ARTICLE

25 Critical Facts Every Immigrant Should Consider Before Coming to a Foreign Country

#6. You Might Have to Start From Scratch. Do Not Scratch Your Head for That

It is not a complaint box, rather an acknowledgment of some hard (sometimes funny) facts for any immigrant. The facts are written based on my observations and my own experience in Canada.

‘Learn from the stories of people who faced challenges you haven’t yet experienced.’- Joanna Barsh

Of course, life can be different and complicated in other countries. And the experience can (and will) be different for each individual. But, the following facts are real for most of the people, who comes abroad to settle but struggles to make these settle in their mind.

Let’s begin (to read the facts).

1. Realize that you are in a new country (or place), not in your playground.

2. Resolve your pains/issues; no-one is coming to wipe your tears.

3. Talking about how significant was your responsibilities or how many years of experience you have doesn’t earn you respect. Your action and patience does.

4. Learn the culture, lifestyle, interest, and courtesy ways; the more polite and oblige you are to the people within their societal structure, the better you will feel.

5. Respect, despite their role or job title. Everyone is trying to provide service to society, which you should acknowledge and honor.

6. You might have to start from scratch. Do not scratch your head for that; credibility is essential here for every job.

7. Connectivity is critical, And, make sure you are keeping in touch with the connections, rather than connecting with them to fulfill your aspect only.

8. You will be earning your own money and spending your own money, so stop bothering about what people are thinking back in your home country.

9. Stop complaining about every difficulty and every difference/issue you are facing. If it is solvable, solve it. If it is not, adapt to it and move forward.

10. Try to support other people if you have the capacity or guide them if you know someone can solve it. Courtesy brings courtesy for the future.

11. Some people will tell you the frustrating and negative aspects of immigrant life. Know the facts, know the way-around, and move forward. And, of course, try to avoid the negativity (or sometimes the people) and engage with positive people. Trust me; this is the best advice I can provide you.

12. If you are adapting to a new culture, that doesn’t mean you forget your root. Stop thinking about what people will say. They are not experiencing your life.

13. Explore different places, meet new people, respect every relationship.

14. Embrace your accent and try to improve your language skill. Your accent is already shaped, you can’t change much. And it is nearly impossible to sound like the locals’ if you have spent significant time in your country — which doesn’t have the same language.

15. Do not shy away from opportunities and engagements; people will judge you irrespectively — so why would you bother and lose the chance to learn and develop yourself.

16. Work on your passion and keep striving to go for it, even if it doesn’t make sense in terms of money, business, or opportunities.

17. Do not start comparing your current lifestyle with your past lifestyle. Scenarios are always different. Keep yourself motivated, and eventually, the situation will get better.

18. The way you have worked back in your home country might not work in the new country, so accept it (rather than fighting the difference) and adapt to the new way.

19. Mental health is vital, so do not burden yourself with stress. Share your thoughts with near and dear ones. If you are with your family, understand they are also going through similar (and different challenges). Try to understand and support. If required, seek support from other relevant persons/groups in the new country.

20. Relevant resources are available. You have to look out for it, ask for it, and go for it. Suppose, if you are facing difficulties in language skill, there are lots of free languages skill improvement classes/sessions take place which you can utilize.

21. Strive for more significant opportunities, but prepare for the worst too. Do not stress yourself, thinking that you will not get an excellent opportunity because you are in a new country.

22. Consider taking calculated risks sometimes, do not always be a risk-averse person. You can’t swim if you don’t get down in the water.

23. Learn and research before you invest. Refrain from making a spontaneous investment. Always have some liquidity (cash or assets that can immediately be liquidated).

24. Build your credit score. It is building your credibility, investment, and sometimes for career aspects (in relevant industries).

25. Scams are there, especially for new immigrants. Learn about these and avoid those hassles.

Now, please do not ask questions about ethical standards, education, or cultural aspects. Lots of the facts mentioned above are standard in developed countries, but those might be the opposite in other countries, which impacts people.

The list I have mentioned is either from my experience or from seeing someone making the mistakes when they came abroad. The list is not to offend anyone or to prove anything, but rather to support the newcomers and to acknowledge the facts.

‘Understand that it is ok to be scared or uncertain, however right beyond those barriers ultimately lies your dreams.’- Josh Hinds

It is challenging (and can sometimes be a painful experience) for the immigrants when they come to a new country at first. So, by acknowledging the facts beforehand can ease it up.

I wish all the current and future immigrants the best for their endeavors. I hope you all will achieve your desired dream onto your new place.