Q & A with a SOPA Client

The clients the SOPA program  receives are very diverse. We receive clients from all corners of the world; Nigeria, India, China, Egypt, Philippines, Iran, Ukraine, and professions ranging from IT, Mechanical Engineer, HR, Accountant, Nurse, Biomedical Scientist and High School Teacher. However, they all have a common goal: to improve their quality of life (and that of their families) by moving to Canada and finding a fulfilling job. The SOPA courses enable them to work towards achieving their objectives by providing them with necessary information to arrive prepared and find and maintain employment.

Ed Solano is one of the SOPA clients who benefitted from our free online courses. Ed, a Production Engineer originally from Colombia, who moved from the United States to Canada with his wife at the end of May took the time to answer some questions we asked him about his experience with SOPA.

Why did you decide to move to Canada?

Canada is one of the world’s most multicultural countries. It's a very welcoming country to new immigrants. Also, Canada has a strong and stable economy and is known for being one of the safest countries on the planet.

Why did you register with SOPA?

First of all, it's free. It's a program created to help newcomers and is sponsored by the Canadian government. In addition, I personally wanted to get information about Canadian culture, how to find a job in Canada, settlement options, etc. After reviewing the SOPA website and the available courses, I found what I was looking for and decided to enroll.

How did you find out about SOPA?

I found out about SOPA when browsing the internet. I recalled, I typed in Google “successful stories of immigrants in Canada” and when reading one of those successful stories SOPA was mentioned. This person talked about the importance of enrolling in pre-arrival services before moving to Canada and the valuable information provided regarding Canadian culture, settlement, employment, etc. Then, I checked out the SOPA website and decided to register.

“Thank you to the Calgary SOPA team for all the support during my pre-arrival journey. I appreciate the feedback and advice I received. The information was very valuable and I learned a lot! I recommend everyone moving to Canada to enroll with SOPA.”

– Ed Solano, SOPA Client

Would you recommend SOPA to newcomer professionals who are moving to Alberta?

Absolutely. Because I personally think the best way to be successful in a new country is to know in advance as much as possible about it. Arriving prepared gives you an advantage compared to other immigrants. For instance, you already know what places to visit for immigration support, how to search for housing, the online employment tools used for job search, etc.

What advice would you give to a new immigrant moving to Canada?

Take advantage of the pre-arrival services funded by the Canadian government. These programs are created for newcomers only. Moving to a new country is like starting a new life and there are so many things to be considered. The more you are aware, the easier the adaptation period is.

How was the overall SOPA experience for you?

Thank you to the Alberta SOPA team for all the support during my pre-arrival journey. I appreciate the feedback and advice I received. The information was very valuable and I learned a lot! I recommend everyone moving to Canada to enroll with SOPA.

Sign up for free pre-arrival courses and resources! Visit www.arriveprepared.ca

There are many events happening across the cities of Calgary and Edmonton on Canada Day.

Here is a guide to some of the many celebrations going on this weekend:

Calgary

• Fireworks celebrations along the River-Walk by the Bow River
• A living flag will be displayed at Fort Calgary
• Numerous performances will be happening at Olympic Plaza
• First Nations activities will be taking place at Prince’s Island Park
• Canada Day in the Rockies: Activities include a parade, live entertainment and fireworks

Edmonton

• Canada Day at City Hall: Indigenous dancers & drummers, City Hall tours, magic shows, and more
• TELUS World of Science activities
• TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival
• Fireworks at Mill Woods Park

Make sure to read the following fun facts to brush up on some Canadian history so you’re ready for Canada’s 150th birthday:

• On July 1st, 1867 “the British North America Act” was enacted and Canada was formed as a Confederation.
• In the beginning, Canada was made up of just 4 provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The remaining 6 provinces joined the Dominion in later years - with Newfoundland and Labrador as the last to join, in 1949.
• Nunavut, the most recent territory to join the Confederation, in 1999, is home to the northernmost permanent settlement in the world.
• “Canada Day” was officially named in 1982, when Canada enacted the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• “O Canada” became the official National Anthem in 1980.
• Some Canadian inventions include: hockey, basketball, insulin & penicillin, zippers, the telephone.
• Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 243,976 kilometers.
• The regent of England, currently Queen Elizabeth II, is the Canadian head of state.
• Kim Campbell was the first and only female prime minister of Canada, serving in 1993.

So get out there and enjoy this wonderful country and celebrate Canada’s “sesquicentennial” [Ses•qui•cen•ten•ni•al] (it means one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary)!

*Photo by marke1996 

Learning English

The transitional process of moving from one country to another is a big step as you are exposed to a new world where people speak a different language. This is one of the biggest barriers that newcomers face upon settlement. Luckily, Alberta is a multicultural hub where there are many opportunities to learn and improve your English, often for free.

When you first arrive, you should get your language assessed. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used in Canada to teach and test adults’ language skills. The CLB is important for newcomers who plan on attending English classes, training, looking for work or studying at a university or college.

There are many locations in Alberta where newcomers can assess their language for free. Equally, there are numerous English language programs, notably Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or LINC, a free language-training program. The following is a list of LINC programs offered by various organizations and institutions across Calgary.

Additionally, there are numerous English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Calgary and Edmonton: http://study.alberta.ca/plan-your-studies/credentials-programs/english-as-a-second-language/.

There are other resources that newcomers can access to learn English, including church-based ESL programs in Calgary.

In addition to this, a socially-inclusive way of learning English can also be joining Meetup groups in the city to learn and practice your English.

Aside from Meetup groups, learning centers, ESL classes and formal settings, other ways of informally practicing and improving your English can be in day-to-day activities such as going for a walk in the neighborhood and engaging in a conversation with your neighbours or starting up a conversation with the cashier at your local supermarket. There are always opportunities to grow and learn if you keep a positive attitude.

Additional resources on Language Training:

http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/settle/language-training.aspx

http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/settle/break-the-wall.aspx

An important part of the job search process is tailoring your resume to each individual job advertisement, otherwise known as "targeting" your resume. This method ensures that your qualifications and expertise match what is required by the employer, thus ensuring that your application will stand out among the rest.

Targeting your resume is a simple technique to better your chances of getting the job. One step in helping with this process is to take note of the key words in the position advertisement, usually listed under the "main duties" or "responsibilities" headings, and include them in your own resume, ensuring that they apply to your own specific skills, experience and background. These key words are often action verbs that describe the regular duties of that position.

Taking the time to tailor your resume for each position you apply for is very important in the job search process as it will increase your chances of obtaining an interview which you may not otherwise be considered for with a general resume.