What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Canada. They wrote...
"One of the most challenging aspects of Canadian culture for expats is the emphasis on politeness, which can often take precedence over honesty. Another challenge is the formidable Canadian winters, which necessitates winter clothing and equipment that expats may not be used to. Cultural norms like maintaining personal space can also be confusing to expats, as they vary greatly depending on one another’s cultural background. Finally, many expats come to Canada expecting certain stereotypes, which may not be accurate or up-to-date," explained one expat living in Canada.
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"The English language barrier, although we speak then same language, different words have different meanings, and usually require extra explanation until both parties understand each other, but this explanation of mean can be very funny at times," said another expat in Lethbridge, Canada.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Canada?
- How do I meet people in Canada?
- What is life like in Canada?
- Is there a lot of crime in Canada?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Canada accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Canada like?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Canada?
- What are healthcare services like in Canada?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Canada?
- What is the weather like in Canada?
- Are there good restaurants in Canada?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Canada?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Canada?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Canada?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Canada?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Canada?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Canada, newcomers to Canada would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

