What happens when you move to a new country… and it doesn’t work out?

You don’t find the happiness and success that you thought you would.

You painfully miss everyone and everything that you left behind and feel like you’ve made a huge mistake.

We’ve all gone through times of feeling this way, but it isn’t spoken about enough so you can end up feeling like a failure. Like you’re the only one struggling.

This episode’s guest is Chiara from England. She has recently blown up on social media since she started to vulnerably share her story. She moved to Vancouver just last year and has since realised that it wasn’t the right decision for her.

This podcast is filled with inspiring success stories from newcomers to Canada. People who have built amazing lives for themselves here. It’s truly an incredible country and there is so much opportunity.

However, I was excited to sit down with Chiara for a different take. One that so many people share and experience (as you can see from the comments on her videos.) Sometimes, a move abroad doesn’t bring you happiness and a return back home is the best choice for you.

Together, we discuss her story and what brought her to this decision. We chat about the danger of making a PLACE responsible for your happiness, and whether we think living outside of our comfort zones is even a positive thing. Chiara then shares whether she’s nervous about returning to her old life in London and some of her best advice for others who may be regretting their move.

Links & Resources:

• Follow Chiara on Instagram: @journeywithchiara__
• Follow Chiara on TikTok: @journeywithchiara
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

For this special episode, I’m LIVE on the ground at Toronto’s ‘Newcomer Day’ that took place on May 23. Armed with my portable microphone, I wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “TALK TO ME: Share your immigration story on the New to Canada podcast” and I was excited to connect with 11 internationals:

• Sophie from Ireland
• Johnny from Lebanon
• Samantha from Malaysia + Australia
• Joseph from Nigeria 
• Olha from Ukraine
• Andrey from Israel
• Leah from Kenya
• Zahid from Pakistan
• Wafaa from France + Morocco
• Enrique from Venezuela
• Julia from Ukraine

In this episode, you can hear a few minutes from each guest as they share when they made the big move (ranging from 6 months to 20 years!), the struggles they faced, the wins they’re proud of, and their best piece of advice for other newcomers arriving in Canada today.

Links & Resources:

• (Sophie from Ireland) Irish in Toronto Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/123680717695499  
• (Samantha from Malaysia/Australia) Joey Dolls: joeydolls.com  
• (Joseph from Nigeria) Diversity Kitchen: diversitykitchen.ca 
• (Zahid from Pakistan) Career Foundation: careerfoundation.com
• (Enrique Bravo from Venezuela): @enriquebravoart 
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved!  TheNewcomerCollective.com/join 
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

Recently, I hosted a live online event, my ‘Moving to Canada’ party!

Not only was it SO much fun to meet and get to know you all in person, but it was also PACKED with so much value.

It seemed crazy not to publish it here on the show for you all to experience...

I’m joined by Career coach, Michelle Ashley, and together we tackle the TWO biggest areas of struggle that I see newcomers to Canada face, again and again:

1. CAREER: Navigating the Canadian job market and rebuilding your success abroad.
2. EMOTIONS: Finding your support network and feeling settled and ‘at home’.

If you listen to just ONE episode of this podcast, this is the one. I’m so excited to share all this advice with you.

Links & Resources:

• Join us inside the New to Canada Academy: Learn more - Save $50 with promo code PODCAST50 (valid for 14 days)
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 
• Join Career Strategist, Michelle, for a free webinar: "Navigating the Job Market with Clarity and Strategy"  - Together you'll cut through the job search noise, focus on gaining clarity about your ideal job, understand yourself better, and apply effective strategies to land that perfect role. Learn More
• Use free online AI tool to scan your resume and get actionable tips to improve it: Jobscan.co

Let’s dive deep into the darker side of moving abroad…

When you move to a new country, your mental health isn’t really your first priority. 

You’ve got immigration paperwork to complete, accommodation to find, and job searching to do…

BUT expat mental health is a topic that, in my opinion, is NOT spoken about enough.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt since starting this podcast is that the majority of us struggle - and the emotional rollercoaster can take us by surprise as we rebuild our lives in a new place.

Insecurity, loneliness, shame, regret…

These are just some of the emotions that many of us face.

