In March 2010, Michelle Lupien decided to make the move from Vancouver, British Columbia to Quebec City. Prior to her move, Michelle did some research in order to better prepare herself for the big change and while doing so she discovered an English community. After spending some time reviewing the services available to her she became confident with her decision to move to Quebec. Knowing that she would have a support system in place and community available to her with a number of resources made her feel prepared to make the move.

Michelle decided to move to Quebec to be closer to her boyfriend and she also had the strong desire to immerse herself in the French language and Quebec culture. From the first moment she visited Quebec, she fell in love with the city and all it had to offer.

During her first week in Quebec City, Michelle decided to go to a Newcomers’ event with the Voice of English-speaking Québec.  At this event, she was able to connect with other newcomers and realized that she was not the only one going through a transition into a French environment. At the event, Michelle discovered more services available such as the FORT Program and the services offered at Eastern Quebec Learning Centre. The following day, Michelle went to FORT to have her resume translated and she was so appreciative of the support that she received from the staff there.

Prior to her arrival to Quebec, Michelle assumed that she would be able to work in her field as a Legal Assistant. She quickly realized that she was going to need to learn French in order to resume her career. In order to make this happen, Michelle enrolled in the Francisation program at Centre Louis Jolliet and started learning French.

Adjusting to life in Quebec was more challenging than Michelle assumed but with a determined attitude she began volunteering with the Quebec City Reading Council and enrolled in VEQ’s Twinning Program.  Michelle was twinned with a Francophone from Quebec International and through this program she was asked to travel to New York and Washington DC to promote life in Quebec to job seekers who were interested in living and working here.

Michelle was able to find full time employment using VEQ’s job bank as a Technical Support Agent and is enjoying her new job. Recently, she was also able to re-launch her home based business, where she is a consultant for Passion Parties. This has allowed Michelle to continue to socialize with others while promoting products that she believes in.

After 15 months in Quebec, and with love and determination on her side, she is now happy to call Quebec City her new home. Michelle would like to encourage anyone who is making the transition to Quebec to feel free to speak to her and lean on her if they need the support.