Australians vs. Americans: Cultural Differences
I've been living in Australia for a little over two months now and when you've been living in Australia for quite some time you will begin to pick up on slight difference from the American culture. Here are some cultural differences between Americans and Australians that I've noticed during the time I've been here.
1. Australians drive on the other (‘wrong’) side of the road. In Australia people drive on the left side as compared to how the US drives on the right. So when crossing the street make sure to look both ways but, look right first, then left.
2. Aussies are a lot more water conscious than Americans are. Imagine the horror our students feel at orientation after a 24 flight being told to have only a 4 minute shower. After being in a draught for years Australians aim for just four minutes. Toilets also have two flush buttons – one is for half flush the other for full and Australians would never brush their teeth while leaving the tap running.
3. Finding free Wifi in Australia is like going on a treasure hunt. Sure the lack of Wifi can be annoying but it can also be viewed as a reminder to live in the moment.
4. Australians love to abbreviate everything. At first you might think we are simply lazy and you won’t be able to understand a lot but after four weeks trust us you will be sounding more Australian than you ever imagined. A few words to add to your vocabulary are: Uni (university), tute (tutorial), sunnies (sunglasses), brekkie (breakfast), arvo (afternoon), sanga (sandwich).
5. Generally, service is slow. You might need to get your own menus and water, and more often than not you will need to ask for your bill at the end of the meal. This can be frustrating at first but look around you and you will see everyone is relaxed. You are not being rushed out of your seats so the waiter can turn over your table, you can stay and keep chatting all day if you like. It’s just another reminder of the slow paced lifestyle of the Aussies.
6. The first thing most people notice is that Australia is expensive. A candy bar costs $2.00 and a can of coke can cost $2.50. Australia is also the place to be if you are bad at maths - the price you see is what you pay. There is no need to tip or add tax.
7. Australian insects and animals are insane. You would have all heard of the sharks and spiders but what about the huge bugs, the ants that bite and the birds that dive bomb you walking in the street? And the worst part is that Australians think this is normal.
8. You don’t need an alarm clock in Australia as the birds will wake you up at 4am. Australian’s don’t seem to mind as they are used to it. The cute looking bird you tried to take a photo of on your first day will become your worst enemy in only a couple of days.
9. Australian University students have their big nights out during the week and leave their weekends to recover. They even have afternoon drinks called Sunday sessions. Australians take their weekends and relaxation very seriously.
10. You will learn that BBQ’s are often just a reference for a sausage in bread. Thoughts of amazing Aussie burgers or shrimps on the Barbie are only reserved for family BBQ’s.
11. Two words: Tim Tams. These rectangular chocolate cookies will result in you having a whole new food group. Tip: they taste the best when you stick them in the freezer!
12. You can’t visit Australia without trying vegemite. Australians have this dark, salty spread on toast or sandwiches. I haven't tried vegemite yet but when I do that will be saved for another blog post so be on the lookout for my review of vegemite.
13. Australians are very relaxed. They don’t expect for things to happen immediately. They will wait without complaining for buses, for food, and for communication from lecturers. They have a mentality that everything will be fine and will work out in the end.
14. Australians take casual wear to a whole new level. You may notice students barefoot in class, and in hospitals your Doctor might attend to you wearing board shorts. They do dress up in the cities but in smaller towns it’s an anything goes attitude.
These are just a few difference to get you started and kind of get a clue about the Australian culture in comparison to the American culture. I can't wait to find more quirks in Australian culture. I just keep reminding myself to embrace the difference and enjoy them. When I leave these are the things about Australia I will miss the most when I get back home.
