Calgary is recognized as one of the best cities in the world to live in, and it's no accident. The city has a well-developed and comprehensive support system for newcomers, specifically designed to help them overcome culture shock and adapt successfully. Gateway Calgary acts as a personal guide for each newcomer, connecting them with the right programs and services to achieve their goals and build a better life in Canada.
Culture shock is a natural reaction to moving to a new country, characterized by feelings of disorientation when encountering an unfamiliar culture and way of life. In Calgary, there are over 50 organizations that offer services and programs to help newcomers, and staff often speak multiple languages, providing services free of charge or at low cost.
Key support organizations
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
CCIS is the largest organization serving immigrants in Western Canada, with over 40 years of experience. The organization offers innovative programs tailored to unique needs, helping immigrants integrate smoothly and effectively into their new community.
Key services:
- Pre-arrival services with personalized guidance
- Airport pickup by a multilingual team
- Immediate resettlement support for government-assisted refugees
- Employment and housing services
- Family and children's programs
A dynamic team of more than 450 multicultural, multifaith, and multidisciplinary professionals speaks over 70 languages, providing culturally sensitive support.
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
CIWA supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through over 50 programs. The organization serves people from over 140 countries and 135 languages.
Specialized services:
- Individual, couple, and family counseling
- Support groups for men and women
- Referrals to community and clinical resources
- Educational workshops
- Free childcare and support in your native language
Centre for Newcomers
The Centre for Newcomers supports newcomers and the host community in building a diverse and unified community. The centre offers comprehensive services at two locations in Northeast Calgary.
Main programs:
- English language learning
- Job search and career support
- Settlement services
- Youth support
- Preschool services
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)
TIES provides comprehensive support not only in employment and language training, but also in childcare, settlement, mental health, and many other areas. The organization strives to be a leader in research and innovation in program development for newcomers.
Culture Shock Services
Cultural Orientation Programs
Calgary: A New Chapter is a series of innovative and interactive orientation sessions designed to introduce foreign professionals to various relocation topics shortly after their arrival in Canada.
Key program topics:
- The City of Calgary and the local education system
- Finance and banking
- Recreation and volunteer opportunities
- Community services
- Canadian workplace culture
- Employment preparation
Cross-Cultural Adaptation Programs
The Cross-Cultural Adaptation Program provides immigrants with the opportunity to meet new people from other countries and learn new skills related to living in Canada.
Program services:
- Supportive counselling
- Employment and referral services
- Life skills: support groups, computer classes
- Information about rights, responsibilities, and Canadian culture
- Mentoring and opportunities to improve conversational skills
Cultural Brokerage
The Cultural Brokerage Program is the first program of its kind in Canada, serving as an important bridge between Child and Family Services (CFS) and immigrant families. In 10 years, the program has touched the lives of over 7,000 families by providing culturally informed support.
Mental Health Support
Specialized Counseling Services
Support for Immigrants and Refugees with Mental Health and Addiction Issues provides professional, culturally sensitive support in the client's native language.
Programs include:
- Individual, couple, and family counseling
- Support groups for men and women
- Referrals to community and clinical resources
- Educational workshops
Centre for Refugee Resilience
Centre for Refugee Resilience supports immigrants on their journey from trauma to healing. The program focuses on holistic and comprehensive support with an emphasis on culturally sensitive therapy.
Rapid Access Counselling
Rapid Access Counselling through Kindred offers 75-minute counselling sessions, often available within the week. The service operates on an accessible payment model, where clients set the cost of the session that is comfortable for them.
Refugee & Immigrant Counselling in Schools (RICS)
RICS is offered in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) to provide mental health counseling to students in grades 7-12. Located directly in several CBE schools, the program provides timely and easy access to counseling.
Language Support and Instruction
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
LINC is a free program for permanent residents and persons in protection. Several organizations in Calgary offer LINC classes:
YMCA Calgary offers English classes at three locations:
- Saddletowne YMCA
- Shane Homes at Rocky Ridge YMCA
- Shawnessy YMCA
Columbia College offers in-person and online LINC classes with flexible schedules:
- In-person classes: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday
- Online classes: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
CIWA offers specialized language programs for immigrant women with free childcare:
- Part-time: CLB 1-4 levels
- Full-time: CLB 3-4 levels
- Special needs classes with individual support
Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC)
CLARC, through Immigrant Services Calgary, provides free language assessment and referral services. Various tests are available:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
- Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT)
Employment Support
Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC)
CRIEC connects internationally educated professionals with meaningful career opportunities through powerful partnerships. 96% of participants report improved job readiness.
Key programs:
- Mentoring for internationally educated professionals
- Path2Practice for internationally educated nurses
- Program for internationally educated lawyers
- Program for internationally educated accountants
Directions for Immigrants
Directions for Immigrants is a free career services center that helps internationally educated professionals secure professional employment. The center has been focused on helping clients find the right direction since 2004.
Immigrant Bridging Program
The Immigrant Bridging Program offers skilled immigrants competency-based training, work experience, and essential skills. The program establishes close relationships between training providers, employers, and industry.