SO for this episode, I’m joined by a very special guest - Gabriela Encina - A licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping over 400 people find happiness after their big move.

Together, we chat about where to even START when it comes to acknowledging and tackling your emotional struggles.

We discuss the most common challenges that Gabriela sees her clients face (guilt, self-sabotage, dependency...) and we finish off with some deep thoughts on homesickness & culture shock.

Links & Resources:

• Gabriela's Website: gabriela-encina.com 

• Connect with Gabriela on LinkedIn: Click here

• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more

• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 

• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective 

• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

If you’ve ever worked in the United Kingdom (no matter what nationality you are), you have paid into the UK State Pension.

Once you move away, say to Canada, you might think that those payments are simply lost, or like me, you’re unsure what can even be done from overseas…

Good news is, I’m joined in this episode by Ian Andexser, a fellow Brit in Canada and chairman of the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners (CABP).

He’s here to shed light on how you can “buy back” missing years of contributions since moving abroad and still receive a good payout when you reach pension age - Despite no longer living in the UK!

Ian also discusses the ongoing “frozen” pension issue, a problem that is costing pensioners in Canada hundreds of thousands of pounds, as well as the ways that CABP is lobbying the UK government for change.

You don’t want to miss:

• Ian’s story of hitch-hiking across Canada as a tourist in the 1970s and then falling in love with his Canadian wife of 46 years.
• His life today in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.
• The basics: What is a UK State Pension, who qualifies for one and how do you get one.
• How to “buy back” missing years that you haven’t paid into the UK pension scheme since moving to Canada.
• Ian’s real-life example: How he retroactively paid $3,000 to now get $10,500 per year from the British government.

PLUS, the fight against non-indexation of pension payments based on a pensioner’s country of residence - and an optimistic look to the future.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners & learn how you can manage your pension: britishpensions.com/
• Check your State Pension age: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age 
• Sign the Change.org petition here to support the fight against frozen pensions.
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more 
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective 
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

If you’re inspired by “money mindset” podcasts, this is the episode for you! 

There comes a time in your immigration journey when you’ll start looking to the future and thinking about how to build your wealth in Canada long-term.

This episode’s guest, Tomisin Salam, is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2011 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

Together, we chat about the art of taking educated risks and grabbing the endless opportunities that Canada has to offer.

Tomisin talks us through his journey from selling clothes out of the trunk of his car to now being the CEO of his own FinTech company, FiatMatch - (An initiative that helps immigrants navigate the financial challenges of living in a new country) - and how you can start to build additional revenue streams too.

You don’t want to miss:

• All about growing up in Lagos, Nigeria - The cultural, financial, entertainment capital of Africa.
• His journey to entrepreneurship in Canada: Starting with building a payroll accounting system in Nigeria and taking the idea to Canada in 2011.
• Knowing when to “change” your dreams and pivot your goals when better opportunities arise.
• Where to start when you have an idea for a business and the importance of connection and mentorship.
• The financial struggles that Tomisin sees newcomers face again and again and why “credit” offered to newcomers may not be the best thing.
• Untapped opportunities: How to make additional income in Canada, from investments to side hustles.

PLUS, the common scams and financial fraud that you should watch out for in Canada…

Links & Resources:

• Follow Tomisin on LinkedIn: Click here
• Learn more about FiatMatch - The international money transfer marketplace: fiatmatch.com  
• Check out the Immigrant Library: immigrantlibrary.com
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

As new residents and citizens of Canada, it is so important for us to learn about and become allies for its Indigenous Peoples.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples have been living in what is now Canada for thousands of years, and they each have unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. 

We newcomers are now lucky enough to call this beautiful country our home - but we must remind ourselves that we are living on their land.

In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle and Jamie-Leigh, who come to us from RAVEN Trust, a not-for-profit that raises legal defense funds to assist Indigenous Peoples.

They also have a fantastic online video course called Home on Native Land that you can take for FREE to start your learning.

In this episode, we discuss the history of colonization in Canada, including the definitions of Terra Nullius, the Doctrine of Discovery, and the Indian Act. We also speak about the common misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing conflict over broken treaties.

