Medlabgirl's Posts
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 Travel / .......... by Medlabgirl: 10:38am On Mar 03, 2012 |
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| Travel / Re: Nigerian Students In Canada: How Do You Survive? by Medlabgirl: 10:03am On Mar 03, 2012 |
Hi everyone, thank you so much to all that have made enquiries regarding homestays. I must say that I neglected to mention that the homestay arrangements for now are only being offered in British Columbia, which means that the schools would include these listed below. If you are coming to BC outside of these schools, please feel free to ask, and we will be happy to see if you can be accommodated. We have started to make enquiries outside of BC as well, and will further update you as things progress. Again many thanks, and I will now open a new thread to advertise the homestays. Thank you. Here are the schools served for now: Douglas College New Westminster British Columbia Institute of Technology Justice Institute of British Columbia Langara CollegeVancouver Sprott-Shaw Community College University of British Columbia Capilano University Emily Carr University of Art and Design Fairleigh Dickinson University University of the Fraser Valley Kwantlen Polytechnic University University of Northern British Columbia Quest University Royal Roads University Simon Fraser University Thompson Rivers University Trinity Western University University Canada West Vancouver Island University University of Victoria See you soon. Cheers, medlabgirl@live.com Here's a link to the posted Ad: https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-885133.0.html 4 Likes |
| Travel / Re: Nigerian Students In Canada: How Do You Survive? by Medlabgirl: 1:39am On Feb 28, 2012 |
Justwise thank you for this excellent and informative post. I cannot help but comment on it. For all those who are asking people to avoid homestays, I have to tell you that you are wrong!!! What you should say instead is choose your homestay very carefully. Yes we see a lot of African students get placed with Caucasian and even Chinese and East Indian families, and it’s quite a horrid experience for them. I am not saying that the families are bad, no, they are different from what we as Nigerians know. For example, a chicken salad (no not with all the orishirishi of a Naija salad, just a few bits of chicken in a lot of lettuce, with or without some dressing on it) is considered a perfectly normal lunch, whereas, you might be expecting Eba and Okra soup. Soup and sandwich, yes, a bowl of thin watery soup, (think meat stock in Naija) plus a sandwich (one half of two pcs of bread, with a slice of ham, and some lettuce for e.g.) is also considered a perfectly normal dinner, while you fresh from naija, are thinking Rice n Stew. Perspective is everything. I have a very good friend who has in the last year or so started a settlement program for new families in British Columbia. She has now added a homestay component, and I will be joining her in this venture. A homestay is crucial for a newcomer to Canada. When I first got here all those years ago, (I came as a landed immigrant, not as a student) even though I arrived Canada with over $12,000USD, I stayed with a Pastor and his family for four months, until I got my bearings. The homestay we are offering costs only $650 a month. This includes a stay with a Nigerian family, offering Nigerian home cooked meals. You also have your own room, Internet access 24hrs a day, access to a land line, which once you start to buy phone cards will make perfect sense to you, laundry and cable TV. Most homestays have a computer available for the student as well, as well as TV's in their rooms. I challenge anybody to try to find anything as affordable as this. Compared to shared accommodations for e.g., first of all, let’s say you are very lucky and find a good roomie to share with, trust me this is not as easy as people think, your rent for your one room is say $350. You still have to buy a bed, blankets, pillows, a dresser, you need to buy kitchen utensils to cook, you need a microwave, you will also need a desk and a chair to study on, you will need a computer if you don’t already have one, you may also need a printer for all those assignments you will have to hand in, if your instructor doesn’t accept Emailed ones. You will need to buy a television as well. You will of course also need to pay your bills monthly. Cable TV is at least $50 a month; internet is at least $40 a month. You will need to do your laundry at a Laundromat for about $20-30 a month, as most suites do not offer laundry. Then you will need to buy food and spend time to cook and store it. If you share a suite, most times you will also be fighting with a roomie about things like 'Did you eat my food in the fridge?" or How come you used all my toothpaste? If you get an apartment, instead of a basement suite, then plan to pay at least $450 a month for rent, plus all the other expenses listed above. You will also need to pay for your hydro bills, about $50 a month if you're good, and also gas bills, again about another $50 a month, so you are already looking at $700 a month, and you haven’t even bought food. All these only since you're sharing. Double or more that if you don't share. I can tell you right now that one of the most critical things for you, arriving straight from home is going to be, who to pick you up from the airport when you first arrive, and who will have that first hot bath and warm meal as well as a