UBI - NEWBIE (Pt. 2)
The process of relocating – including visa application and the move itself – was truly remarkable (and I didn't say that lightly).
The level of care, attention, and communication from Ubi Montreal (who managed the recruitment process) was impressive. Given Ubisoft's size and the need to keep talent flowing in, it makes sense I guess that they have a dedicated team of specialists to assist in every aspect. My relocation specialist ensured a smooth process and made the document gathering simple enough - even for the document-averse like myself!
On landing at Montreal's airport and going through the nerve-wracking event of immigration services, it was smooth and friendly, almost efficient, but you can never quite shake the uneasy feeling, wondering if you’d be held up or taken off into a side room for further questioning, even when you had all the necessary paperwork in hand. However, we came out unscathed and swiftly went of search of transport.
Taking a cab (that was an expensive mistake) to our Airbnb (with costs covered as part of the relocation package) to a town district known as Fleurimont. The first snowfall had occurred a few weeks prior, and temperatures were dropping, our accommodation was warm, cozy and eclectic with everything we needed, plus we discovered an outdoor hot tub for the adventurous (this isnt really a UK thing! :))
After the exhausting 18-hour journey, a hot shower and a change of clothes, we stepped out, ‘revitalized’. Taking a cab to the city center (which was quite compact). Relaxing with a tasty meal of mussels and fries at a local restaurant, Cafe Bla-Bla, where the exceptionally helpful server and soul-warming cuisine aided the cushioning of this impactful and dramatic life change.
Furthering our settling-in process, the next day we stopped for lunch at a small establishment named Tapageur and soaked in the ambiance while watching Canada's first World Cup football (soccer) match - now, those that know me know that I'm not a big sports fan, but sometimes, it was worth it just for the experience.
On the third day (no, this wasn't a passage from the Bible), we had the privilege of working with Preference Estrie, a small organization tasked with helping newcomers settle into the eastern townships area.
Our guide, a former detective with excellent local knowledge, made ALL the difference in the process of navigating the city, establishing a bank account, and obtaining a social security number. This assistance was especially valuable given my limited knowledge in French (approximately 0.0001%), and helped smooth the way, settling down any feelings of WTF have we done! (They calmed down eventually and over time)
Having never encountered such a service before, I can only suggest that all companies consider offering something similar to welcome their new international members. The difference it made in terms of adjusting to a new environment was substantial, especially when compared to the typical 'figure it out and good luck' approach.
With all of this ground work done, it made for much smoother sailing and even though I’m a ‘veteran’, I still get first day nerves…
(Next up - First workday, week, month - coming soon)