Trading home for a house, then making it home

Hi, my name is David, and I graduated from CIS in 2018 as part of the second generation of IB students. Currently, I am majoring in Human Relations at Concordia University and, with my fingers crossed, will soon add a major in Physiotherapy. Now that it has been over a year, I think it's time to write some thoughts about life in Canada, its challenges, new experiences, and a few tips.

Trading home for a house

The challenge with transitioning for me was that I was trading a home for a house, a home where you are emotionally invested.

I was filled with excitement with a hint of anxiety as I went through the highs and lows of this analogy's roller coaster. I remember my first lecture as I sat in the front row and made a few friends who, along the way, I have come to cherish. It wasn't all sunshine and ice cream, of course; life in Canada does present its challenges, especially in Quebec, where you have to pronounce every street name like you have something stuck in your throat. But hey, “C'est le français”. Language jokes aside, there were challenges other than the French kind; there were times when I couldn't build up the confidence to talk to people and make friends. But then I asked myself, "What's the worst that can happen?" and "rejection" was the usual answer. Once I left CIS, I realized that there are a lot of opportunities to start making friends; and many chances to make things right again. Oddly fittingly, it is like jumping into ice-cold water in the Canadian winter wearing a swimsuit. Sometimes you just have to take your chances, say "forget it," and jump in.

Tips to overcome homesickness

Feeling homesick? My first tip is to try volunteering for a community representing your home country if you are missing home. I am doing so by being a volunteer photo-videographer for the Lạc Hồng Group, an apolitical group focusing on sports and cultural events related to Vietnam. I have been with the group since I got to Montreal, and I can certainly say that it is a bit of a "home away from home."

The second tip is that now you are an independent adult, you have responsibilities to keep up with. I am not talking about school or work; you are responsible for your health and well-being. So take a break when you can, eat your vegetables and get enough sleep. It is possible, I promise, especially with the sleep part.

The third tip is to find time to sit down, catch a breath and collect your thoughts. It's an important skill that I am still getting the hang of, especially when I feel like the sky is falling on me. This skill is something the past David could have used when he first landed in Montreal. Pupils shrinking and goosebumps rising are all signs of en français. When I collect my thoughts, I often ask myself, "Okay, what problems can be dealt with at the moment?" and "What are the steps I am taking to solve those problems?". Through that, I began to grasp that (1) I am working to solve the problem and (2) Thinking that my world will crumble to pieces is not solving the problem. The best it can do is motivate myself to do something, but that's all it can do.

In closing, I hope this entry sheds some light on what life could be for you if you consider studying abroad. More folks who are undoubtedly getting comfortable in their new houses will be sharing their thoughts shortly. Take care!