Relocating to a new country is a challenging venture, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the culture or what to expect. If you’re considering moving to Canada from the Philippines, it’s an incredible experience once you familiarize yourself with the country. Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and welcoming communities. Learn about how to engage with Canadian culture after moving to Canada from the Philippines.
Learn about the different cultures and ethnicities living in Canada
The best way to acclimate to a new culture is to develop cultural competency. Learn all you can about Canadian culture by watching documentaries, reading books, going to museums, and participating in cultural events to gain a deeper understanding of the culture.
Demographically, Canada has a variety of ethnic groups including a larger South Asian and Indigenous population. The First Nations, Inuit, and Metis call Canada home. Immigrants from all across the world – China, Chile, Vietnam, and other countries – have moved to Canada. Learning about the history of Indigenous people, settlers, and immigrants can deepen your understanding of the country.
Moving to Canada from the Philippines is a financial endeavor. With Western Union, you can receive money from family members back home in the Philippines to help offset costs. Money transfers can be sent directly to your bank account with the Western Union app, so you can use it when you need it.
Download the Western Union app.
Find Filipino community in Canada
Since the Philippines is one of the top sources of new immigrants to Canada, you will be able to find community. Cities in Canada have a vibrant Filipino community and are welcoming for education and job seekers. Once you move to Canada, there are plenty of community groups and cultural events to explore with fellow Filipinos.
Learn about Canadian holidays
Canadian holidays are a great way to partake in festivities shared amongst Canadians. You can celebrate Canadian holidays like Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11th), and Canada Day (July 1st). When celebrating these holidays, you can engage with your Canadian community for festivities and traditions. There are also shared holidays between the Philippines and Canada, like Christmas and Easter. Shared holidays are a great way to engage with Filipino and Canadian culture, bringing your traditions to your new home in Canada.
Engage in winter activities
When moving from the tropical Philippines to Canada the change in weather may be shocking, as Canada is renowned for its long and snowy winters. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this cold and snowy weather! Winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding are a significant part of the Canadian culture, year after year. You can also view the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, which can be seeing during winter months. You can head to Yellowknife, the Hudson Bay in Manitoba, and prairie provinces to gaze at this dazzling display of light in the night sky.
Try Canadian dishes
Canada has a distinctive cuisine you should familiarize yourself with when you move. Dishes like poutine, butter tarts, and tourtière are culinary staples. You can dine out or look up recipes to cook at home.
Understand the Canadian healthcare system
Canada offers a publicly funded universal healthcare system. Canadian citizens and residents pay taxes to fund the program, and healthcare services are administered at the provincial level. Before you move, you should familiarize yourself with how your province’s healthcare system works. You may also want to get private insurance if there are services you need that aren’t covered under the public plan.
Embrace the rich diversity of Canada, make friends, and immerse yourself in Canadian traditions. Don’t forget to stay connected with your loved ones back in the Philippines. If they need help with bills or other expenses, you can use Western Union’s money transfer services. You can go online, download the app, or visit an agent location to send money in person.
