The New to Canada Podcast

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

Roberto was just 18 years old when he moved from Mexico to Canada to be an international student. 17 years later, he's built a successful career and family life in Canada and he's here to share with us the ups and downs of his journey.

Today, Roberto gives back to the newcomer community through his work at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. They run the Citizenship ceremonies that you'll attend when you eventually get that all-important Canadian passport; as well as their incredible (FREE!) app Canoo - which grants Permanent Residents & Citizens free or discounted access passes to many of Canada's best attractions, parks, and experiences.

You don't want to miss:

• All about growing up in Durango, Mexico.
• Roberto's "small" university experience: Attending the separate Glendon Campus of York University, and the benefits of gaining a Canadian education.
• Buying his first winter jacket and boots in Canada!
• A 17-year newcomer rollercoaster: Missing your family, building true friendships, and how long it really takes for Canada to feel like 'home'.
• Canadian Citizenship: Do you feel any different once you have that special blue passport?!
• Roberto's work at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship: What to expect at their Citizenship Ceremonies, as well as the various ways they challenge the barriers faced by immigrants and advocate for change.
• 'Unlocking' Canada with the FREE Canoo app: How Permanent Residents and new Citizens of Canada can take advantage of discounted travel, attractions, national parks, and more.

PLUS, find out what happens when a brand-new Mexican immigrant tries to "hail" a Toronto public bus like a taxi…

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the FREE Canoo app + start exploring Canada: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
• Follow the Institute for Canadian Citizenship: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
• Mexican food recommendations in Toronto: Sit-down meal: Milagro | Street food: Seven Lives Tacos in Kensington Market.
• 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/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

This episode's guest is Ashley from Glasgow, Scotland, who moved to Burlington, Ontario in 2019.

Ashley's son was born in Scotland - Shortly followed by the birth of her daughter here in Canada.

As she's experienced both, Ashley is here to highlight the differences that she's noticed when having a baby using the UK's National Health Service vs. The Canadian Healthcare system.

Together, we chat about:

• UK vs. Canada: Weather, cost of living, retail stores, and beyond.
• What it's like having a Scottish accent in Canada; including the struggle using drive-thru's!
• The benefits of raising children in Canada despite losing your support system from back home.
• Pregnancy: What to expect throughout the medical experience in Canada (including choosing your hospital and caregiver, booking appointments, postpartum care, and beyond.)

Links & Resources:

• 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

Newcomers often arrive in Canada full of confidence that they'll soon find a job in their field and thrive in their new home… Unfortunately, it isn't always that simple.

The Canadian job search can be notoriously challenging and many immigrants suddenly find themselves doubting their experience and skills. This episode's guest, Brenda Ngure from Kenya, is here to remind us of everything that we CAN offer employers and how we should never lose sight of the value we bring from overseas.

Brenda was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and left to study in the United States where she lived for 18 years, before eventually moving to Toronto in 2016. She discusses with us the African immigrant experience, as well as her struggle with loneliness when she first arrived here.

Links & Resources:

• AD: Access mental health support based on language and cultural background at Psymood.com
• Listen to Brenda's podcast "The Resilient Migrant": Click here
• Brenda's links: Website | Instagram | Facebook
• Good local Kenyan food: mytasteofafrica.com
• Job Search Resources: Read the blog
• 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

Ever wondered what the workplace culture in Canada is like? Turns out that there can be a lot of unexpected differences to get your head around when you first start your career here.

From the amount of paid time off you are entitled to, to the famous American "hustle" culture, to how much time you spend socialising with your colleagues after work. In this episode, I'm joined by Lindsay McMahon, co-host of the immensely popular podcast All Ears English (which is downloaded a whopping 8 million times per month globally) to discuss…

Together, we compare what various business etiquettes you can expect here in the Great White North, and how they may differ from other countries like the USA, Japan, and the UK. We chat about team collaboration, decision-making, and how employees can expect to receive feedback - As well as share some valuable tips for making connections with your colleagues if English is your second language.

Links & Resources:

• Business English podcast: Listen now
• All Ears English podcast: Listen now
• Save 20% on the IELTS 3 Keys Online Course which 100% guarantees to increase your test score (enter promo code 'FLUENT' at check-out): 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

Are you wondering what it's like to live in small vs. big cities in Canada? Look no further than this episode's guest, Mustafa from Pakistan. In this episode, he shares his experience of being an international student at Queen's University and moving from crowded Karachi to the close-knit community of Kingston, Ontario. He also explains his career path as a fresh graduate in Canada and his experience living and working in Toronto.

