I will be emigrating to Vancouver, Canada, with my family for a job. I'm wondering what to expect, especially for my wife. She also is a professional, but doesn't have a job and understands little English. I know the move will be difficult for my family. Is there anything we can do to prepare?
In some ways, you're lucky to already have secured a job. But getting a job and a work visa is only the tip of the iceberg. You have many challenges ahead. Your culture will likely have left you unprepared for the differences in attitudes and values that you'll find in your new home. You may discover that your job title and skills have a different meaning there and could result in a loss of status or lack of recognition of your credentials and experience. Moving is a difficult transition for most of us, and adding these challenges makes it even harder. The experience may be traumatic, even if you're excited about your new job. Allow yourself time to grieve for the loss of all that's familiar and valued.
Without a job and English-language skills, your wife's transition may be even more difficult. If possible, she should begin English lessons before making the move. She could take immersion classes to get a working knowledge of the language in three to five weeks. By removing this barrier now, she'll be better prepared to hit the ground running once in Canada. Even so, it will take time to find the right opportunity, but with patience, persistence and hard work, she'll find it.
Some further good news is Canada's progressive efforts to help immigrants. British Columbia has many programs for helping foreign-trained professionals, especially engineers, nurses and teachers. When you arrive, your wife can contact the career-services department of the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) (113-255 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC; 604-984-7630). The nonprofit offers excellent programs that help support families in transition.