S 2 Ep 9 – Canadian Culture | Ryan from China

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What is Canadian culture? In order to fit into your workplace, make new friends, and navigate your new life in Canada, it’s important to understand what values, beliefs, and behaviours make Canadians tick! In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Lu from China. With dozens of his family already living around the globe, Ryan always knew that he too would leave China to experience other cultures. During his 23 years, he has already lived in the USA, Denmark, England, Korea, and most recently, Toronto, Canada after his company agreed to transfer him here. In this episode, we chat about his experience growing up in the most populated country in the world and we share some simple ways to connect with Canadians socially and professionally.

You don’t want to miss:

  • All you need to know about growing up in fast-paced urban China: Lots of queues and extracurricular activities!
  • Why you shouldn’t pay attention to online reviews when looking for authentic food in China…
  • Ryan’s experience going to high school in Pennsylvania, USA, watching ‘Friends’ to learn English, and struggling to understand American inside jokes.
  • The cultural differences he has noticed when living in Denmark, England, Korea, and now Canada.
  • Moving to Toronto in the middle of a pandemic: Ryan’s first impressions of the city and our take on whether or not Canadians are actually as friendly as their stereotype tells us!
  • Canadian culture: Some simple tips for how to connect with Canadians via sports, in the workplace, what jokes to avoid and how to embrace their multiculturalism.

PLUS, Reverse culture shock: Ryan’s experience not quite fitting into Chinese culture anymore after living so long in North America.

Links & Resources:

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