Support for Specific Groups
Support for Ukrainians
There is specialized support available for Ukrainian evacuees in Calgary:
St. Stephen Protomartyr provides:
- Financial support for newcomers
- Mentoring and social support
- Donation center for household items
- Telegram channel with current job openings and events
Calgary Welcome Centre offers:
- English language training at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
- Life skills courses
- Access to local community resources
New Beginnings: Ukrainian Employment Support (NBUES) - A 16-week program focusing on:
- Interpersonal skills
- Canadian work culture
- Workplace communication
- Job search strategies
Youth support
- Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) provides services to reduce barriers and help individuals access support.
- Refugee & Immigrant Counselling in Schools (RICS) provides mental health counselling for refugee and immigrant students in grades 7-12 directly in schools.
Family support
- Community Action Program for Children helps children under six and their parents access support for well-being and healthy development.
- Healthy Start Calgary offers a free program for pregnant women, parents, and caregivers with infants to meet with a nutritionist and other health professionals.
Stages of culture shock and support
Four stages of culture shock
Experts identify four main stages of culture shock:
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Honeymoon stage: Everything seems exciting, exploring new places and appreciating the diversity of Canada.
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Frustration stage: Feelings of nostalgia or frustration due to differences in culture, language, or customs.
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Adaptation stage: Beginning to adapt, understanding local customs, and feeling more comfortable.
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Acceptance stage: Canada begins to feel like home, embracing the best of both cultures.
Coping strategies
5 ways to overcome culture shock in Canada:
- Learn about Canadian culture before and after arrival
- Participate in community programs and join support groups
- Practice the language through conversation groups and social events
- Build social connections through volunteering and community events
- Take care of your mental health through professional support
Accessibility and Multilingualism
Language Support
Organizations in Calgary offer services in over 170 languages. 311, the city's information service, provides translation services in over 200 languages.
Free services
Most support programs for newcomers in Calgary are free or offered at a low cost. This includes:
- LINC language classes
- Language assessment
- Mental health counseling
- Employment services
- Legal advice
Childcare services
Many programs offer free childcare services during classes and meetings, ensuring accessibility for parents.
Specialized integration programs
Financial literacy programs
TIES offers financial literacy programs to develop money skills and financial knowledge.
Entrepreneurship Programs
CIWA provides support in understanding contract work and starting a new business, helping to build confidence in navigating the contract economy.
Community Programs
Community Initiatives for Immigrant Seniors Program is designed to help immigrant seniors and refugees adapt to life in Canada. The program offers:
- Free life skills classes
- Computer classes
- Fitness programs
- Social activities
Emergency Support
BENCH (Building Equitable Newcomer Crisis Help)
BENCH offers immediate support to anyone experiencing a crisis. Crisis support counselors speak Arabic, Spanish, and Ukrainian, with access to interpreters in other languages.
Distress Centre Calgary
Distress Centre provides 24/7 support by phone, text, and chat. The service is free, confidential, and available in over 170 languages.
Long-term integration and community participation
Cultural Leadership Council
The Cultural Leadership Council oversees the implementation of the Calgary Cultural Plan, which focuses on maximizing the benefits of the city's diversity. The plan promotes inclusivity and celebrates heritage, helping to shape a cultural landscape that reflects the unique identities of all communities.
Volunteer opportunities
Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities to help clients build connections, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the community. Volunteering not only improves skills and networks, but also promotes a sense of belonging.
Impact assessment and feedback
Success statistics
- Gateway Calgary helps connect newcomers with over 95 programs and services
- CRIEC reports that 96% of participants improved their employability
- CCIS has served over 7,000 families through its Cultural Brokerage Program in 10 years
Client feedback
"CCIS is the place every immigrant should strive to get to. Very helpful. Always go above and beyond. Truly the best in the field. They treat each case/client uniquely. I am so grateful for all the help my friends and I have received. We were able to settle in so quickly thanks to CCIS.“
”This organization is a backbone for new immigrants, always ready to help navigate and settle into this new society. I really appreciate their work."
Conclusions
Calgary offers one of the most comprehensive support systems for newcomers in North America. Through a network of over 50 organizations, the city provides culturally sensitive, multilingual support that covers all aspects of adaptation, from overcoming culture shock to long-term integration.
Key strengths of Calgary's support system:
- Comprehensive approach: From airport arrival to long-term integration
- Cultural sensitivity: Services in over 170 languages and culturally informed programs
- Accessibility: Most services are free or low-cost
- Specialization: Programs for specific groups (women, youth, seniors, professionals)
- Coordination: Gateway Calgary acts as a central hub for referrals
- Innovation: First-in-Canada programs such as the Cultural Brokerage Program
Support for overcoming culture shock in Calgary is not limited to initial adaptation. It is a long-term process that includes language development, professional integration, social networking, and developing a sense of belonging to Canadian society. Thanks to this comprehensive support system, newcomers to Calgary have a much better chance of not only overcoming culture shock but also thriving in their new home.