Why did Victoria choose to immigrate to Canada instead of returning to Chelyabinsk?

The path to a new life in Canada

Before starting a new life in Canada, Victoria spent three years in the USA, where she studied and worked. This period was an important step on her journey to her new homeland. If you're curious about why she didn't stay in America and returned to her homeland, we recommend checking out our previous article.

Life between two countries

After experiencing life between the USA and Canada, Victoria also visited Moscow. She was worried that upon returning to Chelyabinsk, she would find herself back in a familiar but unappealing environment. The move didn't seem like a big deal to her; she thought she could always return if things didn't go well. But the desire for new discoveries was too strong, and to stay true to her decision, she decided to wait for her immigration documents while she was in the capital.

The main source of anxiety for her was the prospect of finding herself back in Chelyabinsk, which could lead to unexpected encounters, such as with her ex-boyfriend. Additionally, Victoria was the only child in the family, and the realization that her mother would be left alone also troubled her greatly.

Career in the homeland

In her homeland, Victoria had a very successful career and achieved significant heights. Perhaps that’s why the thought of moving from Chelyabinsk was not a priority for her, even though she considered new opportunities. Since she worked as an English teacher, Victoria understood that finding a job in an English-speaking country was quite challenging due to high competition. Moreover, local teachers often had clear advantages over her.

Moving to Canada

When she finally moved to Canada and started looking for a job, she sometimes encountered confusion: some people expressed doubts about her ability to teach without being a native speaker. Moreover, it turned out that immigrating to the desired Montreal was not so easy — there are special procedures in this region due to the use of the French language. As a result, she was advised to first move to any other city, and after obtaining permanent resident status, to travel around the country in search of a suitable place to live. Her immigration documents did not clearly specify where she was supposed to live.

Choosing a new city

Thus, Victoria chose her current city, which bears her name. Her choice was subject to jokes: "Did you move there just because your name is Victoria?" However, it wasn't that simple: before making this decision, she researched the climate conditions of different regions in Canada and settled on a place with the most comfortable climate. At that time, she had neither a job nor acquaintances in Canada.

Education and qualification confirmation

To increase her chances of finding a job, Victoria decided to take additional courses in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). Before she could get a job in Canada, she needed to validate her qualifications and skills. The process didn't seem too complicated:

• Gather all diplomas and certificates;
• Translate them into English.
• Notarize it.
• Send to the relevant government institutions in Canada for verification.

The educational system in Russia

At the time of my studies in Russia, there was no full-fledged bachelor's system comparable to the international one, and I was mastering my profession in my specialty. In fact, the five-year curriculum in our system was more in-depth than the standard bachelor's degree and was closer to the master's level. However, for specialists from other countries, our educational system remained a mystery, so they assessed my competencies according to their own standards.

Accreditation requirements

It is important to note that each field of study has specific requirements for the accreditation of professional skills. When I moved to Canada, I understood that I would need additional qualifications, so I decided to take a course in teaching English as a foreign language. This course lasted six weeks, and frankly, the quality of the training raised doubts for me. I can't imagine how one can become a teacher in such a short period of time, as it requires significantly longer education.

Course structure

Anyone with a bachelor's degree in any field could enroll in these courses! The curriculum included:

• Four weeks of theoretical training;
• Two weeks of practice;

After completing the training, a certificate for teaching English was issued.

Qualification issues

I became the only participant who was not a native speaker, but I was surprised that many of those who spoke English did not know the basics of grammatical structures, including basic verb tenses. Sometimes even the instructors couldn't adequately explain the material. Nevertheless, everyone received certificates — it's funny that this document does not grant the right to teach in Canada and is only valid outside of it.

Prospects for new teachers

Thus, everyone who received these certificates is mainly directed to countries like China or may possibly return to Russia to practice on local students and gain the necessary experience. This requires about a thousand hours to obtain a real certificate that grants the right to work in Canadian educational institutions.

Additional tools for success

I learned these facts even before starting my studies, but the certificate turned out to be just an additional tool for me. Combined with my Russian diploma and extensive work experience, it allowed me to obtain a full Canadian certificate that permits me to teach in the country.

Limited opportunities at the university

However, it is important to understand that my ability to teach English at the university level is quite limited, as my Russian diploma does not meet the requirements for this field. Additionally, my master's degree in the USA was in philosophy, not languages.

Searching for a place in private educational institutions

This frustrates me because, as the saying goes in English, it would be a downgrade — moving from teaching at a university to working in a private school. I tried to find a way to apply my knowledge in private educational institutions, but it didn't bring satisfaction: the position that matched my level of qualification and experience seemed too simple.

Problems with finding the right audience

I have already gotten used to working with people who speak English at a high level. In these private schools, students come from countries like Brazil or Japan, and that kind of experience is not suitable for me.

In recent months, many people have shown a desire to dive into learning something new, but for me, that pace seems too slow and dull. I spent about nine or ten months in Victoria and even considered the possibility of staying there longer. During that time, I managed to get a remote job, but in order to become part of that team, I had to move to Montreal. I successfully made that transition and am now teaching business English online. I have quite a flexible schedule: regardless of my location, there are always students who need my help and are aligned with my time zone.

