Comprehensive reference for international students at UBC.
Understanding Canadians
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Canada's population is multicultural and diverse. Because of this, it can be difficult to generalize. However, there are some common values and attitudes in Canada.
Freedom and individuality
Freedom and individuality are very important to Canadians, who are taught as children that they are responsible for their own lives. Canadians generally see themselves as individuals more than as members of a group or even a family.
Being on time
You will make a good impression if you are on time for appointments, meetings, classes, and social engagements. If you cannot keep an appointment or are going to be late, it is expected that you’ll inform those who are expecting you.
Informality
In most cases, Canadians relate to one another informally. It is acceptable for students to ask questions or even disagree with the professor, if they do so respectfully. Students commonly wear casual attire on campus and use slang among friends.
Equality
Generally, Canadians believe that all people are equal and they expect others to behave accordingly.
Greetings and social behaviour
A common Canadian greeting is “Hi, how are you?,” to which people usually answer “Fine, how are you?”
Canadians tend to be polite and apologetic. They say “please” and “thank you” often in social situations. When waiting in line, people line up in an orderly manner and expect others to do the same. When they interrupt or bump into one another, they may say, “Excuse me.”
Privacy
It is polite to ask about someone’s work or academic major, but it is generally considered impolite to ask about someone's age, appearance (e.g., their weight), or status (e.g., how much their car costs).
The belief that people are all unique individuals leads people to believe that they need time and space to themselves.
Political correctness
Many Canadians value political correctness, which means they avoid expressions or actions that could be insulting to others. Canadians believe themselves to be tolerant of different lifestyles and customs.
