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Home>Australia>About Heinz Australia>Student Life>Living Concerns>Customs and Cultural Adjustment

Customs and Cultural Adjustment

International students and their families may experience a wide range of feelings and moods when studying or living in Australia. Emotions experienced can range from excitement to homesickness and frustration. This mixture of emotions is very normal. However, it is important that you seek assistance if you find the process of cultural adjustment is adversely affecting you. We are always available to discuss any concerns.

Stages of Cultural Adjustment

The impact of moving from a familiar to an unfamiliar culture is known as ‘culture shock’. The stages outlined below tend to recur at different times and in different sequence but are quite commonly experienced by anyone experiencing significant cultural change:

1. On arrival in Australia you may feel excited, curious and stimulated. You may also feel slightly anxious, particularly if it is your first time in another country.
2. After the orientation period you may start to feel slightly depressed, homesick and stressed. This is often owing to language barriers, workload and lack of familiar support from family and close friends.
3. You may also feel frustrated and/or confused about your own cultural identity and Australian cultural identity.
4. As time passes you will feel more comfortable, confident and relaxed as you become familiar with Australian culture and develop support networks.
5. Finally, you will feel full of potential and confident in your identity while living and studying in Australia. You will start to understand and enjoy Australian culture while valuing your own culture. It is common to experience Stage 1 again when you return to your home country (though by this time you will be familiar with the process).

Australian Social Customs

Learning more about Australian culture can help you feel more settled. It can be useful to observe the habits and customs of the local people.

Equality

Australia is a democracy and Australians believe in equality. Generally people receive the same level of respect regardless of their employment/job. Because of this attitude towards equality it is illegal to discriminate against others on the grounds of race, gender, social status, politics or religion. A casual “thank you” to a shop assistant, bus driver or other service provider is appreciated.

Informality

People often use first (given) names even with respected elders. However, when meeting someone for the first time it is a good idea to use a title followed by a family name (e.g. Ms. Lee, Dr. Brown, or Professor Mori) until you are invited by that person to use their first name. It is not standard to use titles such as Ms. or Mr. with a person’s first name (e.g. do not use “Ms. Sarah” if her full name is Sarah Mori).

Conversation

When speaking to people for the first time, some topics that can be raised include family, work/study, hobbies and entertainment. In your first conversation it is generally not a good idea to ask about age, salary/wages, religion, politics or relationships. Australians appreciate a person’s ability to laugh at him/herself. Comments that might seem disrespectful or inappropriate are usually intended to be humorous ‘icebreakers’. These are signs that the person feels comfortable with you, rather than intending to hurt you.

Australians generally stand about an arm’s length from each other when in conversation. Any closer and people feel uncomfortable. It is considered polite to maintain eye contact when directly speaking/listening to someone.

Punctuality

Australians are very ‘time conscious’ and punctuality is considered important. In Australia it is considered rude if you do not keep an appointment (or are late for an appointment) and fail to inform the person you had arranged to meet. You should check appointment times and places and allow sufficient time for travel. Arriving a few minutes earlier much better than later. However, punctuality is more relaxed when it comes to social occasions including parties.

Independence

Very few Australians have servants. Most people are independent and cook and clean for themselves. This characteristic is also found in the university. Students are expected to take control of their studies and actively engage with staff or faculty if they have questions or concerns.

Miscellaneous Customs

• Dress code - People tend to dress casually. Formal attire may be required occasionally but will be indicated in advance. It may be useful to note that it is acceptable for women in Australia to wear short pants and brief tops without being considered distasteful.
• Smoking - Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in restaurants/cafes and public buildings. You can be fined for smoking in prohibited areas. Many people consider smoking around others to be rude and inconsiderate. If you are at someone’s home, it is polite to excuse yourself and smoke outside. Note also that tobacco is heavily taxed and therefore very expensive in Australia – think about quitting before you arrive and save money!
• Queues - People form queues to buy goods in shops, to wait for bank tellers, to get on public transport. It is considered impolite to push ahead of someone who is in a queue before you.
• Rubbish / Litter - Place rubbish in rubbish bins. If there are no rubbish bins you should carry the rubbish until it can be put in a bin. You can be fined for throwing rubbish on the ground.
• Alcohol – Alcohol can be legally served to any person over the age of 18. It is also a common part of Australian students’ parties. Do not feel any pressure or reluctance to refuse if you do not want to. Drinking and driving in Australia is a crime.
• Gifts – Gifts are not usually given to lecturers or others in official positions. Offering gifts in these situations can be interpreted as an effort to gain favourable consideration. If an Australian is invited to a meal, she or he may take a small gift (such as flowers or a bottle of wine) to the host. As a student you are not expected to do this. If Australians tell you to “bring a plate” to a meal, they mean bring a plate with some food to share amongst the guests.
• Tipping – Tipping is not necessary in Australia.
• Clearing your throat noisily, spitting, and not using a tissue or handkerchief are all frowned-upon.