comfortable place to stay when you arrive? Who will take you around and show you how things are done? Please your best bet is a homestay. So please my friends, don't be too quick to knock that homestay. One dear girl who attends Simon Fraser University has been in a homestay now for 3 years, and she loves it. Her host family, yes Naija family, got her a job, and she's really happy. The newest homestay who will be arriving in April requested a receipt for her payment (she paid for 6months) to be sent to the Canadian High Commission, as well as a letter saying that she had the homestay arranged, and that she would be picked up from the airport etc. This was done and she said she was asked about the homestay during her interview. This homestay is fantastic for students and all newcomers to British Columbia, so if you are a student, or a new immigrant, send an email and I will be happy to set you up with a homestay. I look forward to hearing from you. medlabgirl@live.com. Please put Homestay in the subject of your email. Again thanks Justwise for putting this up. I think I will start up a new thread later this week, advertising the homestay and settlement for New families. 22 Likes 2 Shares |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 6:51am On Jan 10, 2011 |
Na wa for me sef; sorry everyone for my long hiatus. I had, and still have too much going on right now. My sister and her daughter moved here, and my brother moved elsewhere, I had to go help get him settled. I have been travelling like crazy. Prior to that, I had an incident with a HIV Pos patient, in which my pathologist and I got exposed, and we both had to get anti-retroviral treatments for 60 days, (not funny!!!!, made me sick as hell, but that's another story.) I even had to cut down on work by two days a week, and I am no longer accepting any night shifts, at least till further notice, and night time was when I made most of my contributions on here. The worst really is that Immigration matters keep evolving as we all know, and I have not kept on top of my reading regarding them, so I would prefer not to give any advice\information as it may be outdated, and hence inaccurate. However, due in part to my researching a lot of the questions that were asked on this forum, I have developed an even greater interest in immigration, settlement and integration into Canada matters, and I am prayerfully considering the possibility of consulting on immigration, as per making some money off of this since I enjoy doing it anyway  I hope you good people are doing well, and looking towards great things this year. I'll be back as soon as I'm able. Thanks |
| Travel / W by Medlabgirl: 9:15pm On Dec 12, 2010 |
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| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 12:58pm On Jul 21, 2010 |
^^^^ Tunnytox, I dey Kampe, thanks for asking; how you dey? |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 5:57pm On Jul 19, 2010 |
^^^^^ You asked me to email you, and I did, which I never usually do as I think everyone should share on here so we all learn stuff; you never emailed back. The ball is in your court mikkyangel. |
| Food / Re: Have You Ever "stolen" From The Cooking Pot? by Medlabgirl: 7:32am On Jul 17, 2010 |
« #71 on: Yesterday at 07:16:21 PM » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote from: leighcon on Yesterday at 06:07:39 PM SS2 in 1990 - Thought nomenclature was Form X until 1st half 1991 Maybe not in your state anyway That was what I wanted to point out too. At that time it was 6-5-2-3 not 6-3-3-4 until 1991 In actual fact the 6-3-3-4 system was introduced to Federal Government Colleges-- Unity Schools in 1987, so that poster probably went to a Unity school. Other schools in Nigeria at the time did not come on board till 1991. Pro Unitate!  |
| Family / Re: Whats Ur Opinion On Adoption? by Medlabgirl: 7:18am On Jul 17, 2010 |
@House; Everyone forgot one critical thing! Adoption is the heart's cry of God Himself. This is how every single person that calls him/herself a christian has the right to do so. ALL CHRISTIANS ARE ADOPTED INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST! Only Jesus Christ himself is the Son of God, the Seed of the Holy Spirit. The rest of us are adopted! Adoption is the greatest form of love you can show to a child,at least it is supposed to be, because it is an out and out CHOICE, a calculated decision you make to bring another into the circle of love that you share as a family. This is what God did for us. He gave us His best, His everything, His Love. He gave us Jesus Christ, so that we could become adopted into His family. Pastor Medlabgirl.  |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 2:53am On Jul 13, 2010 |
[b]^^^^^ I agree with you completely Debosky, yes we must be cautious; and I hope I have not painted a utopic picture, because as we all know, there is no such place. I have felt a lot of pride in those other NLanders who try to help, and I just wanted to do my bit too. A lot of people have been discouraged by some of us who had it so difficult in our time we want to make sure nobody else attempts the journey. We forget that since we have already suffered those things, we must make sure that those behind us do not go over the same bumps in the road, even if just for posterity sake. "I enjoyed my time in BC greatly - if anyone needs advice on attending university in BC, especially UBC/Simon Fraser, I'll do my best to assist." Excellent! we should put this advice given on our portfolios as "Career/Life Counselling Volunteer" debosky: I don hear! your emu cannot catch me oh |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 6:17pm On Jul 12, 2010 |
