Written by Eve Eckford

Diversity in Canada

Have you ever heard the expression that Canada is a mosaic instead of a melting pot? This is a terrific metaphor for the diverse culture that Canada can offer its residents. This so called mosaic means that individual culture can remain and be expressed, while also being free to explore and learn about Canadian culture. In Vancouver, we take pride in having cultural diversity and, in many ways, Vancouver is somewhere that you can go and find a place where you feel at home, even when you are far away from your own.

Here at Coquitlam College, we pride ourselves on our richly diverse student body. At any time you can hear up to 3 different languages being spoken within our hallways. Not only are students exposed to the Canadian culture, but also the culture of their classmates. Sharing stories of home is an incredibly comforting tradition that many of our student partake in. Coquitlam College offers activities such as cultural days, the celebration of Chinese New Year and Holi as some of the events that we encourage students to participate in with one and other. We strongly believe that diversity gives away to a better quality of life through understanding and empathy of others. Continuing to be open minded plays a key role in being receptive to living in such diverse city as Vancouver. Our students constantly surprise us with their eagerness to share and their willingness to reciprocate cultural knowledge.

Coquitlam College is also very proud to offer students the chance to learn about Canada’s own cultural diversity through first nations studies. Learning about the First People and how they helped to shape our beautiful nation is very important to understanding the cultural landscape of Canada. This respect for the land, nature and all of the creature that inhabit it is very important to us. Being able to share with students the history of Canada shows them that there needs to be cultural sensitivity and awareness across all boards.

The quality of life in Canada for new international students can be reflected by how welcoming and diverse Canadians try to be. While it can be difficult for students to come to a new country, one of the comforting aspect to being in such a diverse culture is that many people have been in your position and can understand what you are going through. Whether it be your friends, teachers, or even strangers, almost everyone in Canada knows someone or has experienced first-hand the trials, tribulation and finally the successes of coming to Canada.