The appeal of working in Canada

It's interesting that working in Canada attracts many people, and there are plenty of options to find a good job with decent pay.

Moving from Montreal to Vancouver

However, I left Montreal because I couldn't stand the harsh winter cold. Vancouver became my new home, and the reason for that is quite simple – it became unbearable for me in Montreal. When I was planning the move, I thought the climate in this city was similar to that of Kyiv. I thought to myself, "Kyiv isn't bad, the winter there is more or less bearable, the climate is generally mild." How wrong I was! The problem was not only in the geographical location.

The climate of Montreal

Winters in Montreal are very harsh: the cold and frost are much more pronounced here than, for example, in Chelyabinsk or Moscow. Winter temperatures can drop to minus thirty degrees, and with the wind, it can feel like minus thirty-five. Such frosts last for a long time, after which there are short-term thaws, but soon the cold returns. I spent three years in this city and eventually realized that I could no longer tolerate such a climate – it is too severe.

Adaptation of local residents

The locals have adapted to these harsh conditions. They easily participate in various celebrations and festivals, including the many winter ones in Montreal. People celebrate New Year's outdoors: they gather in the main square and have a great time all night long.

A new life beyond the homeland

Immerse yourself in the experiences of people who have taken the decisive step towards a new life away from their homeland. For example, a couple from Russia found a new calling by starting their own business in Georgia. Or let's consider the situation with immigrants in New Zealand – is life there really pleasant and comfortable? Renting a home can be a great opportunity to better integrate into the culture and traditions of the country before fully committing to the move. Cyprus and Paphos have their own unique aspects of life, and for those who have already settled in Greece, it is important to familiarize themselves with the process of adaptation and assimilation.

Professional discrimination

As for issues related to discrimination in the professional sphere, I haven't encountered any particular difficulties. Throughout my time living outside of Russia, I haven't faced any manifestations of aggression, at least not based on my nationality. For example, in Canada, the atmosphere is genuinely friendly: people are kind and eager to engage. I can even say that Canadians are characterized by their tolerance and genuine interest in other cultures. However, in my observations, Americans can show even more curiosity than Canadians. They have heard many stories about us, and when they have the chance to talk to someone from Russia, they ask all sorts of questions, sometimes amusing and naive.

Experience of living in different cities

In Montreal, I always felt a friendly attitude, whereas my experience in Vancouver was somewhat different. Unfortunately, in the professional environment, I faced certain obstacles. When looking for a job, employers usually inquire about my language background. They notice my Russian surname and assume that my qualities as a teacher may be worse than those of local specialists. This made me consider changing my surname to avoid unnecessary questions.

Bias in training

Strangely enough, many believe that to teach a language, one must be a native speaker, even though some local teachers can't even explain the difference between verb tenses. This biased opinion is frustrating. However, in my company, I don't face such difficulties. My students are adults, entrepreneurs, and they clearly understand that my skills and professionalism are what brought me here.

Uncomfortable situations on the street

There is another aspect that causes a bit of dissatisfaction, although it can't be called discrimination. Sometimes, while walking around Vancouver, strangers start a conversation with me. During the conversation, they invariably ask, "Where are you from?" When I reply that I live in Canada, their reaction is often one of discontent, and they ask me to clarify where I am really from. This is quite unpleasant, as I haven't lived in Russia for 15 years, and the country has undergone significant changes since then. When I return to my homeland, I feel like a stranger. Even now, while in St. Petersburg, I am already starting to miss what can be called my home in Canada.

Conclusion

As I conclude my story about my journey to immigrate to Canada, I want to share my thoughts on what it really means to be a foreigner in a new country. My experience, starting with studying and working in America, was incredibly rich, but moving to Canada marked a completely new stage for me. Looking back at my life in Chelyabinsk, I realized that although I had a stable career and family support there, I needed to break free from the familiar and try something entirely different.

In addition to job searching, moving has also become a personal challenge. Difficulties in understanding the levels of qualifications, the language barrier, and comparing my diplomas with local standards have all created additional obstacles. But I do not regret my decision to break away from my previous hectic routine and take a risk with the unknown.

Adaptation to a new life

Every day in Victoria brought new experiences, and I was learning to adapt to a new reality of life. Yes, sometimes it was hard for me to face people's looks when they heard my accent or when it became obvious that I wasn't a native speaker. However, it was precisely this that motivated me to work harder to master Canadian reality, basing my knowledge on both theory and practice.

New career opportunity

I no longer see my university career as a lower position. It's just another chapter in my professional journey. I will find my place in this country, and the new opportunities it offers will make me more adaptable and open to change. I have realized that it is possible to build a career in a foreign country if there is desire and perseverance.

It's important to remember

• Immigration changes not only one's place of residence but also one's identity.
• Desire and persistence help overcome difficulties.
• Every new experience enriches us and makes us stronger.

Thus, immigration not only changed my geographical address but also shaped me as a person, full of determination to overcome all the obstacles that come my way. I hope my experience inspires someone who is also faced with the choice of leaving their homeland for a new life. Life is full of opportunities, and the most important thing is not to be afraid to try new things and to believe in yourself.