Delta007: Delta007 now you are being nitpicky. I am not going to split hairs and start to dissect my choice of words. I do mean CHOOSE BC. @ Debosky, Now where in my post that you read oh so carefully did I say that ML007 or anybody would be able to get a status change in 4 weeks? Did you happen to catch the word EXTEND that I used so frequently as I posted? _________: @________ This is exactly my point! If I can help one person, that person helps another, and so on, before long, we too would have built something significant. Again, nothing that is worth doing is that easy, hence the wisdom of God in giving us backbones, so that we can stand. Where is the joy in prospering alone? Even eating a meal by yourself is no fun. We know how things are done. Let us make things as easy as possible for others. Everyone complains like crazy about how bad things are in Nigeria, how Nigerians are terrible everywhere, woof woof blah blah; but nobody wants to lift a finger and attempt to make a difference. Don't get me started jare! Everyone cooperates but Nigerians! I think we should all do our little bit to help whomever we can, and as much as it is within our power to do so. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 6:43pm On Jul 10, 2010 |
@Medlabgirl Please what's your take on an academic career in Canada? the best region? I intend to have my postdoc in Canada and subsequently settle there working as a scientist come university professor or research scientist in pharmac industry.Meanwhile I would be visiting soon to work in a laboratory for some months, and I was wondering where you would pick as an ideal place. I am a mol biologist soon to finish a doctorate in italy, well i am a people person and would like a place where I can meet fellow Nigerians. Sorry for the Tardy reply, I only just saw your post. I would come in for your Postdoc like you intend to, and then go on from there. At the risk of having my head chopped off, I will tell you that BC is often referred to as The Education Province. I also believe that as someone pointed out earlier, Biologists are among the 29 professions that get accelerated resident permit procedures. You might also want to check that out. The best thing however is to come in here, and then make your decisions after the fact. Also you will be among your academic peers, and that will be invaluable. Let me know when you get here. Between your colleagues, you and myself we should be able to find a direction, else we can always ask Canuck. He's the research guru. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:58pm On Jul 10, 2010 |
@ML007 please look around very carefully on the website in my earlier response, then lets talk when you are done. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:53pm On Jul 10, 2010 |
switchmax8: I dey go Naija birthday party today oh, maybe when I come back. That is quite a good question actually because people tend to hire students from schools like BCIT www.bcit.ca before conventional university graduates because of the hands on training that Tech schools offer. They may however not be cheaper than Unis, just offer shorter length programs. Ok you get a head start by googling "Schools of Technology in Canada" and I will help you along the way. Please don't forget to post your findings for others to refer to. Later |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:42pm On Jul 10, 2010 |
tunnytox: HA! Tunnytox you are one FunnyFox! I see that before you married you were a toaster Your ogogoro no go fit make me stagger oh! No hard feelings bro, true. See, we even agree that in the the long run everything boils down to individual choices. Anyway when they give you that MBE, I will come and take pisho with you. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:33pm On Jul 10, 2010 |
mylove007: You could certainly do that, but why would you want to? Your field is well sought after see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/itw-jobs.asp#jobs1. Debosky abeg now, you know that there are many people who have gone that route. It probably would not be worth the stress of a status change, and you might be better off just applying for Permanent Residence as an IT worker, but we are not in your shoes and don't know what corns and\or bunions you may have . It is ultimately your decision to make. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 6:34am On Jul 10, 2010 |
I see that a lot of people have somewhat redirected the course of this thread. I cannot say it is derailed, more like gone off track. I have to say once more, that I NEVER asked anyone to leave their current domiciles and move to Canada. If people who are talking about the US and the UK against Canada blah blah had taken a minute to read the initial post, or even just look at the topic summary, they would have seen that this thread was directed AT PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY PLANNING TO COME TO CANADA  I did not even say that people should move from within Canada to BC. At one point, I further said that if your job does not constrain you, then BC is as good a place as any, for aforementioned reasons. I will not continue to quote myself.I do not care if you drink tea with Mama Charlie three times a day, or if your cell phones are free of charge, or even if you get your bottom wiped by Buckingham Palace