Culture shock and winter

Your first year in Canada often mixes excitement with tiredness and homesickness. For Vietnamese newcomers, the first winter is usually the hardest part.

What culture shock is

Culture shock is the strangeness and stress you feel when everything around you is different: language, communication style, food, pace of life, weather. It often comes in stages:

• initial excitement;
• frustration with everyday difficulties;
• gradual adjustment;
• feeling at home in your new life.

Everyone goes through it differently; feeling homesick and lonely is normal.

Winter

According to IRCC:

• winter is very cold in most places, often below 0°C;
• snow covers the ground from about December to March or April;
• you need a hat, boots, gloves and a winter coat.

Newcomers may be surprised by the cold and snow, but with the right clothing a Canadian winter has its own beauty.

Coping

• Connect: community centres, libraries, sports clubs and places of worship are all places to meet people. Libraries often run conversation circles to practise English or French.
• Stay active outdoors even in winter: skating, winter walks.
• Keep routines: sleep, regular meals, staying in touch with family in Vietnam.
• Volunteer: it widens your network, builds language skills and gives Canadian experience.

When you need help

If sadness or anxiety lasts, talk to a family doctor. In a crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (24/7), or call 9-1-1 if someone is in danger.

Note Winter days are very short and dark. Plan indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family before winter arrives.