EPISODE · Sep 21, 2025 · 48 MIN
I Spoke English Perfectly Until I Moved to Canada (Accent Shock)
from Our Immigration Stories - As Told By Canadian Immigrants · host Kristina McPherson
Moving to Canada with "perfect" English? This immigrant's story reveals the hidden accent barriers that no one expects. This International Student thought his English was flawless after years of journalism and TV work in India. Then he arrived in Canada and faced pin-drop silence when he introduced himself to classmates. Three months later, he discovered the shocking truth: no one understood his "thick accent." What You'll Learn:- Why "good English" isn't the same everywhere you go- The psychological impact of accent discrimination in Canadian workplaces- How one immigrant was told he couldn't wear a turban in front of clients- The networking strategy that led to 112 connections and finally landing a job- Why going silent isn't the answer (and what to do instead)This raw conversation covers the real immigrant experience in Canada - from international student struggles to permanent residency battles, workplace discrimination, and the moment everything changed.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:26 - Why Canada Over America? Family Influence & Community04:38 - First Day Shock: Pin Drop Silence in the Classroom09:45 - Job Market Reality: Turban Comments and Workplace Discrimination13:33 - The Breaking Point: Work Permit Expiring During Pandemic26:12 - Survival Mode: Walmart Job and the 3-Hour Commute (Thoughts)27:48 - The Turning Point: PR Approval and Finding Voice Again31:37 - Birth of "My Thick Accent" Podcast37:55 - Networking That Actually Works: The 112 Connection Strategy46:23 - Final Advice: Be Yourself, Don't Lose Your IdentityConnect with Gurasis Singh :—Website: https://www.mythickaccent.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgurasisLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-thick-accentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mythickaccent📌Connect with Kristina:—🔥 Join the Private Temporary Resident Community & Get the Navigating the New Landscape of Canadian Immigration Course:https://www.skool.com/as-told-by-canadian-immigrants-4712/about?ref=36b5a4a80c7c4d1eb25c82f5e234e3c3🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultant:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant📩 Join our free email list to stay connected:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants🔹Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants🔹Blog: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blog🔹Twitter(X): https://x.com/AsImmigrants—Share it with other aspiring Canadian immigrants who might be struggling with the same issues.Legal DisclaimerWe make every effort to ensure quality information is available on this website. The information we share is for general information purposes only and does not, in any way, assess nor confirm an individual’s eligibility for Canadian immigration. Nothing presented on this website, on our YouTube channel, or any other platform we own, is to be used as professional advice or as a substitute for the advice of an immigration lawyer or consultant. Please seek advice from a qualified Canadian immigration Consultant and get appropriate professional advice.Our community does not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information we provide on this website, YouTube or any other platform we own. We assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information.Anything that is said and information appearing on this site reflects an expression of the personal views, experiences, research, and opinions of the individuals speaking and have been prepared for the intended reference by interested individuals and is not intended to create an attorney/consultant-client communication. Kristina is not a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.Support Us:https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadianChannel Disclaimer in About Section:@astoldbycanadianimmigrants
What this episode covers
Moving to Canada with "perfect" English? This immigrant's story reveals the hidden accent barriers that no one expects. This International Student thought his English was flawless after years of journalism and TV work in India. Then he arrived in Canada and faced pin-drop silence when he introduced himself to classmates. Three months later, he discovered the shocking truth: no one understood his "thick accent." What You'll Learn:- Why "good English" isn't the same everywhere you go- The psychological impact of accent discrimination in Canadian workplaces- How one immigrant was told he couldn't wear a turban in front of clients- The networking strategy that led to 112 connections and finally landing a job- Why going silent isn't the answer (and what to do instead)This raw conversation covers the real immigrant experience in Canada - from international student struggles to permanent residency battles, workplace discrimination, and the moment everything changed.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:26 - Why Canada Over America? Family Influence & Community04:38 - First Day Shock: Pin Drop Silence in the Classroom09:45 - Job Market Reality: Turban Comments and Workplace Discrimination13:33 - The Breaking Point: Work Permit Expiring During Pandemic26:12 - Survival Mode: Walmart Job and the 3-Hour Commute (Thoughts)27:48 - The Turning Point: PR Approval and Finding Voice Again31:37 - Birth of "My Thick Accent" Podcast37:55 - Networking That Actually Works: The 112 Connection Strategy46:23 - Final Advice: Be Yourself, Don't Lose Your IdentityConnect with Gurasis Singh :—Website: https://www.mythickaccent.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgurasisLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-thick-accentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mythickaccent📌Connect with Kristina:—🔥 Join the Private Temporary Resident Community & Get the Navigating the New Landscape of Canadian Immigration Course:https://www.skool.com/as-told-by-canadian-immigrants-4712/about?ref=36b5a4a80c7c4d1eb25c82f5e234e3c3🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultant:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant📩 Join our free email list to stay connected:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants🔹Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants🔹Blog: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blog🔹Twitter(X): https://x.com/AsImmigrants—Share it with other aspiring Canadian immigrants who might be struggling with the same issues.Legal DisclaimerWe make every effort to ensure quality information is available on this website. The information we share is for general information purposes only and does not, in any way, assess nor confirm an individual’s eligibility for Canadian immigration. Nothing presented on this website, on our YouTube channel, or any other platform we own, is to be used as professional advice or as a substitute for the advice of an immigration lawyer or consultant. Please seek advice from a qualified Canadian immigration Consultant and get appropriate professional advice.Our community does not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information we provide on this website, YouTube or any other platform we own. We assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information.Anything that is said and information appearing on this site reflects an expression of the personal views, experiences, research, and opinions of the individuals speaking and have been prepared for the intended reference by interested individuals and is not intended to create an attorney/consultant-client communication. Kristina is not a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.Support Us:https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadianChannel Disclaimer in About Section:@astoldbycanadianimmigrants
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I Spoke English Perfectly Until I Moved to Canada (Accent Shock)
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