
When planning to study abroad comes with excitement, exposure, different experiences and sort of new life, it also come up with the struggles and hurdles that international student’s have to face every days, specially for the first few months. Studying abroad does offer a great opportunity to experience life with so many different ways, different people and different behaviors. It is normal to take some time to adjust in new environment and culture.
When we talk about Australia and life in Australia all we can think about, the amazing beaches, whacking food, mesmerizing landscapes, Great Ocean Road Trip or the Sydney Opera House, red deserts and warm weather, also how can we forget the Kangaroos, which you can find everywhere in Australia. However, Obviously! Australia is so much more than that, and it is full of education and career opportunities, which attract international students every year.
Talking about international student’s there is one thing understood “where there are international students there is cultural diversity” and oh well! Australia is hub of international students. Australia is one of those top 3 countries that has countless number of international students from all over the world. Now when you move to another place, full of different people you are likely to notice few differences.
So, Edvise hub decided, today we are going to talk about all those difference, you might experience during your stay in Australia.
Multicultural Society:
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries with people from all over the world, it is very multicultural society. More than a quarter of Australia’s 20m Population was born in one of 200 overseas countries. As a result, you will find wide range of variety of food and culture. There are no hard & fast rules. Australian’s are free to follow any religion they want, you can easily find mosques, churches and temples in almost every city of Australia.
Friendly Casual Attitude (No Formalities)
Well! If you are traveling to Australia for the first time, you will be in state of shock for a while because of super casual and informal attitude of Australians around you, but relax! Things work this way in Australia. I am sure! At first, it will be shocking to see student’s communication with teachers very frankly but eventually you will get use to of it.
While in many of Asian Countries and USA, you are supposed to call your lecturer or supervisor with their Surname, In order to show respect, but in Australia it’s totally fine to call your Professor or Lecturer with their first name (actually it’s a common practice here). Australian culture is quiet friendly so do not need to be extra formal.
Eating Early
If you are used to of having dinner late, then it’s time to change this habit, because in Australia most of the restaurants shut before 9PM. Therefore, if you are planning to grab a bite in late evening trust me you’ll be left stranded and foodless.
Even if you plan to go for grocery to make yourself something to eat, remember to do it even before like around 5pm, because most of the shops open at 9am and close at 5pm each day, even in city area. Although there are some major stores, like supermarkets and department stores that often stay open till late night.
Learning style:
One of the major difference that almost every international student notice in Australia is the learning style, the way their classes are conducted also the level of casual discussion in classes. In Australia students are expected and encourage to critically evaluate ideas put forward in class and express their opinion, even if they do not agree with their lecturer. Also you will be surprised to know the number of contact hours for student’s help you will have as student. Students are expect to do some “independent learning” and present their ideas and opinion on different topics openly in class.
Sports:
Aussies have some serious craze for sports, Infact you can say if there is one thing Australians love, its Sports! They have Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (RBL), and it won’t be wrong to say “these sports are worshipped here”… So, It is a serious business do not dare to mess about game.
You will find streets filled with eager die-hard fans dressed in their favorite player’s jersey, cheering for them. It will be exciting and fun to get involved with them and enjoy that part of life in Australia.
This is all from Edvise hub to help and guide every international student in Australia, or the one who is still planning for it. We have so many related blogs on different topic. You can check them on Edvise hub’s blog section.