Consider how difficult it may be to deal with significant life changes and then factor in the following:

• A change in geography or climate

If the learner is coming from a warmer climate, it may be difficult to become accustomed to an environment where, for many months each year, one has limited time outdoors.

Changes in humidity can also be tough. When I moved from a dry climate (in Saskatchewan) to a humid climate (in Asia), my energy level suffered. I wasn't used to living in such a warm place with high humidity. I was always tired because I was too hot to sleep comfortably. The heat affected my appetite, which made me seem really lethargic.

"An immigrant leaves his homeland because the grass is greener; a refugee leaves because the grass is burning under his feet." _{(source unknown)}

"Refugee students often have emotional ties to their homeland and continue to nurture the hope of returning there, only allowing themselves to be marginally involved with their new home."¹²

• A change from a rural to urban setting or vice versa

Learners coming from rural centres and smaller, more intimate communities may find the impersonal nature of the city difficult to tolerate.

• A change in economic situation

Learners may have left high-ranking, well-paying jobs to come to Canada. Sometimes, it is difficult to have educational qualifications recognized in Canada. Even when qualifications are recognized, finding a new job may be exceptionally challenging. Learners may be forced to take on jobs that they are overqualified to do. This change in status not only affects their economic well-being, but can affect the learners' self-concept as well.

• A change in culture

In the chapter on culture, we will discuss culture shock and associated issues.

• Reasons for coming to Canada

A common belief is that newcomers have chosen to come to Canada. While for many newcomers this is true, there are some people who have left their former homes out of necessity, not desire.

¹² Barbara Law and Mary Eckes , The More- Than-Just- Surviving Handbook :ESL for Every Classroom Teacher. (Winnipeg, Manitoba: Portage & Main Press, 2000), p. 64. Copyright © 2000 by Barbara Law and Mark Eckes. Used by permission of Portage & Main Press.