You don't want to miss:

• All about growing up in Karachi, Pakistan.
• Travelling the 10 Canadian provinces and which ones stood out the most (you might be surprised)
• Moving to London, UK - New York, USA - and then eventually Kingston, Ontario.
• His experience as an international student and the various pressures that they face in Canada.
• Entering the Canadian workforce at the same time as a global pandemic… Bonus job search tips!
• The pros and cons of living in the big cities vs. small towns in Canada: Tight-knit communities, cost of living, and food & event diversity.

Links & Resources:

• Support the Pakistani flooding: @paaniproject | @tayabaorg | @theexpatspak
• Facebook - Pakistan Canada Association of Kingston: @PCAofKingston
• Follow Mustafa on Instagram: @mustafa23ansari
• Download his free "Welcome to Toronto" guide: 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! thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

Dreaming of moving to Vancouver Island? I don't blame you! We have all seen the stunning ocean and mountain landscapes that British Colombia has to offer… This episode's guest, Emme, is originally from Yorkshire in England and moved to Toronto in 2016. After spending several months in the bustling city, she decided to pack her bags and move solo to Vancouver Island in search of a more tranquil and scenic lifestyle. In this episode, we chat about what to expect from life on the island, the differences between British and Canadian driving, applying for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit, and much much more!

You don't want to miss:

• Weather in Ontario vs. British Colombia
• Driving in Canada: How to get your license and what to expect on the roads.
• Camp counselling in the USA and falling in love with North America as a result.
• Our shared experience of applying for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit.
• Keeping in touch with long-distance loved ones.
• Emme's story of moving to Vancouver Island… alone… during a pandemic…
• Toronto ON vs. Victoria BC and what to expect from life on Vancouver Island.

PLUS, What even is a "British" accent and the various nationalities we get mistaken for in Canada!

Links & Resources:

• ELSA: 7-Day Free Trial of English Coaching App: bit.ly/ELSAxTHENEWCOMERCOLLECTIVE
• ELSA: Link to get 85% off lifetime membership and 40% off 1-year membership: https://elsaspeak.com/inf/thenewcomercollective/
• Follow Emme on Instagram: @emmeoxford
• Check out Emme on YouTube: @emmeoxford
• 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

Join me as I share another of my passionate pep talks! This time, the topic is: Self-Sabotage. I'm sharing 5 behaviours and mindsets to avoid after moving abroad that could be setting back your progress and hindering your whole experience. You might not even know you're doing it... Let me know if you're guilty!

Links & Resources:

• WIRELESSWAVE Black Friday Deals on smartphones, data plans, and accessories: https://direc.to/i3Hr
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

In this episode, I am reunited with poll winners Elizabeth from Colombia (ep. 9), Harisha from India (ep. 5), and Mike from Brazil (ep. 17) for a fun end of Series 3 get together. Get ready to laugh along with us as we share 2 truths, 1 lie about our native countries, as well as dive deep into more personal aspects of moving abroad - Such as adjusting to a different workplace culture, growing up with immigrant parents, tipping expectations, and finding the right balance between friends from your native country vs. Canada.

You don't want to miss:

• 2 facts, 1 lie about our native countries: Can you guess which one is the lie?! (England, Colombia, India and Brazil.)
• What *surprised* us about Canada / Canadian culture…
• What we would tell ourselves if we could go back in time to our 1st day as a newcomer...
• What 3 famous people, alive or dead, would we have join our team for the zombie apocalypse?

PLUS, an important update: Where you can meet Jason Momoa in Toronto…

Links & Resources:

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

Looking for some job search tips? Luckily, this episode's guest knows all about how best to navigate the Canadian job market!

Hugo O'Doherty is originally from Ireland and he moved to Montreal in 2011. He is also a Product Manager at Moving2Canada: An invaluable resource for newcomers offering endless recruitment & immigration information. Together we chat about life in Montreal, the global Irish community, and how he and his wife had a baby during the pandemic! We also dive deep into resume tips, including how to adapt it for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS); as well as how to access the infamous "hidden job market" in Canada.

You don't want to miss:

• Life growing up in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.
• Hugo's 7-year immigration pathway: IEC Work Permit to Québec Permanent Residency.
• Living in Montreal and the truth about its European stereotype.
• The importance of getting help from other newcomers, sharing relatable experiences, as well as tried & tested insider information.
• Resume advice: How to navigate the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and stand out from the pile of other job applications.
• Only 15% of jobs are actually posted on job boards… How to access the "hidden job market" in Canada.

PLUS, some bonus homesickness tips!

Links & Resources:

• Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more
• Connect with Hugo: LinkedIn | Twitter
• Moving2Canada: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
• IEC Working Holiday Facebook Forum: Click here
• PR / Express Entry Facebook Forum: Click here
• Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective
• For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com