goonies after you go; you couldn't pay me enough to live in the UK!! It doesn't work for me! Same way I could not live in the US, But guess what, that is just me. That is my choice. Good enough, we are all free to make those same choices. So lets get it right please. If you are not able to negotiate a cell phone plan that allows your incoming calls free, then you might want to look inwards. There are even unlimited talk and text plans for about $20 so please do your homework before you talk. But then if one cannot read a simple thread and interprete it correctly, then a cell phone plan could very well be hieroglyphics I say, and will continue to say that I think that BC is a lovely place to live, with a vibrant economy, and opportunities to do well. We are supposed to be educated people, so please lets hone our research skills if we want to thrive in today's world. There is a massive amount of information out there, and we would be well served to learn to filter stuff. I will say again that I stand by everything I have said. People make things appear to be more difficult than they actually are. It is not that difficult to integrate into this society if l may paraphrase Canuck its what you learn here that will take you a long way. Thank you Canuck for your very insightful and helpful comments. Thank you also Delta007 for your piece per the Eastern Provinces. It was good. Everyone else, seriously if you are moving to or planning to come to Canada, consider BC. I rest my case. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 10:01pm On Jul 07, 2010 |
@ house, thanks for all the contributions. CANUCK is a lifesaver; you know your stuff Canuck. I went to the dentist today, had to have a root canal done, so no be me dey here. I will be back tomorrow when hopefully I'll be feeling better. Delta007 can you please try to write in smaller paragraphs. I was trying to read your post, and the anaesthetic I got at the dentist just wore off instantly, now I am seeing stars!!! |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 12:19am On Jul 07, 2010 |
@Delta, and on what have you based your comment? No bring your Delta James Bond come here oh! There are jobs in BC. Please do not misinform people. Tell me how many people you know who are in BC and not working?? Let me tell you even a few of the yahoo yahoo boys whose income streams seem to have dried up are all working. My eyebrows hit the ceiling a couple of days ago when I saw one of them at an assisted living facility. His pay? $22/hr, not much for a previous yahoo person, but he is paying his mortgage thank you. My cousin's tenant is from Fiji. He works and has been working now for over two years at a construction company owned by an Indian man. Guess what? He has no papers!!! he gets paid in C A S H! so abegi make I hear something. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 5:30pm On Jul 06, 2010 |
canuck: I'll do my best. "In God we trust, others pay cash"? I'd better get a move on, else I'm getting nothing done today. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 5:26pm On Jul 06, 2010 |
Rare? Is that how you like your steak?? I have to have mine well done, naijagal thru and thruIt's not just consensus, but actual proven fact. You are right, and yes I agree that you'd better go where your career directs you. I am just talking in general terms, and saying that BC is a good choice if you are not constrained by things like your job or an obligation to a province per nominations or etc Saskatchewan is nice, but miles of wheat fields, while they do feed us, just isn't my thing, with all due respect to the hardworking farmers. I am saying, that BC is really a great place to be. Ask all the people that just came for the Winter Olympics. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:48pm On Jul 06, 2010 |
Canuck, I am laughing my head off. Seriously I am in the kitchen by myself, and just pealing with laughter. Ok look out for the mailman for your share of the BC Tourism money I am coming to recognise your signature bold blue posts. First thanks for the pointers for the guy asking about the schools. I felt there were other informative posts he could refer to, (too lazy to respond: damn it caught out!) The pointers to Okija were spot on too, even though it was funny as hell. "Please pick up nuances and little things that tend to trip up Nigerians - Your certificate(s) may contribute 10% to your assimilation; it's what you learn here on how Canadians relate that matter.", Now this is serious true talk. Canuck go to the top of the class Hey Okija how's the going?? I have always found people using agents for schools, with the exception you pointed out, a bit baffling  It is indeed a waste of resources.On the subject of agents, I remember all those years ago when I went for my interview for my Residency Application, I indicated on my forms that our family friend an engineer had assisted with the filling of the forms, (he later became a succesful immigration agent) I don't know if anyone else interviewed with the dreaded Mme. Pou---t, but she asked me why "a smart girl like you cannot fill out a few simple forms?" (I was a naive 21 yr old girl then, I shouldn't even have mentioned the help I got) Now I see people paying $10,000 dollars to agents who basically DO NOTHING BUT FILL OUT YOUR FORMS!!! I think that when I come to Nigeria before the end of the year, I will fill out some forms, and maybe provide a Canadian address, buy the drafts etc, and then charge $2000 for my efforts Anyway thanks Canuck, nothing like a smile to start out the day. 1 Like |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 3:32pm On Jul 06, 2010 |
