To leave Canada or not to leave... (home, university)

[lilamx]

I’ve been living in Canada for four years, but only recently have I considered going back to my home country (Mexico), I guess now because I’m not underage and I can make my own decisions, whereas before I was obligated to stay here. It’s an extremely difficult decision to make because I think I’d be losing a lot, including my permanent residence. Well, the main reason I want to move back is because of the weather, I know it’s a stupid reason but it’s really a big deal for me! I just can’t tolerate the cold, no matter how many coats and sweaters I put on, I hate it! I have a very tiny build and am very thin so I’m always freezing, even when it’s 20 degrees C. Also, it’s not like this weather only lasts a month, its cold most months out of the year, the only enjoyable months for me are from June to August. And winter is so depressing, it gets dark like at 5 which makes it even more depressing! Not to mention the 5-10 extra pounds I gain because I stay at home most of the time unless I’m obligated to go out. It’s so different from the lifestyle in Mexico =( BUT…on the OTHER side…I’d be starting university soon and I know a degree from a Canadian university is probably far more valuable than one I can obtain back in Mexico. But I’m not happy here, so what should I do? Everybody tells me to wait a couple of years until I receive my degree, and then do whatever I want, and that the weather is not a big deal…its something that can be tolerated. Sometimes I feel like I’m just being spoiled, but I don’t know. It’s certainly not a caprice, because I’ve been wanting to go back for a while now. But then I hear all those stories about people dying to come to Canada and to have the opportunity of living here, and I start feeling bad =(. I’d just like to hear any points of view, advice, etc...

[Lillietta]

Get your degree and see if you can move to British Columbia where the climate is mild. You have the rest of your life ahead of you so 2 years of cold misery is not so much. Just wait it out. It will pay off in the future, and you will be glad you did.

[amigago]

I would go back to Mexico. Weather IS a big deal

[Lillietta]

Weather is more important than a degree from a reputable college which can make the difference for her whole life? Oh my God.

[cazelais]

I grew up in Southern California and after 30 odd years with cold Canadian winters I still feel slightly appalled by the first frosts. Yet, I love it too. Dressing in layers, down coat, easy boots to get on, choice of Mitts, gloves and hats to comply to the weather makes a huge difference. I make it a point to be well prepared that way. Plus to just get out and walk. You can get your body and mind used to it.

As well, in Southern California it starts getting dark early in the afternoon just the same as here save maybe 1/2 hour difference. In some parts (many parts, actually) it
is worse when it is boiling hot from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every single day for months on end. Plus it gets humid now adding to the misery. It is sunny everyday and the sun
is so glaringly bright you need a hat and the best sunglasses to deal with it. Forget about rain you won't ever see much of it.

That's S. Calli. I gather Mexico may have better weather. For years I always thought
it was better to be in California and now when I go back to visit I can't stand it. All I want to do is to be back in Canada. Winter and all. I think it's important to bundle up and get out no matter what. I don't like walking when there is a lot of snow on the ground but I know if I had the right boots that it would make it easier. I use to have a pair and need to get the right kind again. Wide rubbery type for stability. I walked last night for 1/2 hour and loved it so much I wondered why I was ever feeling put off by Winter at all.

I know there are Winter moments that you think, gads, I hate this. But, really it can be really lovely too.

[slarca]

It's a trade off ! I'm sure that in Mexico there are things that you were not happy with either. Do you really want to give up your chance at an education that could take you anywhere in the world for work? After you get your education you can move back, or to any other sunny warm place for that matter. It's stupid to leave what we can offer here for nicer weather. It will take some time but you will adapt. I won't say adjust because that might never happen but you can adapt. Dress warm. Get yourself a sun lamp - it sounds like you are suffering from SAD. Come on now, why did you come to Canada in the first place? Suck it up and get on with your life.

[lilamx]

You guys are right. A couple of years of cold misery is nothing compared to my whole life. Besides, I'm kind of beginning to like this weather. It's so beautiful to see the snow outside, especially in this season, I think I would much rather spend Christmas in Canada than somewhere warm, because I love the whole Christmas feel and scenery here in Canada, it's just like in a movie! I remember looking out my window the first day it starting snowing this winter, it was so beautiful! I'd much rather spend this season in a place and setting like this than in a beach! What kind of sucks is that it lasts a pretty long time and sometimes temperatures (specially this winter) can get VERY low, but...I'm actually getting used to it. Besides, I'm so happy because I finally passed my driving test and I can get a car soon, and having a car really makes winter a lot easier!!
Thanks for all your opinions, they really help make my choice so much easier.

[Robynator]

The light regime is unfortunately something you can't escape anywhere in Canada - it will always be very dark in the winter and cold.

However, where in Canada are you? If you're tired of snow and cold, you might want to consider studying in Vancouver or Victoria where there is virtually no snow (except for a few days). The spring flowers come out early there (February/March) and there are more opportunities to be outside enjoying yourself. It's something to consider. People that find the winters long and cold in certain parts of Canada come to Vancouver/Victoria to escape it. Perhaps try that before returning to Mexico.

[Othon]

I find the cold in the pacific northwest to be even more brutal because:
1. It lasts the whole year. Eww.
2. There's no beautiful snow (or the holiday spirit that comes with it) to make up for feeling cold.

[Lillietta]

You guys are right. A couple of years of cold.....


WHEW!