I moved to Canada, but it wasn't for me. I was cold, isolated, and finding a job was absolutely horrendous.

Malas left Canada for Lebanon in September 2025

Courtesy of Zina Malas

• Desperate to leave Lebanon, Zina Malas relocated to Canada in 2022.
• During her three-year stay, she found it hard to find work, save money, and make new friends.
• After coming up with a business idea, Malas moved back to Lebanon in September 2025.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Zina Malas, 24, who lives in Beirut. The following has been edited for length and clarity.