I ask Danielle and Jamie-Leigh whether Indigenous Peoples welcome immigrants and refugees to Canada, as well as what they think about the term “Canadian”. 

They also share some of the ways that newcomers to Canada can contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts.

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In Canada, September 30 is The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or “Orange Shirt Day.” The day aims to raise awareness about the Indian Residential School System, where Indigenous children across Canada were ripped from their families, abused and thousands killed. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, justice, and reconciliation. You can learn more by clicking here.

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Links & Resources:

• Home on Native Land is a new, free online learning tool that is funny, honest, and accessible, providing a no-risk, comfortable way to understand Indigenous law, Canadian law, and their impact on the nation we call home. The series of 10 x 30-minute modules is the first public education initiative from RAVEN, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous rights.

• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more 

• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 

• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective 

• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

Imagine moving across the world and, on a whim, entering an online contest called Canada’s Luckiest Newcomer… 

Now imagine getting the phone call that you’ve actually WON, out of thousands of entrants, and a bundle of life-changing prizes is on its way to you… including $20,000, free groceries for a year, 50,000 Air Miles, and more!

That’s what happened to this episode’s guest, Hannibal from the Philippines.

Tune in to this episode to hear all about Hannibal’s experience arriving in Canada as an international student during the pandemic, how it felt to win BIG, and what he’s been up to ever since.

Links & Resources:

• Enter Canada’s Luckiest Newcomer for a chance to win $20,000 and more: Click here
• Follow Hannibal on Instagram: @hann.bal
• Connect with Hannibal on Facebook: Hannibal Delos Reyes III
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more 
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective 
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

Searching for some camping tips as you head out into Canada’s National Parks this summer? Look no further! This episode’s guest, Audrey Levesque, is a Canadian camping expert who has worked with Parks Canada for over 20 years.

Canada’s diverse NATURE is one of the main reasons that newcomers give for moving here and Parks Canada manages and protects many of the most special places it has to offer - 171 national historic sites, 47 national parks and 5 national marine conservation areas to be exact!

Join us as Audrey shares her experiences working in some of Canada’s most beautiful and interesting spots, as well as her best advice for making the most of your campsite.

You don’t want to miss:

• Living in Nova Scotia: What to expect from the summer season.
• An update on the ongoing wildfires burning across Canada.
• What is Parks Canada, why was it created and the important work that it does.
• The “Graveyard of the Atlantic”: Audrey’s favourite posting after working with Parks Canada for 20+ years.
• Front vs Back-country camping, as well as the various “glamping” options available.
• How to reserve your National Park campsite and the fees to expect.
• The endless list of activities you can take advantage of during your visit.
• Leave no trace: Tips for keeping the parks clean and avoiding unwelcome wildlife visitors(!)
• Camping safety and etiquette.

PLUS, all about the ‘Learn to Camp’ overnight program if you’d like your first camping experience to be with an expert.

Links & Resources:

• Parks Canada website: www.pc.gc.ca  
• Reserve your National Park campsite: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/  
• FREE National Park admission for 1 full year with the Canoo app: https://canoo.ca/ 
• Visitor Safety: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/securite-safety 
• ‘Learn to Camp’ Program: https://parks.canada.ca/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc 
• Camping Checklists, Recipes, Printable Games, Tutorial Videos, and more: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/hebergement-accommodation/camping-101 
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more 
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ 
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective 
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

I'm back on the mic and officially a MOTHER to 8-week-old Sienna Joy - and what a whirlwind it has been...

Tune in to this episode to hear exactly what went down (11 days overdue, multiple induction procedures, failed epidurals, doctor unavailable due to family emergency, the FULL birth story!)

As well as my postpartum experience so far including my struggles with guilt and loneliness due to starting a family abroad and my best advice for when you do the same. 

Links & Resources:

• Blog Post: My Pregnancy in Canada - https://thenewcomercollective.com/pregnancy-in-canada/ 
• Freya: Virtual birth partner app: A hypnobirthing coach that times & tracks your contractions, plays soft music, prompts breathing techniques, and offers guided relaxation throughout labour – $4.19 in Google app store. Download here.
• Peanut app: Find other pregnant women to connect with in your area. Download here.
• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com