How immigration influenced my physical and mental health | English Canada #9
In this episode, I share my personal journey of immigrating to Canada and the impact it had on my health. As an ESL instructor, I faced financial pressure and long work hours, leading to severe health issues. I discuss the emotional toll of immigration, including feelings of loss and the pressure to succeed. I emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and seeking help, sharing how therapy and acupuncture helped me. This episode is a reminder to prioritize mental wellness and seek support early, especially for immigrants in demanding professions.
Description
In this heartfelt episode, I delve into my personal journey of immigrating to Canada and the profound impact it had on my physical and mental health. As an ESL instructor, I faced immense financial pressure, working long hours across multiple language schools to qualify for the Canadian experience class immigration pathway. The relentless schedule took a toll on my health, leading to severe sciatica pain.
I share how a friend's encouragement led me to seek medical help, eventually finding relief through acupuncture and therapy. I open up about the emotional challenges of immigration, including feelings of loss and the pressure to succeed, especially amidst the ongoing war in my home country, Ukraine. I emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and seeking help, whether through therapy or other resources.
This episode is for anyone navigating the immigrant experience, particularly those in demanding professions. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire you to prioritize your mental wellness and seek support early on, avoiding the stigma surrounding mental health. Remember, self-care is essential for personal growth and healing.
Chapters
Topics
How I learned French for Canadian Immigration | English Canada #8
Join me as I share my personal journey of learning French for Canadian immigration. I discuss the importance of French proficiency, my initial struggles, and how achieving a B1 level helped me transition to B2. I emphasize the career benefits of French, especially in government roles, and recount my experience with an immigration lawyer that motivated me to start learning. Despite achieving PR without French, I realized its long-term benefits and re-engaged with lessons. I highlight the value of consistent practice, recommend resources, and encourage embracing the language-learning journey.
My Experience Taking the IELTS Academic for Study in Canada | English Canada #10
Join me as I share my personal journey of taking the IELTS Academic exam, a crucial step for non-native English speakers aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries like Canada. Despite my extensive English teaching experience, I found the exam challenging, achieving an impressive band score of 8.0. I break down the exam structure, share insights into the listening, reading, writing, and speaking components, and offer practical advice for future test-takers. My reflections serve as a valuable resource for anyone considering the IELTS exam.