Canadian Identity

Before departing Canada I was given a test at Newfoundland’s Marine Institute. It’s not a test in the sense that you pass or fail, it’s suppose to gauge your cultural perspective and predict how you might adapt to working in a different culture. The test is called the Intercultural Development Inventory, that’s for anyone interested, however I warn you that it isn’t free. The questions were mostly centred on feelings of personal cultural identity, tolerance of different cultures, and experiences interacting with cultures other than your own.

The selection committee for the International Youth Internship Program did a great job picking open-minded candidates that were eager to gain international experience. As a group we ranked fairly well, we’re likely to find common similarities between our culture and foreign cultures. We’re all human after all and we all share similar emotions, values and needs. The hope is that we go a step or two further on the IDI scale. Learning to accept cultural differences, understanding them and bridging them together are the next levels. When I return to Canada I’ll take the IDI test to see how my personal development has progressed since the start of my internship.

For one thing, answering questions about my cultural identity was very difficult for me before leaving. Strangely, I didn’t feel like I had a strong cultural identity compared to people that belonged to a distinct group like the proud Metis in Manitoba or the strong French culture in Quebec. No, for me I was just a regular Canadian guy that enjoyed nature, socializing with friends, watching movies, playing video games and other general things, nothing too special I thought.

Being away has made me realize how strong my Canadian Identity truly is, It’s the old expression “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”, or in this case until you fly half way across the world. For example as soon as I wake up I instantly check the NHL hockey scores and Canadian news stories. During my spare time I enjoy listening to Canadian radio shows or country music stations. For fashion I love to wear my plaid shirt that feels particularly Canadian to me. It was fun when I had a chance to talk with another Canadian, in Malawi, about curling and our adventures back home. When I had an oven to cook with I made pancakes and other favourite “Canadian” foods.

I pretty much fit in now, no distinctions. 

Those are some of the more apparent aspects of my Canadian identity but it goes much deeper than then the things I wear, watch and eat. It’s more difficult to describe behavioural differences, and their underlying reasons. Trying to view a situation from another person's perspective goes a long way towards understanding. In any case, I like to think that my Identity will also broaden with this experience. Who know, maybe when I'm back in Canada I'll be listening to Malawian radio stations and looking up their news stories.