______, don't mind them jare. The guy that came for two days and has become an authority on the whole of Canada and passed judgment on an entire Nation based on a visit to Toronto is something else. @justhustle I hope my reply was helpful. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 5:46pm On Jul 05, 2010 |
ucheawesom: Thanks your Awesomeness; I am afraid that since I do not live in the US, I am unable to compare. I come into the US to shop, as the prices are competitive, and have never been in the US for longer than three weeks . The people that I know who have moved here from the US have done so because they could not get their papers in the US, but did in Canada. A lot of people, yours truly included consider Canada a bit saner for raising a family, but again its only a matter of choice. It is afterall God that protects us all. If you have schooled in the US, your education is the same as for Canada, no further upgrades are usually required, except by choice. My friend who moved here from Texas and works in the same hospital region as I do got her job and work permit before ever coming here. She got her residency last year. Per your sister, nurses as you know are highly sought after by many countries. She would for sure need to write exams to get up to speed. Here is a website my friend recommended. I did not look through it however. http://www.cna-nurses.ca/CNA/nursing/becoming/international/default_e.aspx Take care. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 6:13am On Jul 04, 2010 |
hercules07: I feel so happy for you as you begin your journey. I pray all goes well with you. I am glad you are on the upgrade track right away, it will do you well. Don't forget that this is a credit society, so like I said to Okija, start from day one to build and maintain a good credit rating. Also look out for the long distance snafu. Either sign up for a long distance plan like the one that Primus has, or just buy phone cards. Nobody advised most of us, so we learnt the hard way. My daddy always said, Nnem, (he called me his mother) if your brother suffers along the same pathway that you have taken, then there is a curse on you, as you have seen the pitfalls on the way, and it is your duty to warn him. May there be light on your pathway.  @Chika and Xreal, thanks so much. I just think that if you can contribute even a minute to making things easier for others, that you should. Here in Canada, the Indians, and the Chinese are building empires, because they help and support each other. If we Nigerians, who I will always say, have some of the world's best brains can help each other just a little bit more, who knows what we can achieve? 12 Likes |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 5:49pm On Jul 03, 2010 |
^^^^^ I can see that you didn't read even the first paragraph before you started talking. I moved to BC recently, and that, since you must know, was from the East. Also, most of our vacations have been stay-cations, within Canada, which means three weeks a year, every year in a Canadian city; Ottawa, Victoria, Nanaimo,Edmonton, Calgary,name it! Please do not talk about things you know nothing about, Now that is what speaks VOLUMES about you. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 8:28am On Jul 03, 2010 |
People like to make things extrordinarily difficult even when the are not. While I am not saying that its moimoi to come in and stay, I still say it's not as hard as people make things out to be. Remember the junior world cup soccer of a few years back, say three years ago I think in Victoria B.C? well I met a few of the people who came as visitors. I ran into one of them today, and he recognised me. We ended up talking, and it turns out that most of them stayed. They all raised their hands. He actually said he is now bringing his wife and kids. He looked about 48yrs at least to me. So yes, if you plan your walk properly, you can almost always stay. If you plan to come as a student, that will be your best bet, even for just a 1 yr course, especially if you're not appying from Nigeria (please not to discourage those who are), because as per the link I posted above students trained in Canada have aspecial program that allows them to stay here. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 7:36am On Jul 03, 2010 |
There are many more things, but this is where I went as part of my research when I was planning my move here. You will find it helpful. http://www.welcomebc.ca/en/immigration/index.html I hope your three questions will be answered fully after you go through the link Brother Femi. |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 4:09am On Jul 03, 2010 |
Yield: Its such a shame that we must frequently run into people like you, otherwise this world would be one pleasant place. Why does there have to be a motive?? Can I not appreciate the beauty of a place and ask others to share in it?? People like you are sadsacks that can never find anything to be thankful for, and you have to attempt to spoil things for others; and a woman too! Men don suffer,to carry this kind thing put for house must be hell! FYI!, Not everyone is as evil minded as you, so please kindly do not judge by your gutter standards! Glad this is the net, and I don't actually have to be saddled with you. Pity the mother that failed to raise you right. Shior. 7 Likes |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 8:37pm On Jul 02, 2010 |
