Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, multicultural environment, and vibrant lifestyle. It is home to several ranked universities. Its degrees/diplomas/certificates are recognized all over the world. There are numerous flexible work-study options available in Australia. Post-graduation employment opportunities are also available.
Cities like Perth and Adelaide are widely famous in this regard. Every city has its expertise. Perth is popular for its sunny climate, modern infrastructure, and access to industries like mining and technology. In Adelaide, you get affordable living, cultural diversity, and innovation. Healthcare, education, and arts are the strengths of Adelaide.
There is no doubt that Australia offers an excellent education system. But, when you go to Australia as a foreigner, you have to face many cultural differences. You need to be aware of the cultural differences in order to make your transition smoother.
Here are 8 cultural differences every international student should know about Australia.
1. Communication Style
A major thing you need to think about is the communication. Australians are known for being informal and friendly in their communication, which is different from some countries.
Australians value directness but also value a relaxed approach in conversation. They like to use slang and humor in their conversation. They like friendly interactions mixed with authenticity.
You can do a few things for adapting to Australian culture as an international student. While talking to your Australian classmates and other collegemates, you can understand their communication style. If you live with Australian students in shared student accommodation, you can get a great opportunity to practice these communication styles in a social setting.
2. Australian Slang
There are numerous slangs of the English language, and in Australia, you can find a different type of slang. Some common slang words that are used in Australia are:
- G’day: Hello / Hi
- Arvo: Afternoon (e.g., “See you this arvo!”)
- Mate: Friend (used for anyone, even strangers)
- Brekkie: Breakfast
- Macca’s: McDonald’s
- No worries: It’s okay / No problem / You’re welcome
- How ya goin’?: How are you? / How’s it going?
- Flat out: Extremely busy (e.g., “I’ve been flat out at work.”)
- Heaps: A lot (e.g., “Heaps of fun!”)
- Servo: Gas station or service station
- Thongs: Flip-flops
- Bogan: Someone with unsophisticated behavior (similar to “redneck”)
- Fair dinkum: Genuine or truthful (e.g., “Are you fair dinkum?”)
- Bloke / Sheila: Man / Woman
- Togs: Swimwear
- Chockers: Full or crowded (e.g., “The train was chockers.”)
If you interact with housemates in your accommodation in Perth or any other Australian city, it can help you ease the language barriers.
3. Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a need of everyone. But, it will be a pleasant surprise for you how Australians value their work-life balance. They perfectly balance work, relations, and fun. Similarly, students balance their study, work, and all other aspects required for a balanced life.
This attitude positively affects academic life and social activities. They perform well academically and also enjoy social activities to the fullest. International students can adopt this attitude, helps other students in their assignment which will be beneficial for them. To create a work-life balance, the major thing that you can do is live near campus in a convenient accommodation for students in Perth or any other city. It allows students to enjoy leisure time without lengthy commutes.
4. Outdoor Lifestyle and Nature
Another cultural difference that you can find from your country is that Australians love the outdoors. They are actually passionate about spending time in nature. They like to spend their weekends and other holidays in locations like parks, beaches, and more.
Some popular outdoor recreational areas in Australia are:
- Great Barrier Reef
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Blue Mountains National Park
- Daintree Rainforest
- Kakadu National Park
- Grampians National Park
- Fraser Island (K’gari)
- Great Ocean Road
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Flinders Ranges
- Litchfield National Park
- Rottnest Island
- Wilsons Promontory
- Whitsunday Islands
- Royal National Park
5. Punctuality and Informality
While Australians are laid-back people, still they value punctuality in academic and social settings. In some cases, it can be one of the big cultural differences in Australia for international students. Due to this, Australian students get time for all their activities. They enjoy social activities without disturbing their studies. They have a fixed schedule for studies, which they follow. Similarly, their schedules are fixed for outdoor activities and social engagements also.
Time management plays a vital role in all this. International students who have not yet adapted to time management can learn this from Australian students. If your accommodation is well-connected to your campus, you can manage time efficiently.
