In 2019, I boarded a flight from Kerala to Canada with a heart full of dreams and a mind determined to turn life around. Like many international students, I was drawn by the promise of better opportunities, global exposure, and the chance to rewrite my story. Five years later, I look back with gratitude, clarity, and a few bruises that taught me more than books ever could.
1. The First Snow and the First Struggles
I landed in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, with wide eyes and high hopes only to be met by a biting winter I’d never experienced before. It was beautiful, yes, but also brutal. The weather was just the beginning. Finding a job as a student wasn’t easy either. Long hours, physical work, and the constant hustle to balance studies and bills became my everyday reality.
But what kept me going was the circle of friends who stood beside me. I never felt alone in a foreign land because I was always surrounded by people who felt like family.
Later, I moved to Saskatoon, where life slowly found its rhythm.
2. From Retail Floors to Real Lessons
I worked across Walmart, Superstore, Dollar Tree, and Peavey Mart mostly retail jobs that taught me not just customer service but how to adapt. Working with people from diverse cultures taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of mutual respect. I learned how to communicate better, appreciate different perspectives, and even picked up bits of new languages.
No matter where you’re from, kindness always translates.
3. Life Skills I Never Expected to Learn
Canada didn’t just teach me survival it taught me structure. I became more financially disciplined, understood the value of time, and learned to say “no” (still working on that one, to be honest).
Punctuality became a lifestyle. So did meal prepping, budgeting, and planning weekends months ahead. Life in Canada runs on time and slowly, so did I.
4. A Glimpse of Beauty and Bittersweet Goodbyes
Some of my favorite memories are from road trips to Banff and Prince Albert, watching the northern lights, skiing for the first time, or just driving with friends through endless snow-covered highways. I celebrated festivals, watched late-night movies, and experienced the magic of four full seasons.
But friendships here were different. Some people stayed for a while and then disappeared without a reason. I realized that in this fast-moving world, many relationships are temporary. Unless you have something to offer, people may not always stick around. It hurt but it also helped me grow emotionally stronger.
5. The Other Side of the Dream
Canada gave me a lot but it also opened my eyes to realities I didn’t expect. Life is not always easy here. The tax system is high, and the government controls more aspects of your life than you might be used to. Healthcare, though free, can be painfully slow. Unless it’s critical, getting a doctor’s appointment can take weeks or even months. If you’re moving here eat healthy, stay healthy.
Not everyone’s story is a success story. Some struggle for years. But the truth is you can build a life here without needing anyone else. It’s a place of independence and convenience. If you’re someone who doesn’t have much to lose back home, this could be the land where you start fresh.
6. So… Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely but with open eyes and a strong heart.
Come to Canada not just to earn, but to learn. Not just to live, but to grow. Be ready to work hard, face loneliness, and start from zero. But also be ready for sunsets by frozen lakes, kind strangers, life-changing moments, and a new version of yourself.
7. My Next Chapter
As I prepare to return home, I carry with me more than just winter jackets and memories. I carry wisdom, resilience, and perspective. Canada didn’t just change my surroundings it changed me. I make decisions more carefully now. I trust slowly. I’ve learned to let go when needed and hold tight to what truly matters.
This journey gave me more than I could have asked for and I wouldn’t change a thing.
As I move to next phase I am preparing for future to become a Digital marketer, not just any but the best freelance digital marketer in Thrissur. Hope I can build a meaning and change I want to become.