One of the first places many Vietnamese newcomers connect with is Moncton Cares For Free Airport Pickup, Community Connection and to attend Newcomer Social Program — a volunteer-driven community organization built on human warmth.
Their mission reflects another Vietnamese value: “Lá lành đùm lá rách” — the healthy leaf protects the torn leaf — meaning communities support one another in difficult times.
From airport pickups to furniture assistance, they ensure no newcomer begins their journey alone.
After long flights and emotional goodbyes, being welcomed by a volunteer often brings the comforting phrase many Vietnamese share: “Đỡ lo rồi!” — I feel relieved now.
Programs like Dress Up provide winter jackets and interview attire — essential when facing New Brunswick winters for the first time. Many newcomers joke about their first snowfall saying, “Lạnh quá trời!” — It’s freezing!
Furniture and food support programs help families turn empty apartments into homes — spaces where the smell of home cooking returns, and life begins to feel settled.
Government Registration & Essential Services
Administrative steps follow soon after arrival.
At Service New Brunswick, newcomers apply for Medicare, driver’s licenses, and photo IDs.
These early steps often feel overwhelming, but as Vietnamese elders say:
“Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim.”
With perseverance, iron becomes a needle.
Patience and persistence make the process smoother.
Employment & Building a Career
Employment is one of the biggest milestones in settlement.
WorkingNB supports newcomers with resume training, interview preparation, and funded skills programs.
Many Vietnamese newcomers begin in restaurants, nail salons, caregiving, warehouses, or retail — gradually building Canadian experience.
It’s common to hear encouragement like:
“Cố lên!” — Keep going / You’ve got this!
And when someone lands their first job, friends celebrate with:
“Chúc mừng nha!” — Congratulations!
Job search platforms include Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn, Workopolis, and Monster.
School Enrollment for Vietnamese Families
For parents, enrolling children in school is deeply emotional — a sign that the family is truly beginning a new chapter.
English schooling is managed by Anglophone East School District, while French education is available through Francophone Sud School District.
Some families choose English for faster adjustment, while others choose French to build bilingual futures — often saying:
“Biết thêm một ngôn ngữ, mở thêm một cánh cửa.”
Knowing another language opens another door.
Schools provide ESL support, settlement workers, and integration programs — helping children feel confident and included.
Libraries: Learning & Connection
Libraries become quiet heroes in many newcomer journeys.
Moncton Public Library, along with Dieppe Public Library and Riverview Public Library, offer language circles, computer access, and children’s programs.
Many newcomers spend evenings here studying English — often laughing about pronunciation struggles and saying:
“Khó mà vui!” — Hard but fun.
Recreation & Family Life
Outdoor living is part of life in Greater Moncton.
At Centennial Park, families walk, skate, and picnic — embracing seasons that once felt unfamiliar.
Centennial Park
Families walk, skate, picnic, and embrace the changing seasons.
Nearby facilities like Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre and Riverview Recreation Complex offer sports and wellness programs.
Children adapt quickly — often faster than parents — leading families to smile and say:
“Trẻ con hòa nhập nhanh thật!” — Kids integrate so fast!
Vietnamese Community Connections
Cultural belonging is essential.
Vietnamese residents connect through Facebook groups and associations — sharing jobs, housing, and celebrations like Tết.
When gathering, you’ll often hear friendly greetings like:
“Ăn cơm chưa?” — literally Have you eaten yet? — but culturally meaning How are you? / I care about you.
These simple phrases rebuild familiarity and warmth far from home.
Vietnamese Food & Grocery Comforts
Red Satay Grill
Saigon Thai
Grocery essentials are available at:
- Mama Supermarket
- Kim’s Mart Asian Grocery
International aisles at Walmart Supercentre and Atlantic Superstore also stock noodles, sauces, and rice.
Many newcomers say their first bowl of pho in Moncton made them feel:
“Đúng vị quê nhà.” — Just like the taste of home.
Final Reflections
Settlement is not just about paperwork — it’s about identity, belonging, and resilience.
As another Vietnamese proverb beautifully captures:
“Quê hương là nơi trái tim ở lại.”
Home is where the heart stays.
For Vietnamese immigrants in Moncton, that heart slowly expands — embracing both heritage and new beginnings.
With community support, public services, cultural networks, and familiar food, newcomers don’t just settle — they build a life that feels whole.