6. Multiculturalism and Inclusiveness
Multiculturalism and inclusiveness are other aspects of Australian society, that differentiate it from any other culture. People from around the globe come to Australian cities. Perth alone has people from 200 nationalities. Similarly, you can find people from different nationalities in Adelaide and other Australian cities. This is why international students are welcomed in Australia easily.
You can find students from different countries in your own college or university. Besides, student housing properties in Australia are full of people from different countries and cultures.
We can divide hundreds of cultures in Australia into the following categories.
- Indigenous Australian Cultures (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
- British and Irish Communities
- European Communities (Italian, Greek, Eastern European)
- Asian Communities (Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino)
- Middle Eastern and African Communities
- Pacific Islander Cultures (Fijian, Samoan, New Zealanders)
7. Food and Dining Habits
Australia’s food culture is a reflection of its diverse population, offering a blend of local Australian dishes and global cuisines. This multicultural variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for traditional meals or international flavors. Vegemite, Lamington, Pavlova, etc. are some special foods in Australia.
After coming to Australia, you need to understand the Australian food habits. Many student accommodations in Perth, Adelaide, and other Australian cities have communal kitchens. There, students can cook and share meals with others. It is one of the best ways to understand Australian food habits. You can plan combined meals with your Australian co-residents. Besides, you can go for dining out with your Australian classmates. Some affordable restaurants in Australia are Betty’s Burgers (Perth), Chopsticks Viet Restaurant (Perth), Parwana Afghan Kitchen (Adelaide), Africola (Adelaide), and Guzman y Gomez (multiple cities).
Groceries are required for cooking food in Australia. So, here are some tips for groceries.
Major Supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, and ALDI are popular for groceries.
Specialty Stores: Asian, Indian, and European grocery stores cater to international tastes.
Farmers’ Markets: Great for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies.
Labeling: Look for terms like “free-range,” “organic,” or “Aussie-grown” to align with food preferences.
8. Social Etiquette and Holidays
These are also the cultural differences you find in Australia.
1. Social Etiquette
Greetings: A casual “G’day” or “Hi” with a handshake is common. Australians are informal and prefer first-name terms, even in professional settings.
Punctuality: Being on time is important for social and business meetings.
Queuing: Australians value fairness and expect people to queue (stand in line) patiently.
Respect for Space: Personal space is respected, and physical contact beyond handshakes may be reserved for close friends or family.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and cafes for good service.
Barbecues and BYO: BBQs are popular social gatherings, and it’s courteous to bring drinks or food to share. Some restaurants are BYO (Bring Your Own Alcohol).
Indigenous Respect: Acknowledging Indigenous culture and history is important in Australian society. Showing respect for traditional owners of the land is appreciated.
2. Holidays and Celebrations
Australia Day (January 26): Marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Celebrated with fireworks, parades, and community events.
Anzac Day (April 25): A day of remembrance for soldiers who served in wars, with dawn services and marches.
Christmas (December 25): Celebrated in summer with family meals, BBQs, and trips to the beach.
Queen’s Birthday: A public holiday observed on different dates across states, with parades and awards.
Labour Day / May Day: Celebrates workers’ rights with a public holiday, observed on varying dates by state.
Melbourne Cup Day (November): A famous horse race that stops the nation, celebrated with fashion events and parties.
When you live in student accommodation, you find great opportunities to celebrate and learn about Australian holidays with peers. Some social events are organized in student housing properties. Besides, many of the events are organized in the universities and colleges also.
Conclusion
Living in Australia as a student is a unique experience in itself. Here, you may find numerous cultural differences from your home country. The major cultural differences often found by international students are:
- Communication Style
- Australian Slang
- Work-Life Balance
- Outdoor Lifestyle and Nature
- Punctuality and Informality
- Multiculturalism and Inclusiveness
- Food and Dining Habits
- Social Etiquette and Holidays
A good student accommodation helps a lot in adjusting to the Australian culture. You can immerse yourself in the Australian culture by meeting your Australian peers in your housing property and institute
