Top 8 Culture Shocks When Moving To Australia

Summary

In this humorous and relatable video, Ross shares his personal experience of moving to Australia with his family during a global pandemic. He highlights the cultural shocks he encountered, from the unique and varied forms of football to the friendly, social nature of Australians. Other surprising differences include celebrating Christmas in summer, the laid-back work culture, the casual approach to public footwear, and Australians' love for swearing. Ross also touches on some minor inconveniences, like having to pay for tomato sauce, but ultimately expresses his love for Australia and its unique lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australians have a unique approach to sports, with 'football' referring to different games depending on the region (AFL, rugby, soccer).
• 😀 The friendly nature of Australians may be a culture shock for those used to more reserved societies, with people greeting strangers and offering help.
• 😀 Christmas in Australia takes place during summer, which means outdoor barbecues, beach days, and swapping cold winter traditions for sunny, warm celebrations.
• 😀 In Australia, shops and restaurants close earlier than in many other countries, and 24-hour services are less common, requiring better planning for late-night needs.
• 😀 Australians prioritize work-life balance, often working to live rather than living to work, with a focus on enjoying leisure time outdoors.
• 😀 Going barefoot in public is common in Australia, even outside of beaches or pools, which might seem unusual to newcomers used to always wearing shoes.
• 😀 Swearing is widely accepted in Australia, and casual swearing, including the use of the 'c-bomb,' is common, even as terms of endearment.
• 😀 In some places, Australians charge extra for condiments like tomato sauce, which can be a surprise for newcomers who are used to free refills or condiments.
• 😀 Australians are generally laid-back about work, with less emphasis on long working hours, making it easier for people to balance life and work.
• 😀 The laid-back nature of the country can lead to quirky behaviors, like walking barefoot in public places or enjoying simple pleasures like potato bake instead of traditional English meals.
• 😀 Adjusting to Australian culture can make you more socially outgoing and help break down personal barriers, as Australians are genuinely friendly and open.

Q & A

What is a major difference between football in Australia and football in the UK?

In Australia, 'football' can refer to different sports depending on the region. In Queensland, it often means rugby league, while in southern states like Victoria, it refers to AFL (Australian Rules Football), which is very different from soccer, the 'football' commonly known in the UK.

Why is the friendliness of Australians considered a culture shock for newcomers?

Australians are notably friendly, often greeting strangers on the street and offering help. For someone coming from a more reserved or less sociable culture, this level of openness and friendliness can feel unusual and take some time to get used to.

How is Christmas celebrated differently in Australia compared to the northern hemisphere?

Christmas in Australia occurs during the summer, making it a hot and sunny celebration. Instead of a traditional winter feast with turkey and trimmings, Australians often enjoy a barbecue or go to the beach, embracing the summer weather with outdoor activities.

What is the typical working culture in Australia?

The working culture in Australia emphasizes a strong work-life balance. Australians prefer to work to live rather than live to work, leading to more relaxed working hours and the value placed on leisure time. This attitude sometimes leads to early shop closures and limited availability of services.

Why do Australian shops tend to close earlier than in other countries?

In Australia, it is common for shops to close early, often by 4 p.m., and takeaway options are limited after 9 p.m. This is due to the Australian emphasis on personal time, work-life balance, and a laid-back approach to business operations.

What is the common attitude towards going barefoot in public in Australia?

It is quite common in Australia for people to go barefoot in public places like grocery stores, especially in more casual areas. While this may seem odd to foreigners, it is part of the relaxed, carefree lifestyle that Australians embrace, particularly in warm climates like Queensland.

How do Australians typically use swearing in daily conversation?

Swearing is a common part of Australian language, and words that may be taboo elsewhere, such as the C-word, are used casually and sometimes even as terms of endearment. Australians are generally more comfortable with swearing in everyday conversation, which may be surprising to newcomers.

What is the practice regarding paying for sauces in Australia?

In many Australian fast-food outlets, customers are required to pay extra for sauce packets, which can be a culture shock for those who are used to getting condiments for free. While not universal, this practice is quite common in Australia.

How do Australians feel about working hours and work-life balance?

Australians generally prefer a relaxed work-life balance. The culture leans toward enjoying life outside of work, with many people valuing leisure time, the outdoors, and spending time with family over working long hours. This can make the work culture seem more laid-back compared to other countries.

What is the main reason for the laid-back nature of Australian culture?

The laid-back nature of Australian culture stems from the country's beautiful weather and natural scenery, encouraging people to embrace outdoor activities and enjoy life outside of work. This is reflected in their relaxed attitudes toward work, socializing, and daily routines.