“Come and join our Punching The Air While Celebrating On-Cue Expat Group … it’s really fun!”

Been a busy week for people wanting to pick our readers’ brains!

Next up is Ryerson student Lauren who wants your opinion on expat and similar groups. We featured the Toronto Brit Meetup Group a while back, but there must be more out there that Lauren can chat to.

“I’m a journalism student at Ryerson University and for an assignment I am writing about expat and new immigrant meetup/support groups and how they help or hinder newcomers to Canada in integrating into Canadian society. I was wondering if you have been involved in any such groups and if you’d be willing to talk with me about your experience, or if you know other people who have done so and might be helpful.”

Some example questions …

• How did expat groups help you settle in? Do you feel like they helped you join in with wider Canadian society (beyond other expats)?
• Do you feel “just” British, “just” Canadian or both? Why/what makes you feel that way?
• Do you think you’ve become “Canadianized”? Which country do you think you fit in with better now?
• Is your social group now mainly made up of Canadians, other expats (either British or not), or a mix of both? How does that compare to when you first moved here? (if here for longer)
• Do you see yourself staying in Canada, returning to Britain or moving somewhere else long-term?
• If you have lived as an expat in another country, how does your experience there compare with your experience in Canada? What made it easier/harder to establish a life there?

“I would be interested in talking to both recent newcomers, people who have been in Canada for years and everything in between. I would start with a fairly quick (10-15 minute) phone conversation and if people would be willing to meet in person for a more in-depth discussion than is easy to do over the phone, that would be great. If anyone is part of an expat meetup group that has an event/gathering coming up, that I could join in with, I’d love to do that too.

“The assignment is due in mid-April, but I’d like to hear from people as soon as possible, not to rush you!”

So, if you’d like to help Lauren out and tell her about your experiences, please e-mail her at lauren DOT lydia DOT der AT ryerson DOT CA — and thanks in advance!