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| Subject: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown? |
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Ill try to make it short:
Im an egyptian mechanical engineer currently working in saudi as a Quality and Safety Consultant for a large multinational organization and making around 35k/year - Tax Free, with good future prospects on several fronts, however, considering the instable political situation in the Middle East and poor educational facilities, and other issues ...
I would like to seek a better future for my children with a far more stable economy and less political tension...
Those are the two sides of the equation .... The present and The future ... it is very hard to tell what future may uncover if i do immigrate to Canada (i have scored 73 on the self assessment test) but i would like your opinion as to whether with the Tax cuts, the discrimination, the challenging work environment and highly competitive job market , it is all worth it or not, of-course i totally understand that is a decision which only i can make, but given the information i mentioned and your experience immigrating to Canada (especially Arabs) can you enlighten me with your opinion on the matter?
[09-08-2008,10:02]
[**.108.32.161]
Akram |
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(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
You will most likely end up driving a taxi (if you have good driving skills) or become a security guard or worse, maybe someone to stack things on shelves in stores. Your Egyptian degree will not receive much recognition (employability), Saudi is not a place to be respected... but you can really make life if you have a good long-term savings plan in Saudi. Obviously, you think there is gold on the streets on Canada. well, there isn´t.
[09-08-2008,11:27]
[***.202.39.47]
Yelper |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
If you arrive feeling like the victim you will become the victim. If every job refusal is views as being because of nationality...give up now. If you don´t want to pay taxes but have free world class education for your kids - stay home.
is it worth it? if you are happy where you are - then the answer is no. Most immigrants expect to take a step backwards before they can move forwards. Assume the same. If the desire for your children is a better future, decide what price you are willing to pay.
[09-08-2008,16:21]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
very well said sharon.
[09-08-2008,16:54]
[***.1.83.40]
anonymous |
Will Power (in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
Sharon is right. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value. Canada is a great country, but it doesn´t become great overnight. When I arrived in Canada, I hated the first couple of months, but I adjusted and really began to appreciate the Canadian lifestyle. I was born in Saudi Arabia and lived there for 5 years. Though I was young, my family lived there for 20 years and I understand the situaion in SA. There are many things Canada has that Saudi Arabia does not: democratic system of government, excellent primary, secondary, and university level education, equality for all under the law, multi-cultural diversity, a strong social infastructure to which all have access. Canada has initiatives in place to help new immigrants adjust and find jobs they want. There are centres in every city dedicated to help new immigrants - and its not just superficial help. I myself volunteered at Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services, a government-funded office established to help all that seek its assistance. Surely, when coming to Canada, you´ll have to adapt to culture and professional demand. You might have to take an exam or pass a certain course to become recognized as an engineer in Canada, and you will do it if you are determined to stay in your field.
Canada is also very beautiful, very rich in life. And personally, I prefer the cold extreme over the hot one.
Ultimately, you must decide, and must make the best decision for You.
[09-08-2008,18:14]
[***.125.143.75]
Jaffery |
more (in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
RE: Arabs
Canada is not like the USA (I lived there also for 8 yrs).
Canada is multicultural and most people are very open-minded. The various different cultural backgrounds in Canada are seen as a richly diversifying endowment. In a few years, it is expected that over 50% of the population will be non-white, 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. There is a large Arab community in Canada, especially in the big cities. There are many mosques and a large Muslim community.
[09-08-2008,18:24]
[***.125.143.75]
Jaffery |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
I have come to observe that new immigrants assume Canadians are as racist or prejudice as they are. As a Canadian, I find it almost impossible to keep track of who does not like who and which classes within a country are shunned compared to others. Canada does not work this way and the whole thing bugs me.
A few months back my Arab man was here for a visit. I had recently assisted a Turkish friend that I met her at CanadaCity get settled into my community as a new arrival. I invited him over to meet B and to let them talk about the various challenges of adapting to a new country. I thought they might find some common interests. The visit did not go as I expected. Why... I learned later that apparently Turks and Arabs don´t trust each other. why? because of something that happened 600 years ago or some other such foolish thing. They made assumptions about each other based on history books???? stupid.
The same goes for different religions. If you grew up in a country where there is only one way to look at God and any variation is unacceptable - Canada is not for you. Muslims, Christians, Buddists, Jews, Seiks, athiests all must learn that the person beside them may or may not accept their way of looking at things and the sooner you get over it, the better off you will be.
If your values don´t allow you to live and let live - it would be my strong preference that you don´t come here.
If you cannot accept a gay couple living next door to you - don´t come. If you can´t accept a South Asian girl choosing to marry a Scotish Canadian boy... don´t come here. If you cannot accept that your children may choose not to marry at all- don´t come here. If you can´t accept that women are equal to men in every way - don´t come here. If you cannot accept that you may have a woman for a boss - don´t come here. If you cannot accept that your status in life that you have enjoyed in your own country means absolutely nothing to us Canadian folks - don´t come.
get my drift?
[09-08-2008,19:00]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
I liked your last paragraph Sharon!
But most first generation immigrants that comes from strong native cultural and relegious background will be in confused state and spend most of their life in denial.
[10-08-2008,00:14]
[**.130.215.35]
Nathan |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
being in denial is fine. just don´t expect Canada to change to accomodate you.
[10-08-2008,00:56]
[**.155.160.37]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Would it b a complete Break through? or Breakdown?)
It´s mind-boggling to realize how much of the world adheres to beliefs at least 100 years old. It´s unfortunate that a large portion of the world has been unable to reach the politcal and social enlightenment of the West. The values and morality of the West, in modern times, are the culmination of human endeavour that has lasted for millenea. Comparatively, non-modern conservative countries are not yet at the point of their Western counterparts - due to poverty, underdevelopment, or government mis-management (too much or too little control). There are countries that are truely free, and there are those that are approaching that state fo freedom slowly, and unfortunately those that offer very little freedom. One has to realize where they fall, how their ideals are embodied in their country, if they are okay with the state of things or whether they want a change.
I would agree that in modern times, it is unacceptable for people to continue to be plunged in their misconceptions. the moral spirit of the times does not accept prejudice based on race, class, etc. One must open themselves up to the unity of humanity and dissolve all preconceived notions that may have been picked up from others. Question everything.
(I hope I´m not sounding too preachy, just wanted to say that.)
[10-08-2008,13:36]
[***.125.143.78]
Jaffery |
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