Philip in Halifax

Published on 06 August 2014

Five years ago, Philip was offered a position in Canada. He seized the opportunity and left Malaysia, his home country, with his wife to settle in Halifax, Nova Scotia where they now live and enjoy their expat experience...

Why did you decide to move to Halifax?

The intend to move to Canada already existed in me for quite a while. The idea of anywhere else but back home was pretty strong. But never in my life did I image that Halifax would be the place. It was an opportunity that led my wife and I here and we grabbed it as soon as it appeared.

How was the moving process?

It was though at first as we had to adapt to the four seasons but after that, things were fine as we slowly got accustomed to our surroundings.

What are the formalities you had to undergo in order to be able to live in Canada?

I had the fortune to connect with a local company that was willing to hire me and aid in converting to the status to a legal work permit visa. I am currently nominated by the province to be a PR through the provincial nominee program.

How did you find a job in Halifax? Any advice for the other members?

I was fortunate to have been working as a researcher in my field in a government funded project with Dalhousie University. When the grant was about to finish, I attended a networking event organized by the Greater Halifax initiative which is a not-for-profit organization funded by the government of Nova Scotia. That event allowed me to connect to my current employer who found that my skillsets matched the position that they had available at that point of time. My advice to others is - nothing beats having that golden touch of meeting people face to face for finding a job. Know that most vacancies are not advertised online or in any form of media and this is what is called then hidden job market. Also make sure that you have a good command of English as that is key to landing a job here.

Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country (language, culture, do's and don'ts)?

Culturally there were some differences. Being from Malaysia, we were more accustomed to the British way of things as Malaysia was a former British colony and lots of Malaysians themselves prefer to immigrate to UK or Australia. Canada on the other hand, despite being a former British dominion, is culturally more similar to the US due to its geography. So there were some language differences in terms of what was norm, some phrases and cultural nuances do exist. Then there's having driver seat on the left hand side. But for the most part, all these were minimal and hardly made a big difference.

What surprised you the most in Halifax?

One word: Conservatism. Eastern Canada has traditionally been more conservative in thinking. You would think being in the western world it would be a little bit more progressive. Furthermore, things like doctor's appointment having to be booked in advance and also going to the bank to meet an advisor. All these were a bit of a surprise too.

Is it easy to meet new people in Halifax?

There are many meet up groups and network circles available. It's just matter of finding the right group that one fits in. For the most part, people are friendly and do greet you, even strangers when you go walking in the Park or along the broad walk. This may not be the case according to folks I talk with about places like Toronto or Vancouver. Getting personal on the other hand can be a different matter. However my office co-workers are pretty open and an awesome bunch to work with.

Could you please share with us something you like about Halifax and something you don't like?

I like the peacefulness. The fact that it isn't too big and at the same time not too small: just the right size. There's something to do if you just look around. I love the beauty that surrounds this place - its rugged terrain and wild coastal areas are some of the many stunning outdoor views you can enjoy for free here.
What I don't like is the fact that it's a little too far from the US border. It would have been nicer that it's just an hour (or 2 at most) drive away to the States so that we could easily make day trips there too.

A common belief about Canada which wasn't right:

Well people tend to associate Canada to the major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary. Canada is so large and diverse. There are many other mid-sized cities that may offer a good alternative for those interested to coming over here to settle down. Also the belief that Canadians are more laid back than Americans. Although true in a very general sense, that may not be the case. Overall, it all depends on the individuals you meet.

What do you miss the most from Malaysia, your home country?

Family and friends. As Malaysia is exactly at the opposite side of the earth, that means travel-ling takes a 20-28 hours flight on average which is frighteningly long. That's one reason why I don't travel back as often as I would like to.

What does your typical day as an expat in Halifax look like?

Nova Scotia is a lovely province. Unlike other cities, Halifax is just about the right size - not too big and not too small either. There's always something to do but at the same time, you don't get the congestion and hurried pace of life that you would have to endure if you live in the likes of Toronto.
I live in the South End of Halifax. Everything is close by and within walking distance if not a 5 minute drives. For me, after office hours, I'll be back home by 5 pm and cooking up a meal. By 7 pm, its a stroll down by the water front which is just 5 minutes drive from home. Parking is easy to come by in downtown and free. If I had enough of waterfront, then I'll head to Point Pleasant Park which is at the tip of Halifax Peninsular.
Over the weekends I tend to my community garden plot which I plant organic vegetables. The harvest I get from it helps supplement our meal. Life is peaceful here in Hali. There's excitement too. During the summer, many festivals will take place here in the downtown area. Take for example, Jazz Festival, Buskers Festival or even the Tall Ship. There is never a dull moment. If that doesn't do the trick, driving to the next province is just about 4 hours away.
The craziest thing I've done with my family thus far was a road trip round about Atlantic Canada, down to New England states in USA and then back up to Niagara and Ontario, enroute to Montreal and Quebec and finally back to Atlantic provinces. The one that I would love to do is to drive from East Coast and all the way to the West.

Any local habit you adopted since living in Halifax or any local tradition you would like to share with us?

I suppose I learn to check the weather forecast before I go out. That's a habit that most people here do as well - which is rather important as that would kind of give you an idea of what to expect when you step outside. Also you want to be prepared by dressing up right.
A local tradition here would be predicting early Spring based on a ground hog named Shubenacadie Sam. Every year on the 2nd of February, people will attend the prediction ceremony where they'll observe the reaction of the ground hog to see if an early spring will arrive or not. It' not something I follow but I find rather amusing. I suppose it is a tradition that makes it fun for people watch and observe.