When Richmondite Bella Chen first immigrated to Canada from China in 2015, her biggest challenge was to expand her friend circle and learn more about Canadian culture.
But she didn’t have a chance to do so while languishing on a waiting list for an ESL (English as a Second Language) program.
It wasn’t until an informal English group opened up in her neighbourhood that she had a chance to chat with English-speaking residents and build friendships with them.
Now, Chen has collaborated with a long-time ESL instructor and writer, Kari Karlsbjerg, to launch their new book, Feel at Home in Canada.
“As an immigrant myself, I think we need more bridges between people and cultures, and more innovative and interesting opportunities for immigrants to learn the local language. This book could be a good tool to help readers feel connected to their neighbourhoods and build bridges of understanding,” said Chen, producer of Feel at Home in Canada.
Chen, who previously worked for Fairchild Radio and is now hosting her own Mandarin language family show with her son Luigi, has been covering stories of special interest to immigrants.
She had viewers often come to her to express their yearnings to feel more confident while interacting with locals and be more integrated with Canadian culture, but they feel a bit lost in how to start and where to find resources, according to Chen.
“I had met parents asking why kids don’t go to classes on Pro-D Days or what school parties will look like, and hopefully, this book could answer all their questions,” said Chen.
As an illustrated book with full colour drawings and brief descriptions, Feel At Home in Canada details many aspects of Canadian lifestyle, activities and traditions that locals participate in as their journey through life, from wedding showers, elementary school parties to family picnics at the parks.
“I hope more immigrants can better understand Canada, learn English and the local culture, network with like-minded people and, most importantly, make the most of their new life in Canada,” said Chen.
The new book is scheduled to be published on Nov. 25 and Chen plans to launch offline workshops next year to help readers network with locals and integrate into Canadian culture.
