You may be involved in an organized HOST Program, or an employer who is about to offer a job to a newly arrived Chilean. You may be a teacher or a student who wants to learn more about new members of your class. This booklet will give you a glimpse of the culture and life experiences of your newly arrived friends. M ost Chileans in Canada today have come in the last 30 years. Many came to Canada in search of political stability or better economic opportunities.
M oving to a new country is difficult and takes time.
New immigrants may have to go through a formal process to have their degrees or professional qualifications recognized. They may not be able to find jobs in the areas for which they are trained, or they may be required to take further schooling or certification in Canada before pursuing their careers. T his is a period of transition for new immigrants. They will have many questions and concerns, such as how to find a job, where to live, what schools their children will attend, how the Canadian health care system works, and what their new community will be like. G aining some insight into the life experiences of your friends will help you anticipate some of their immediate concerns as new immigrants to Canada.