How to network in Montreal
Building a strong network is crucial for a successful relocation to Montreal. Here are some tips to assist you in connecting with people in the vibrant city of Quebec!
Volunteering in Montreal
Getting involved in volunteering upon your arrival in Montreal comes with several benefits. It not only gets you out and helps you make new connections but also adds value to your resume. Employers appreciate the initiative of gaining initial work experience in Quebec. To find a volunteer opportunity, begin by identifying the skills you can contribute to an organization. Define the sectors that interest you and where you'd like to grow professionally.
There are many volunteer opportunities in Montreal: you could help people in need or assist with arts and cultural events. Many Montreal festivals are recruiting volunteers to help run the festivities. Here are a few sites to consult for volunteer opportunities in Montreal:
- Réseau de l'action bénévole du Québec;
- Je bénévole;
- Volunteer Bureau of Montreal;
- Centraide of Greater Montreal;
- Arrondissements.com – Volunteer opportunities.
Getting closer to fellow Montrealers
Connecting with locals and embracing their way of life is crucial for assimilating into a new city. However, when relocating abroad, challenges abound, and sometimes there's nothing more uplifting than gathering with fellow countrymen to boost your morale and bring a smile to your face. Often, the camaraderie among expatriates from the same country is even stronger than the solidarity found in their country of origin. If you have compatriots seeking employment in Montreal, collaborating in your job search or exchanging helpful tips can be mutually beneficial. Additionally, meeting fellow nationals might open opportunities for job referrals or getting your CV into the right hands.
A great platform for connecting with fellow citizens is the Expat.com forum, and you'll find numerous groups on Facebook as well. Attending events hosted by your embassy, consulate, or organizations like the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Canada is another effective way to network. In Montreal, you can even join sports teams tailored for your compatriots, such as soccer teams, providing both a sense of community and recreational opportunities. Here are some useful links for meeting compatriots in Montreal:
- Soirées PVT Montréal - Facebook Group;
- Pvtistes à Montréal - Facebook Group;
- My Buddy Group (Montreal Meetup) - Facebook Group.
Sports and artistic activities in Montreal
Engaging in a sports or artistic pursuit is an excellent way to expand your network in Montreal. It not only encourages you to step out of your comfort zone but also requires effort to integrate into your new city. If you choose a sport or artistic activity you already enjoy and are familiar with, you'll likely feel more at ease, making it easier to connect with fellow participants. On the flip side, diving into something completely unfamiliar will push you to initiate conversations within the group. In short, there are no rules – anything works!
Luckily, Montreal is a fantastic city with diverse activities and recreational options. The Ville de Montréal website is a valuable resource for information. Additionally, you can explore the Sports Montreal site and refer to this directory of community and recreational centers in Montreal. If you're a student, your university is likely to provide free sports activities and courses across various disciplines.
Keeping an open mind in Montreal
Montrealers are friendly and approachable people. While the waitress at the nearby café might not become your best friend, striking up a conversation as she serves your latte could offer insights into Quebec culture or valuable guidance in your job search. Similarly, be open-minded when locals approach you on the street, in a park, or at a grocery store. You never know where these interactions might lead. During summer, attending musical and cultural events like the Mount Royal Tam-tams on Sundays, Piknic Électronik, or the Francofolies can lead to easygoing conversations with people, generally without any negative intentions.
If you ever feel isolated during your time in Montreal, reach out to organizations that assist newcomers. If you're a woman, consider contacting your local women's center. For students, the Foreign Students Office is also a helpful resource. These organizations are accustomed to supporting individuals who are feeling lonely. You'll find a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Expatriation can sometimes bring about challenging feelings of loneliness, so don't hesitate to seek help and avoid navigating these thoughts on your own.
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