@ Everyone asking me to email them, I really would rather try to answer questions on here, so that others may get answers as well, but you may email me: medlabgirl@live.com If your question is something that will benefit others, I will also address it on the forum. hercules07: Quite good Hercules, like I said earlier, you may need to Up yourself to Canadian Standards if you are from outside North America. Where do you plan to go? symbian03: Merci mikkyangel:True things change quite a bit in the immigration systems of most developed countries as greater and greater number of people seek to come in, which is why I always advocate striking while the iron is hot. @Opad, no like someone already said, there are no tuition free Universities in Canada. You sound young enough to get in through school. For most people, the finances of the whole venture is the main barrier. All things are possible, so keep working on it, and doing research, there are many ways to skin a cat. Jeez thats two idiomatic statements in one post, I am becoming my father. 2 Likes |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 12:47am On Jul 02, 2010 |
^^^^^ Ah good, you seem to be well on your way. Your family friend in Calgary will be a great source of information. If your sister's address is a fixed one, then by all means, use it. Your application for a Permanent Resident Card should be in the package you got when you "Landed" at the Airport. There is no "Demeaning" Job. You came from Paris? If you speak french, you might want to consider a job as a CSR Customer Service Rep with any of the phone companies. Even if you plan to buy a house, you should start out by renting for at least three months, and make sure you have home owners insurance so that you have that history when you're buying your place. Good luck with everything. 1 Like 3 Shares |
| Travel / Re: COMING TO CANADA??? Choose British Columbia by Medlabgirl: 11:09pm On Jul 01, 2010 |
^^^^ Welcome to Canada, and Happy Canada day. BMO is a good choice for a bank, because the offer the AirMiles Mastercard Credit Card, which can be very useful. Two things you must keep in mind: A) The money you brought must be considered as a fall back, and not a source of income at all at all!!! B) Your Credit Rating is the most important thing in Canada, followed closely by your good name. Which means once you get settled, all your bills must be paid on time, and when you get a credit card, treat it like cash. Now I have to ask if you are here by yourself or with the family? Do you want to be around Nigerians or not? If you want to be around Nigerians, then the first thing is to look for a church in the yellow pages, just ask at the hotel lobby for one. Most of the churches will have the pastors name in the advertisement. Or just google the nearest RCCG to you, and there you will find of course Nigerians. I would go to the pastor if I were you, since you don't know who is in church. If you are planning to go straight to Calgary, then you might decide to carry out these suggestions in Calgary. Now, keep your docs as close to your person as possible. Wherever you are moving to, your first thought must be where am I going to stay? If you are by yourself, you may want to first rent a basement Suite or an apartment, think one bedroom. Your best source for rentals is craigslist, or kijiji. Again google is your friend. Google craigslist plus the name of the city where you plan to stay. Rent is from month to month, and you only need to pay a damage deposit, which is usually half month rent, plus the current month rent. If you haven't yet decided where you are going, I would look for a furnished apartment, where you can stay for about 2-3 weeks, and then go from there. The kitchen is usually included in these, so that you save on the hotel and hotel food bills. Now until you have a fixed address, it will be hard to apply for your Permanent Resident Card, your SIN card, and even temporary health insurance, because those have to be sent somewhere, and you dont have that yet. YOUR FIRST THING TO DO is decide, where should I move to. If you aremoving to Calgary right away, then look for a furnished rental and stay there for two weeks or so till you find your own place. Regarding the cell phone, same kind of applies. As you haven't a fixed address yet, you might have to geta pay as you go which are damned expensive. Fido is quite good. I have Rogers myself, not that its better than Fido. I would stay away from Telus. Just FYI, all landlines are unlimited calling to local phones, so calling for 2 mins is same cost as calling for 99mins. NEVER make a long distance call from a landline. Go to any African or Indian store, and buy a calling card. THe instructions are on the back of the card. I don't know that BC is good for your particular profession, there are some jobs on www.jobbank.gc.ca just check BC to see if it is. In the meantime you have to think about getting a starting job, just to get Canadian work on your resume you can probably plan to stay there for a max of 6 months; also think about volunteering once a week in a position in your field so that you see how things are done there. I can't offer any more tips until you decide where to move to, so as to be more specific. Hope the above helps I really kind of want this to be about British Columbia, but since you are new, Of Course I will keep answering your questions. 10 Likes 1 Share |
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