Australian Culture

Culture and society

With Australia being a multicultural society, you will encounter a number of different cultures and lifestyles. Australia’s indigenous populations are the aboriginals, and have been living here for thousands of years. Etiquette and behaviours change from culture to culture and you may encounter problems in public. Here are a few helpful hints to help you in the future

• Addressing people – Australians usually have a first or given name, and a second name or surname. When speaking to people you do not know, address them as Mister, Missers or Miss, and then their surname.
• Greetings – when people first meet each other it is polite to greet each other with good morning, good afternoon, good evening. Informal greetings are hello or hi.
• Please and thank you – when requesting something, say please and when receiving anything say thank you.
• Personal space – in crowded situations such as trains, festivals, nightclubs and other crowded areas, try to keep an arms length distance away from each other.
• Dress – casual clothes are widely acceptable, but you have complete freedom on what you wear. You are free to dress in whatever manner you feel is culturally appropriate to you.
• Queuing – never push in front of someone in a queue when waiting in turn for something (taxi, shopping centre, bus etc.), it is considered rude. You must wait at the back of the queue for your turn.
• Punctuality – Always be on time for appointments or invitations. If you are running late, you can call first to let them know beforehand.
• Smoking – smoking is banned in government buildings, on public transport, airports, theatres and shopping centres.
• Equality – the Australian constitution protect our social, legal, and political rights.
• Spitting – Spitting is prohibited and can result in legal action.
• Personal hygiene – good hygiene is a part of everyday living, and can prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Shower daily and use deodorant. Wash your hands before eating, using the bathroom and playing with animals. Use a handkerchief when you sneeze or if you have a cold.
• Littering – littering is prohibited and can result in legal action.
• Table manners – Australians cutlery is the knife, fork and spoon. You can eat with your fingers at events such as barbeques and picnics. At some Chinese restaurants you can request to use chopsticks.

Culture shock

Here are a few steps to help you settle into the Australian culture and way of life

• Be Positive – don’t lose focus of your goals. Remember the reasons why you chose to study in Australia.
• Stay occupied and keep active physically and mentally. You can spend your spare time playing sport, or taking up a hobby. Also you may meet some new friends.
• Be flexible with your decisions.
• Your international student advisor or counsellor at your institution can resolve any issues that you may have.

If you are unsure of anything and need to ask any questions, just ask someone. Australians are approachable people and generally will be happy to help you.


Making friends

Moving to another country you will meet new people everywhere you go. Having friends to support you with issues and troubles can help you immensely throughout your studies. The chances are that when you first start your studies, you will meet a lot of new friends your age. Being in the same classes with your new friends, you will have a lot of things in common, and these friends you meet now will become good business contacts in the future.


Where to find new friends

The best place to find new friends is in a club on campus, such as the drama clubs, sporting clubs, cultural clubs, book clubs, etc. Join any club that you might find interesting. Making friends with the local students will help you with speaking English, and you will learn more about Australia’s culture.

The community has a large range of clubs for offer, such as local sporting clubs, religious events, nightclubs or chat rooms online.


Australian laws

In Australia, we have freedom of choice to live wherever we want, say what we want and dress how we want. It’s this free lifestyle which attracts so many visitors to Australia.

It is important to obey the laws of the country at all times, to keep Australia the safe and carefree country that it is. International students and overseas visitors must obey these laws even those that are different to the laws in your home country.

Some common laws that you should be aware of are:

• You must be over the age of 18 to but cigarettes or alcohol.
• Smoking in many public places is illegal, including shopping centres, restaurants and public transport.
• You cannot buy, sell, possess, or use illicit drugs, such as marijuana, amphetamines or opiates.
• You cannot carry a weapon, including knives and guns.
• You must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, bicycle or scooter.
• You must have a driver’s license to drive a car on the road. Be aware and obey the road rules.
• Acts of violence against property, people or animals are prohibited. This includes family members.
• It is illegal to offer or receive a bribe for services, including those provided by a government official.

If you are the victim of a crime or need to make a police report, then you should call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, if you live in the ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia or  Northern Territory. If you live in Victoria or Queensland, then you must contact you r local police station. All information is considered strictly confidential, so feel free to ask or tell any police officer anything.