It is well known that one of the keys to a quick integration in a new environment is to get involved. Great news! There is no shortage of opportunities.
But if you prefer to be accompanied first, a twinning project is there for you to make connections.
Networking between a volunteer guide and an immigrant newly arrived on the territory in order to promote the reception and the socio-professional integration of newcomers on the territory of Amos-Harricana. Contact the Mouvement de la relève d'Amos-région (MRAR) to know more.
After having fled the war twice in Syria, we decided to take refuge in Lebanon. Life was not easy; work was not very accessible, and it was very expensive to live there. One day, a cousin of mine, Father Fadi Atallah, called us from Ottawa to tell us that he had found sponsors for us to come live in Quebec. We landed in Montreal on May 18, 2018. From then on, a couple was waiting for us to take the plane with us to Abitibi. When we arrived in Amos, 5 families welcomed us and had prepared everything: house, clothes, toys, etc. It was difficult to leave our family in Syria, but we realized at that moment that we already had a new family here. Every day someone would ask us if we needed anything. We quickly learned French to facilitate our integration into the job market. Obviously, the culture is not the same here, but we have adapted. I was incredibly surprised to find a job only 1 month after our arrival while speaking very little French. The first year was difficult for Taline because she was at home with the children. Once she was employed, things were much easier. The welcome, the warmth of the people and the fact that we had a contact person made our integration here much easier. Also, the kids love school and the snow! When you realize that the kids are happy, that you have a good job, friends, you think, okay, we’re happy here.
After spending more than 10 years in the engineering field where I spent my days behind a computer, I wanted to find a job related to my desire to be autonomous, closer to nature and to have a less stressful life. My spouse and I chose Abitibi because it allowed us to join our 2 sectors of activity (geology and forestry). We took the risk of going to a region that was certainly more isolated but with advantages that could suit us (forest, lake, calm, etc.) And I can tell you that when we arrived in Abitibi, we were not disappointed! We have found this lifestyle here in addition to people who take the time to know you. Everyone told us that winter was difficult; yes, there is snow but all the winter activities available allow you to enjoy this period. So here we are, I’ve been in Abitibi for almost 2 years now, I have a job where I spend most of my time in nature, a life that is less stressful than the one I had in Montreal, a house on the shore of a lake… In short, it’s a win-win for us!
