MONTREALERS help please!!?

Question

hi,

i am planning on moving to Montreal after i graduate next year from manitoba. i will have a Bsc in Microbiology. i have no connection to anyone living there so im a bit scared of my decision of moving out alone. i am learning some french these days but am not really good at it.

do any of you think i will be able to get a job in a professional field (like a microbiology lab) shortly after i move there even if i dont know much french?

ill am also on a very strict budget so CANT afford to visit there before i make the move permanently. i really wish i could just visit and see if ill like it but i really need to save money for the big move (plus ive heard tons of good things abt montreal!!) does this seem like a stupid thing to do?

also, what areas of the city are good for a newcomer to find a cheap apartment with access to public transportation?

thanks in advance everyone

Answer 1

I admit, I don't really know that much about your specific field, but I know that you can get by with living in Montreal even if you don't speak much French... you might have some trouble with signs and announcements in the metro, but as for work, I'm sure you'd be fine with just English.

You do lose some edge for getting a job if you aren't biligual though... you might have a bit of competition when you apply.

So, if you do get a job and end up living in Montreal, it might be a good idea and take some time to learn more French, at least to a level where you can have daily conversations.

Answer 2

If you are just graduating and your French is limited, I would suggest you look at another city.  Are there no research labs in Manitoba where you could work until you bring your French up to speed?

Answer 3

I am a tad confused? Why would you pick a city before you had lined up a good prospective job? Or before you have made  name for yourself in your field (sometimes this will get you places on it's own)? especially before you could speak the languages normally required? And very especially if you are working on a strict budget? What are you going to do if you go to the expense of moving, signing a lease etc. if you do not get a job in your field?  Seems to me that you are putting the cart before the horse.

If you are going to go this way, well best to stick to places in the west end of the island and/or city where English only is not usually a problem.