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| Subject: Landed - 5 weeks later |
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Back to this forum again! I am having a hard time staying home with my toddler,just accessing the computer is a pain!
Anyway as planned I want to give a summary of our first impressions and small things and details from a personal point of view, hoping that will be useful for future immigrants.
The info I give here is naturally related to our own experience moving from US to Calgary. I cannot speak about whole Canada but just Calgary here.
OK SO THE GOOD STUFF in random order:
#1 Transportation: amazing! I still cannot believe how well connected is Calgary by bus and tram. You don´t need a car to live here though it would be easier. I am yet to see such a place in the US. In adddition they have a system called "teleride" so you can call the bus stop to find out when the next bus arrives. Is it like this EVERYWHERE in Canada ? Still can´t believe how accurate the system is.
#2 Employement: it looks to me that Calgary is hungry for small workers, I can´t pass in front of a store without seeing "help wanted", I heard from others that the whole Alberta is in need of people. Well my spouse found one of those jobs and he got benefits too and earn more than what I earned as a scientist in the US! For some people Canada is just better! Relatively speaking we are already better off than in the US and that is me with no job yet (means one small income so far)
#3 Beauty: how many places in the world you get up in the morning and can see the Rockies from your street ??? The sky is beautiful too and there is a peaceful atmosphere around. At least that is how I feel, more the time passes more I like it. I guess that is a bit of a change from Atlanta!!!
THE BAD STUFF:
#1 Cost of living: we were in a shock state the first time we entered a Safeway (groceries store) as compared to the US, the prices of most of the stuff is DOUBLE ... it is hard to digest that at the beginning so if you move from the US be prepared! There are other stuff more expensive like a bus monthly pass (even dogs have to pay for a ride!!!)
#2 And for those who have small kids: Calgary is bad in terms of daycare, I discovered this only upon arrival. There are in short of staff so it is natural to have to wait a few months sometimes a year before finding a spot in a decent place for your little one. That is a sad thing and I never expected that. Luckily we found some good temporary place for our daugther it was a real pain to get that.
And for those who remember me, I am still actively looking for a job. Nothing yet but I am convinced I will get a well-paid job within the next few months. I had already a phone interview last week ... waiting for the next step .... It is amazing to see how different people react once you are a PERMANENT RESIDENT as opposed to a foreign worker with no permanent status. Anyway it is a good feeling and it was worth waiting for it. I cannot imagine returning to US ever.
I wish all a GOOD AND PLANNED MOVE ... and if you don´t know where to go, Calgary is nice for sure!
[31-05-2008,23:20]
[**.71.223.153]
CBV333 |
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(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
Good to hear from you CBV. I also confirm what you´re reporting. Probably the 2 biggest negatives for us were also the price of everything (cost of living), which was actually shocking. Also much more limited professional employment opportunities. This compared to the States.
But something I wonder if you checked out yet is health care. On a couple occasions we had go to the hospital walk-in clinic and were amazed at the lack of red tape, efficiency, and professionalism of the medical staff. All at no charge. For us, this was a BIG difference compared to the States.
In addition to excellent public transportation, we found low crime and friendly Canadians willing to assist us everywhere.
Please keep us further informed when you have a chance. (We´re temporarily back in the States.)
[31-05-2008,23:39]
[**.53.229.175]
Richard |
(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
hi Richard
Nice to hear from you. Where did you finally decide to settle in Canada ? I remember you were thinking of Ottawa or London ... where are you now (when back from US)?
Yes I agree with your points. Health care seems to be a complete different system though we only went when our daughter was sick and it was nice not to have to pay a "co-pay" but yes the whole system seems to be different though we have not yet explored in depth the good and the bad.
It seems that there is a shortage of doctor but so far it has not affected us. Naturally hospitals are the last place you want to go so far we are ok. I will comment on that later when we have more experience.
And yes friendly Canadians are REALLY FRIENDLY!!! I love it here.
More soon!
[31-05-2008,23:55]
[**.71.223.153]
CBV333 |
(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
you are in a city that is far beyond it´s ability to keep up with its growth. I beleive you when you say daycare is a challenge. True in Vancouver as well.
everyone I talk to is complaining about the current cost of groceries. Not sure if it is the price of wheat, or fuel but it is exaserbating prices that are already a little higher than US.
I am thrilled that you are finding your way around and that the first of 2 jobs have been landed. I am absolutely confident that job #2 is on its way. Interesting observation about status and job opportunities.
Keep us posted!!!
[01-06-2008,00:46]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
Thanks for sharing your observations and experiences so far in your new journey. For PRs like us who haven´t yet made the leap north, it´s invaluable to hear what other new PRs are going through.
So happy for you and your family to have found such a great new home. :)
[01-06-2008,09:32]
[**.189.189.252]
wannabecanadian |
(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
Thanks Sharon for your nice comments.
And yes "Are you a permanent resident ?" is the first question they ask over the phone. It is such a nice feeling to say "YES"
wannabecanadian: I plan to keep up with updates about our experiences as myself I would have love to read them while waiting for PR in US. They are too little who bother writing after landing.
I plan to continue and hopefully bring useful information. It is clear that each experience is different for everyone and each point of view is very subjective.
Right now my goal is to find a job as soon as possible and if it all works I will surely share my experience in that too. I guess that is always the priority goal if you land without a job.
[01-06-2008,18:14]
[**.146.39.116]
Anonymous |
(in reply to: Landed - 5 weeks later)
It´s really great to hear from you..... good luck with your job search... I am sure you will get one soon!
[04-06-2008,15:01]
[***.229.236.214]
Lily |
