Are there any courses on adapting to Canadian culture?

Successful integration of newcomers to Canada is impossible without understanding local social norms, values, and informal ways of communicating. That is why the government, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and companies offer special courses and training on adapting to Canadian culture — from basic introductions to everyday life to in-depth programs on intercultural competence. Below are the main types of such courses, their structure, objectives, and benefits for newcomers.

1. Government cultural orientation programs

Settlement Program (IRCC)

The federal Department of Immigration (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC) funds the Settlement Program, whose key objective is to provide newcomers with the information and skills they need to live independently in Canada. The program includes the following areas:

  • Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) Pre-arrival orientation, conducted in the countries of origin, prepares migrants for their new social environment: laws and responsibilities, health care, education and employment systems, advice on finding housing and developing realistic expectations of life in Canada.

  • Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) Support for families with school-aged children: information about educational institutions, interaction with teachers, language skills development.

  • Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) Local coalitions of organizations that coordinate cultural orientation seminars and information meetings in the community.

These programs are free for registered IRCC clients and cover all of Canada.

2. Orientation courses from immigration organizations

Refugee Pathways and Integration Canada Inc. (RefPIC)

RefPIC offers the Canadian Cultural Orientation Program, which is primarily aimed at refugees and vulnerable newcomers. The program starts immediately upon arrival and consists of the following modules:

  • Laws, rights, and responsibilities
  • Access to medical and dental services
  • Orientation to education and the school system
  • Everyday services: transportation, banks, bills, SIM cards
  • Civic engagement: volunteering and voting
  • Intercultural training

Participants receive printed materials, practical exercises, and advice from facilitators, enabling them to master everyday skills and social expectations.

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

Although ISANS works primarily in Nova Scotia, their Orientation Program serves as a model for other provinces: silhouette seminars and distance learning courses covering housing and financial aspects, the “pitfalls” of Canadian bureaucracy, and seasonal tips (e.g., preparing for winter).

3. Local adaptation centers in Calgary

Centre for Newcomers

The Calgary Centre for Newcomers includes a Diversity Training Workshop Series, which provides:

  • Cultural competence workshops: basic rules of politeness, understanding nonverbal cues, avoiding stereotypes.
  • Universal respect and inclusion sessions: working with diverse groups (ethnic, religious, LGBTQ+).
  • Indigenous education: introduction to the history and current situation of Canada's Indigenous peoples.

Training is available for newcomers, social service workers, teachers, and HR professionals.

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) and Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

Both organizations offer intercultural orientation training for newcomers and employers who hire immigrants. For example, CCIS implements the Canada Connects program, which combines one-on-one mentor-newcomer meetings with group training on socio-cultural topics and self-presentation skills.

4. Corporate and professional training

Hire Immigrants Ottawa (HIO)

HIO offers a Cross-Cultural Competency Training Program for HR managers and leadership teams:

  • Fundamentals of Cultural Competency
  • Culturally Competent Interviewing Skills
  • Strategies for Resolving Intercultural Conflicts
  • Effective Adaptation Techniques
  • Performance management and feedback
  • Inclusive work environment
  • Dimension of Inclusiveness

These modules are designed for people who already live in Canada but want to teach their organization and colleagues how to adapt to a multicultural environment.

CultureWaves

International consulting company CultureWaves offers Intercultural Training Canada — courses for business leaders and expats that go beyond “everyday etiquette” to cover the historical and social context, business practices, and cultural values of English- and French-speaking regions.

5. Academic and student programs

Universities and Colleges

Many higher education institutions have their own Orientation to Canadian Culture programs for international students:

  • Carleton University offers “Thriving in a New Culture” workshops with a focus on emotional well-being and cultural shock prevention.
  • Queen’s University, through its ITTP (Internationally Trained Teachers Program), trains teachers of international origin in the specifics of the Canadian classroom.
  • Bow Valley College integrates ESL courses with cultural modules: everyday scenarios, professional case studies, and role-playing games.

Online courses

Platforms such as Coursera and Canada’s Help Centre offer free short courses on Canadian social institutions, language colloquialisms (“Sorry,” “eh?”), and cultural characteristics. Although these courses do not provide professional-level certificates, they are an excellent way to broaden your general understanding of the environment.

6. Learning format and duration

  • Duration: from one-day seminars to courses lasting several months with 1–3 classes per week.
  • Format: in-person (seminar rooms, club spaces), online (Zoom, Moodle), blended.
  • Cost: government and non-governmental programs are free for registered newcomers; corporate training is contract-based; university programs require academic or student fees.

7. Benefits for newcomers

  • Realistic expectations: knowledge of Canadian laws, procedures, and social norms.
  • Faster language development: integration of vocabulary and phrases into everyday communication.
  • Professional adaptation: understanding of work culture, business etiquette standards, and feedback.
  • Psychological support: reduced anxiety through familiarization with a new environment and the creation of a network of contacts.
  • Social connections: meeting mentors, coaches, and like-minded people, which promotes a sense of belonging.

Conclusion

The systematic offering of courses on adapting to Canadian culture — from government orientation programs before arrival and during the first weeks after arrival to specialized training for employers and students — demonstrates Canada's comprehensive approach to integrating newcomers. Participation in such programs significantly speeds up the adaptation process, provides newcomers with the tools they need to function independently in society, and promotes genuine mutual understanding between different cultures.