Celebrating Your First Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Culture in Canada How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving in Canada is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s all about spending time with family and friends and being grateful for what we have. The traditional meal usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce,…
Socializing in Canada: Newcomer Stories on English Learning Journeys This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. Learning English can feel like a real adventure and often brings unforgettable stories of lighthearted and funny moments, as well as valuable lessons. We reached out to settled newcomers who learned…
Newcomer Guide to Canadian National Parks: Destinations and Essential Tips This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. Canada’s national parks are a natural beauty and adventure gold mine, both because of the breathtaking landscapes and a wide array of activities. Before exploring the beauty of these parks,…
Coping with Homesickness This blog was written by YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. Moving to a new country opens the door to a world of possibilities but can also bring sadness and homesickness. This feeling is familiar and natural to many newcomers. It’s important to remember that adjusting to a…
Four Canadian Social Etiquettes to Know as a Newcomer For newcomers in Canada, understanding basic social etiquette can play an important role in integrating and building positive relationships with the community. Canada is often called the land of immigrants, with diverse cultures and traditions. Some aspects of Canadian social customs may differ depending on your…
How to Build a Good Mental Health as a Newcomer Moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience. You may face many challenges adapting to a new culture, language, and social norms, which can affect your mental health. While mental health does not mean the same thing as mental illness, having poor…
Celebrating Earth Day – How to Contribute as a Newcomer Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. The city hosts various events and activities to commemorate Earth Day, including tree planting, clean-up events, and educational sessions on recycling and waste reduction. These events…
Job Searching Tips – How to Avoid Employment Scam Finding a job in a new country can be a stressful experience. If you don’t know how the official hiring process is done in that country or are new to job searching, you can be a victim of an employment scam. There are many ways to…
Life in Canada: How Halloween is Celebrated. Every year on October 31, Canadians celebrate Halloween as part of their tradition. The very first Halloween was celebrated when the Irish and Scottish immigrants settled in urban North America in the 1800s. If this is your first Halloween celebration in Canada, read this blog post to learn…
YMCA Mentoring Program for Immigrants Networking is considered one of the important parts of someone’s career success. When you start a new life in a country where you don’t know anyone, go out and explore. Talk to people, or join a group of your interest. In Canada, you can find many programs that support newcomers…
