Stages of a New Immigrant: Canadian in Belgium
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I’m sure it happens to many people, when they immigrate they go through different stages.
Stage 1 (1-3 months): exiting times of discovery. You get to explore your new city, meet new people, start a new job, get a new apartment and begin a new lifestyle.
Stage 2 (3-6 months): culture shock and/or adapting to said new lifestyle, getting accustomed to the customs of your new country and discovering many new ways of doing every-day things.
Stage 3(4-9 months): you start to miss your home country, your family and friends (your pets), the food, the way people interact with each other and the other things you left behind. This can even start in the first month.
Stage 4 (9-12+ months): only time will tell if you can or are willing to adopt the new way of living and blend into society. For example, learning the language(s) of the country, adjusting your daily schedule and routines to work around the hours of operation of the stores and transportation systems, buying and wearing the types of clothing people wear, and behaving according to the social norms of the country.
There aren’t only 4 stages an immigrant goes through, nor are these the only feelings and experiences one has. These are the stages I have experienced as a Canadian immigrant in Belgium. But in general, these stages are an idea of what can happen and let you know where you’re at. I guess I’m between stage 3 and 4.
Besides of course, my family, friends and my dog, I miss the BIG things: huge trucks, wide roads, wide staircases and rooms. I miss the trees, the quiet (no honking), the politeness of people, and the great customer service. I miss ENGLISH and knowing exactly what to choose on a menu. I miss flavored non-acidic large coffees, Alberta beef, crunchy dill pickles, caesar salad and peanut butter (and probably so many other foods I’ve forgotten about). I miss the ease and relaxing lifestyle. I miss driving my car on the open country road with the music turned up on a sunny afternoon. I miss walking BIG labrador retriever and breathing in the clean air. I miss my most comfy bed and a good night’s rest (I’m talking 8-9 solid hours).
I wonder what are some of the foods and other things immigrants to Canada miss from their home country?
