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Transitioning Back to Canada

Pam Holtz

Updated: Mar 23, 2022

This summer, many of us will end our OUTCAN experience and make the move back to Canada. Many would think that moving “home” is easy, definitely easier than going OUTCAN, right? But returning to Canada comes with struggles and stresses. Knowing ahead of time what the possible friction points will be can help with this transition. What does home mean? We all have a different definition of home. But ultimately it’s where we feel comfortable, relaxed and we can trust our instincts. When most of us think of as “home,” it comes down to three things – familiar places, familiar people and familiar routines. A big move disrupts all of those and it takes time until the places, people and routines around us feel familiar.

What can you do to minimize the stress of returning home?

  • Orchestrate a smooth departure. Say your goodbyes, check off the last few things on your bucket list. Plan. Make lists!

  • Think about re-entry while you’re still here. What are your expectations? How do you think it’s going to go? Are you the same person you were when you moved here?

  • Expect a period of readjustment! You expected moving to Europe would be hard (and it probably was). Moving back to Canada will be hard too. It’s normal to find a big move like this difficult – relax, it’s not you!

  • Give yourself time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and your family.

  • Remind yourself – you’ve been through big changes before. You have the skills to manage this!

While you’re organizing and preparing for your HHT, working on your inventory, and trying to figure out what school the kids will go to, don’t forget to take time to prepare for the “reverse culture shock” of moving back to Canada. Many returning Canadians don’t expect re-entry to be difficult. Forewarned is forearmed – it won’t eliminate the stress, but being prepared for it will help you manage it. Some resources: “The Art of Coming Home,” by Craig Storti. A helpful book about the challenges of the re-entry process. Available in the MFS Centres, or you can buy on Kindle.

“Transitioning Back to Canada” virtual session recording. If you missed this session, it was recorded in both French and English. EN - https://youtu.be/G8PPCdwVkEs FR - https://youtu.be/Oe8PgVv8EUE

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