Why did I choose Montréal?
Let me tell you a brief story about how I ended up living in Montréal.
I am from Bogota (Colombia) and I have always been very curious about the possibilities in the world. There were too many countries I wanted to visit (and still are). Not only for travelling, but also because I found it very interesting to start a life from scratch in another country where everything is new to me: new language, new friends, new adventures…
I had many possibilities; well, in fact I had 4 options in total. Australia, England, France and Canada. I couldn’t take a reasonable decision based on pictures and stories, so I went to see those places by myself to decide where I wanted to go (except for Australia, it was too far for me, which made it easier to take my decision.)
The idea was to find a place to do my master’s degree, somewhere exciting to feel fulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, I loved France and I love England; but when I put a step into Montréal, it took me a second to realize what I wanted. But… why?
Some of my primary reasons
One of my main goals was to study and live in a vibrant multicultural city; however, I wanted also to feel secure, I wanted to live in a place where I can find everything the world offers without feeling extremely little or intimidated.
Montréal gave me the feeling I was home very quickly, I felt like a local so fast I never experienced that before. It has been 8 years now that I live here and still feel like I am a local with a touch of tourist sometimes. It is a fun feeling.
I wanted to do my studies and Montréal gave me all of the possibilities. Great high quality education, top worldwide universities and the possibility of making this my home. Canada was the only country of the above that facilitated the option of a residency for me, so I took that chance, which made me feel I was not alone.
One particular reason for me to decide to stay here was the language dynamism of the city. I never lived in a bilingual city (sometimes trilingual, depending on the circumstances). That makes cities like Montréal a bit richer culturally than the others. Not only because I was going to improve my English here; but also I was going to learn French, which I did.
It has been 8 years, now what?
8 years passed so fast I cannot even believe it. Cosmopolitan Montréal is my home now more than ever.
I have had the most exciting experiences of my life thanks to this adventure I started years ago, since the moment I took that plane to come here my life changed. I remember everything like it was yesterday.
Now I have a good job that makes me happy, even if I fly far again, my hometown is always Montréal. I have here the possibilities to keep dreaming and achieving those dreams thanks to a country where I still have never felt alone.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Montréal International.
