first, but over time I made connections with other Canadians by participating in local activities and community gatherings. I found that most Canadians are laid-back yet friendly people who are always ready to lend a helping hand. I was eventually accepted by Canadians as one of their own.

 

The challenges I faced were largely overshadowed by the benefits of living in Canada. Chief among the numerous benefits is the quality of life. Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world with a high standard of living along with universal healthcare and top-notch social services. In addition, Canada is a country where everyone can achieve a healthy work-life balance.

 

I also found many joys in Canada. The country is famous for its breathtaking landscapes including the Canadian Rockies, Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and the Northern Lights. It also boasts vast forests, pristine lakes and majestic mountains. I had the opportunity to explore these landscapes and discover new adventures.

 

A more significant joy of living in Canada was meeting people from all over the world. My bank’s international banking division to which I belonged was staffed by Canadians, Americans, Britons, Frenchmen, Germans, Dutchmen, Japanese, Chinese, etc. and I was the only Korean.

 

As a matter of fact, Canada is a multicultural country that is home to many different ethnic groups. By rubbing shoulders with people from various parts of the world, I was able to broaden my perspectives and appreciate the diversity of the world.

 

Although Canada has a reputation for being tolerant and inclusive, there is no denying that there are some latent barriers that new immigrants face. As far as new Korean immigrants are concerned, the barrier to employment poses a serious challenge; they find it difficult to land jobs for which they are well qualified because Canadian firms tend to hire people who have prior Canadian work experience.

 

Although I have accepted Canada as my new home wholeheartedly, I am always mindful of my roots as a Korean. I am proud of my dual identity as a Korean-Canadian. I have no doubt that such feelings are shared by most, if not all, Koreans who live in Canada.

 

Lee Hyon-soo (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is a retired banker and the author of the book “Ramblings of A Wanderer”.