Home Settlement Fluent success: For Andrii, learning English is part of building a foundation for success in Canada

Fluent success: For Andrii, learning English is part of building a foundation for success in Canada

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Fluent success: For Andrii, learning English is part of building a foundation for success in Canada

Andrii Balykhin arrived in Canada in 2022 and is thriving in Northern Ontario. He was eager to learn English and continuously improve his skills to build a foundation for success in Canada, so he enrolled in Adapted LINC classes at Collège Boréal. It has helped Andrii not only improve his English skills but also better understand the cultural nuances in Canada for smoother integration. Read more about his experiences and learnings in this article.

  • Name: Andrii Balykhin
  • Country of origin: Ukraine
  • Arrival in Canada: December 2022
  • Currently lives in Timmins, Ontario
  • Occupation: Gymnastics coach

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first arrived in Canada?

The biggest challenge is that there is a huge difference between the culture and the mentality here. You need to know the people here to understand Canadian culture. For example, you need to understand not just that Canadians are welcoming, but why they are welcoming. 

What motivated you to enroll in the Adapted LINC/CLIC Adapté program at Collège Boréal?

Just after I arrived, I went to a multicultural center in Timmins and found out that I could enroll and participate in the Adapted LINC program. It is very valuable for me because it is a free, local program related to Canadian society and Canadian culture. It is exactly what I was looking for. 

How has the program enhanced your confidence in communicating in English or French in social settings as well as in job interviews or at the workplace?

When I came to Canada, I had to take a test that showed our current level of English, and it was at four or five, in terms of Canadian Language Benchmarks, but now, I have around six points for each aspect of my English. 

I was also able to understand some local words that people only use in Canada or the US. I’d never heard of words like ‘appointment’ or ‘schedule’ before coming here. You also pick up words related to your workplace. In that context, we also learned how to fill out a résumé. 

Besides improving your language proficiency, how did the program contribute to your sense of belonging to the local community?

It offers you directions to your life in Canada. If, for example, you have kids, you learn about how to get them into a school, and how schooling is organized. If you’re looking for a job, again, you get useful information on how to create a résumé and cover letter. All of the topics you learn are very practical.

How did your interactions with program facilitators, coaches/mentors, and learnings during the program prepare you for your integration into Canadian society?

One of the things you learn is about the differences in small talk. Here in Canada, when people ask you how you are, you just need to provide them with a short answer, for example. But in Europe, especially in Ukraine, when people ask you that, you have to tell them a story from your life, which can take from five minutes to one hour. 

There are also some topics which you cannot discuss here in Canada, and I really respect this attitude. When I first came here, I didn’t understand why people tried to avoid certain topics such as your health, family, and financial status. In Ukraine, it’s fine when your friends, colleagues, and even your employer come to your house unannounced. Here, it doesn’t work like this, and even if you want to visit your friends, they may not invite you in, because they don’t want to, and have the right to ask you to leave, in case they feel uncomfortable. People here in Canada respect each other, and respect choices. It’s important to respect one’s personal boundaries.

Can you describe a specific moment or lesson that stands out to you as particularly helpful or memorable?

One of the things that remains strongly in my mind is how we were taught to summarize professional details, how to impress people, how to show them our vision, and how to showcase our strengths because here, the culture and mentality of society are a little bit different.

In Europe, it’s not common to tell a potential employer about your strengths, but here, people do show off these attributes in front of each other. We have to accept it. Through these courses, you understand what works, and what rules you need to follow if you want to integrate smoothly into local society.

What insights did you gain about the Canadian workplace, job search or employment in Canada?

Here in Canada, I think you definitely have more rules to follow, because the law is on your side, and you feel safe at work. You know your roles, you know your duties, you can ask a direct question to your employer. You can discuss something with your coworkers, so you do feel equality between people within the company.

What opportunities – professional and/or personal – have come your way as a result of completing the program?

Honestly, not much. I came so far into Northern Ontario because of my job. I first found a job and then I came to Timmins. It’s been a year and a half now. I already had a job when I started my course. 

I think both for this job, and whatever comes in future, I will use some of the useful information I learned from my lessons, and maybe relearn those lessons that are really important. 

Can you share any advice or tips for newcomers considering enrolling in language programs like Adapted LINC/CLIC Adapté to ease their transition and enhance their language skills?

I recommend trying the Adapted LINC program because it is very useful. We only have online classes once a week here in Timmins, but it has still made a big difference. Our homework is also really valuable. You can increase your knowledge of English and build new connections with local people. I strongly suggest people also watch movies and listen to podcasts, because all of this together will help your brain adapt, and help you adjust to a new life.

Looking back on your settlement and integration journey, what are you most proud of achieving, and how do you envision continuing to grow in the future?

It’s not just about one exact thing, rather I try to develop myself in all directions. For example, in my field of work – gymnastics – I try to understand the level of gymnastics and what I can bring to gymnastics culture here. I am still improving my English and my next goal is to learn French because it is also an official language in Canada. Step by step, I am trying to settle here, and that for me is going to be the biggest challenge. 

Can you offer any advice or tips for individuals who are considering immigrating to Ontario? What are some mistakes they must avoid or ways they can navigate the integration process more smoothly?

Like I said before, try to understand Canadian culture… Life in one province can be different from another.  Also, when you move to a different country, you might meet people from your home country but build connections with other communities as well because Canada is a multicultural country and you also have to become multicultural. 

If you live in Ontario and want to know more about English or French language classes offered by Collège Boréal, here’s more information. Spread the word!

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