For those that have already landed...

[Huron]

For those that have already landed....

Perhaps you could share with us that have not yet landed two things:

1.   What the most challenging thing you have encountered since landing.  (Was it finding a job, learning a new language or adapting to a new culture or climate?  I am sure it will be very different for everyone.)

2.   What one piece of advice would you give to someone that has not landed yet? 

Your insight will truly help those of us that are still waiting.......

Thanks!

[Baloo]

1 When traveling far north for the first time, on a photography trip - not having warm enough clothing.
2 Buy Arc'teryx clothing if you want to deal with -50C, that and icebreaker merino wool undergarments - expensive, but really worth it when you are k's from nowhere.

http://www.arcteryx.com/?EN
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html

[Canooknic]

1. Not falling into the 'we're on holiday' mindset and remembing that the money we brought with us had to support us until a job was found

2. Come with an open mind and try to integrate into Canadian society instead of sticking with what you've left.....and don't eat yellow snow

[SandJ]

1. Not falling into the 'we're on holiday' mindset and remembing that the money we brought with us had to support us until a job was found

2. Come with an open mind and try to integrate into Canadian society instead of sticking with what you've left.....and don't eat yellow snow

don't eat yellow snow.lol,that made me laugh!ty for that reminder.lol

[bonbon9]

1. Climate. Horrible humid summer. Freezing winter.

[IndividualLikeEveryoneEls]

1. Most challenging thing, without a doubt, for me is finding a job. Canada is a big place and I am a way from any metropolitan area where there is work.
2. Actually I have two pieces of advice.
 i) You will miss your family and friends from your country of origin. Make the most of them while you can.
 ii) Start job hunting before you land.

[aerogurl87]

1. I had the hardest time adjusting to the climate. I'd never seen so much snow in my life when I got here, even though I had visited before.

2. When you get here join a club and take advantage of any newcomer resources in your area. I wish I'd done this when I got here as it wouldve helped in adapting alot quicker and easier.

[Huron]

Thanks for the great info everyone....

WOW wool underwear ..... I have not seen that in Mexico,  thanks for the links

[HoneyBird]

For those that have already landed....

Perhaps you could share with us that have not yet landed two things:

1.   What the most challenging thing you have encountered since landing.  (Was it finding a job, learning a new language or adapting to a new culture or climate?  I am sure it will be very different for everyone.)
MAKE A LIST OF ALL THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO: GET YOUR SIN FIRST, BANKING (FOR CREDIT CARD, ACCOUNTS), THEN PHONE (CAUSE YOU NEED A CREDIT CARD FOR PROOF), HEALTH CARD (CAUSE YOU NEED THE BANK STATEMENT FOR PROOF). LISTS WILL HELP YOU.

KEEP ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS TOGETHER..REMEMBER EVERYTHING HAS AN EXPIRY DATE..YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THAT.

LOOK FOR CHEAP PLACES TO SHOP. MALLS ARE NOT CHEAP. GO TO LOCAL MARKETS FOR FOOD. PRICES VARY IN CANADA..LIKE 10-15 DOLLARS ON A PRODUCT.

ALWAYS SHOP ON THE WEEKENDS. THATS WHEN EVERYTHING GOES ON DISCOUNT. I DO PRICE CHECKING ON CANADIAN TIRE, METRO, SHOPPERS. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED BY THE DISCOUNTS.

COUPONS!!!!! DON'T BE ASHAMED. ALWAYS USE COUPONS ON DISCOUNTED PRICES SO YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR BUCK!

2.   What one piece of advice would you give to someone that has not landed yet?
START YOUR JOB RESEARCH. GET YOUR JOB DOCUMENTS IN ORDER. GET YOUR HOMELAND STUFF IN ORDER. IN RETROSPECT I WISHED I HAD CLOSED OFF ALL MY BANK ACCOUNTS ETC. NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK AND GET THOSE THINGS DONE. 

Your insight will truly help those of us that are still waiting.......

Thanks!

[RedAlert]

Embrace a different culture, you don't have to change your whole person to integrate, continue being yourself, just accept the differences encountered and for heavens sake...DO NOT COMPARE everything to ''home'' (unless ''home was a horrible place to live), you will not be happy here and  you certainly won't change anything here.
My husband is just beginning to realize all this after being miserable for two years....the things we do for LOVE!!

[javiernica]

I agree with everything said before. One thing we did was put it out on FaceBook for anyone that had a friend that was willing to have us live in Alberta with them. Took a while but found a furnished bedroom for the price of $450 a month. This includes even the food! Great deal for us while we job hunt. Plus we have made great contacts through the people we are living with.
The most important thing is to make your money last as long as possible in case it takes time to find a job.

[hopetoland]

hi,

the most difficult thing is for me the dry weather, my lips are so freaking dry...
the second, dealing with all those car dealers that brainwash you
finding dog food without rice, my puppies are allergic to it
getting lost in the SUPERSTORE

and one other thing, keeping my body in shape, it's pretty hard with all those A&W, Wendy's and Tim Hortons YUMMIIII

the rest is totally good