Planning for Canada: Newcomers Thrive I wanted to let you know that my presentation has been a join effort between me and Christopher, my colleague from Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, he was not able to come to NACADA. There are many dedicated individuals involved with his project. Christopher Kosteroski (Parkland college) Margarita Natcheva (Red River College)

Agenda Planning for Canada Challenges in advising newcomers through e-mail Share tips on writing an effective email Build a positive advising relationships Adjusting to Canada Questions newcomers ask Emerging needs Unwritten rules of the Canadian workplace Best practices and lessons learned

What is Planning for Canada? The Planning for Canada initiative is funded by the Government of Canada to help prospective immigrants prepare for economic success before arrival in Canada. This is a free pre-arrival service. It is available for all Economic and Family Class applicants, including their spouses and adult dependents.  In 2016, Planning for Canada has assisted 5790 prospective immigrants in more than 70 countries.

What are the benefits of pre-arrival services? Access to up-to-date information and resources Insights into challenges and opportunities you might face in Canada Guidance and personalized action plan to help newcomers consider options and make informed decisions Pre-arrival connections with Canadian partner agencies that will further help prospective immigrants with their transition to Canada Faster and more successful integration into life in Canada Language, education, settlement, and cultural supports

My Action Plan

Occupational Scripts

Challenges Developing a meaningful client-advisor relationship through e-mails Clients feel disconnected, isolated, nervous

Tips for an effective e-mail Advisors should continually monitor the quality of their communications through mentally reviewing a checklist: Did I include a greeting or a warm statement? Did I provide the information that the client requested and anticipate the client’s needs by providing additional information? Did I establish a sense of shared responsibility? Did I invite follow-up communication? Ohrablo, S. (2014). 7 Ways Advisors Can More Effectively Engage Online Students. Website:http://www.academicimpressions.com/news/7-ways-advisors-can-more-effectively-engage-online- students Every email can have a greeting that humanizes you and makes the client feel cared for. “It’s great to hear from you”, “I hope you are doing well” are simple phrases that can make a student feel connected. Provide the client with links to resources but avoid information overload. Help students know exactly who to call and what to ask can help reduce the frustration. Making calls on behalf of clients is another excellent way to show you care and provide them with the information they need.

Proactive engagement for developing positive and effective advising relationships Provide useful, relevant information and offer assistance, but be careful not to overwhelm them. Encourage students to contact you with any questions they may have, you will quickly develop a proactive partnership. Anticipate client needs and provide information that the client did not solicit. Ohrablo, S. (2016). Advising online students: Replicating best practices of face-to-face advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Website: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View-Articles/Advising-Online-Students- Replicating-Best-Practices-of-Face-to-Face-Advising.aspx In our case, we read the MAP and anticipate the needs of the prospective immigrants to Canada.

Adjusting to Canada A highly personal journey A shared social experience

Questions newcomers ask in general General questions about college programs Career exploration Finding work in Canada Credential recognition and processes for crediting previous education Bridging programs Financial support Language Training Settlement support How to meet the admission requirements for Red River College

Emerging needs that need to be addressed Job search and career exploration Gaining Canadian experience (volunteering, seeking lower level jobs, engaging in professional mentoring groups, identifying transferrable skills and experiences) Helping newcomers have a realistic idea of the settlement process Networking in Canada -Informational interviews, joining professional organizations, etc. Workplace integration and developing soft skills Mental health supports-depression, overwhelmed and home-sick. I have a PHD, but I am not finding work I don’t know how to get Canadian experience I am moving to Canada in a month and I want to find work right away. First, go to Manitoba START, Entry program, check on your English levels, etc. I want to work in a bank, what kind of qualifications do I need to have? –information interview

Unwritten rules (expectations) in the Canadian workplace Use an evolving set of career expectations Show a half-full attitude Expand your enabling skills before seeking promotion Ask when you don’t understand Bring up problems and mistakes a.s.a.p. Learn from your mistakes Point out mistakes with softeners Act on the unspoken meeting rules Speak up

Unwritten rules (continued…) 10. Contribute 11. Participate 12. Find the mainstream workplace culture 13. Stay on your organization’s clock 14. Understand power 15. Integrate-don’t isolate 16. Avoid knee-jerk reactions 17. Master English, even once you’re employed 18. Use only English at work

Workplace Integration Workplace integration is the unique experience newcomers have of adapting their language, communication and other cultural behaviors to the norms of their Canadian workplaces, in order to fully contribute their expertise and achieve a meaningful sense of belonging in the Canadian workplace.

Best practices and lessons learned Annual Planning for Canada conference for Focal Point Partners Improving our Welcome Letter Providing ideas to newcomers about important information to consider before leaving their home countries Collaboration with other Focal Point Partners Building networks and partnerships with both pre- and post-arrival service providers

Conclusion: Newcomers don’t have to start from scratch upon arrival Information and resources are in place Confidence increases Stress is reduced Post-arrival services take over

Questions? Ideas?

References: Ohrablo, S. (2014). 7 Ways Advisors Can More Effectively Engage Online Students. Website:http://www.academicimpressions.com/news/7-ways- advisors-can-more-effectively-engage-online-students Ohrablo, S. (2016). Advising online students: Replicating best practices of face-to-face advising. Retrieved from the NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Website: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View- Articles/Advising-Online-Students-Replicating-Best-Practices-of-Face-to- Face-Advising.aspx Holmes, Paul A. Workplace Integration: A Desk Reference for Newcomers to Canada. https://blogs.rrc.ca/diversity/wp- content/uploads/2015/01/workplace-integration.pdf