There was a culture shock. Australia is a one-of-a-kind country with a one-of-a-kind culture. Culture shocks vary in severity, but they all contribute to the incredible experience of living and studying in Australia. Here are ten cultural shocks in Australia you must know before coming, such as dangerous animals, tall poppy syndrome, and coffee culture.
Hot Christmas Is A Culture Shock In Australia
Australia has an interesting and distinct climate. While the country is famous for its heat waves and beach days, we also have snow! The southern hemisphere climate can be a culture shock depending on where you come from. For example, an Australian Christmas is hot and humid, in contrast to our northern hemisphere friends who cozy up by a fire and drink hot chocolate at Christmas – in Australia, we try to cool off at the beach, by the pool, or in air conditioning.
Toilets Without Locks
In Australia, latches and locks are rarely found in bathrooms or toilets. That’s crazy, isn’t it? But maybe Australians are more disciplined and don’t run into the toilet when it’s already in use. A bathroom with no walls is another unusual concept. Yes, you read that correctly! Although it is a rare occurrence, many houses have bathrooms without walls in the bedrooms. It may take some time to adjust to toilets without locks.
Most Dangerous Animals Everywhere! – Most Popular Culture Shock In Australia
This is most likely our most talked-about culture shock… We Australians are famous around the world for living happily among some of the world’s most dangerous and poisonous animals. No matter where you live in the country, you’re bound to share the area with the deadliest something or other, whether it’s a small, invisible jellyfish, a spider that burrows and thrives in suburban backyards, or a snake that lives among the bushes where you can walk your dog.
With so many different types of dangerous animals, you must be wondering how anyone can live in Australia safely. The truth is that you are extremely unlikely to ever encounter one of our deadliest animals or wildlife; in fact, your chances are slim to none. However, Australia is home to some amazing and unique wildlife, which you may encounter during your visit. Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Possums, stunning native birds, and so on!
Things That Foreigners Find Weird in Australian Culture
Shops Close Early
Grocery and other shopping are one of the most difficult culture shocks for Indians in Australia. Supermarkets, shops, and shopping malls close early. Late-night shopping means shopping until 9 p.m., whereas some malls in India are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Adventure Sports Enthusiasm
If you enjoy sports, you will enjoy Australia! Rugby, football, and cricket are all popular sports in Australia. And, to break the socialization culture shock in Australia, you can always start the conversation with sports!
No Prescribed Medicines
Before prescribing medications, Australian doctors advise relying on the body’s natural immune system to heal itself. People in many countries who rely on painkillers and antibiotics may experience severe culture shock in Australia.
Friendly Australians
Australians are very friendly, chatty, and approachable. If you want to talk to the person across the table from you in a cafe, he will most likely approach you first. In Australia, it is common to converse with the barista while she takes your order. So, until you learn their ways, you may find the Australians to be overly friendly.
Cash Culture
India is now a digital economy, and cash is rarely used. You can complete digital payments in just 5 seconds! Despite the fact that Australia is technologically advanced, people prefer cash to plastic money. It may be a culture shock to visit Australia, but when you see how shop owners don’t frown on giving you change!
Don’t Be Shocked Strong Coffee Culture In Australia
Coffee culture is one of those cultural shocks in Australia that, if you like coffee, maybe heaven for you. You will not be disappointed in any part of the world after tasting a latte in Australia because the coffee is simply delicious! Due to the intense coffee-drinking culture, there are likely to be cafes on every street.
“Tall Poppy” Syndrome: Cultural Shock For Every Foreigner
Another of Australia’s culture shocks that you wouldn’t mind adjusting to. Australians value unity and harmony over individual accomplishments. Any act of bragging will elicit negative responses from them, driving them away from you. This is referred to as the Tall Poppy Syndrome. Make sure you don’t brag like your friends in India or Australia, or you’ll be labeled a Tall Poppy.
But Australia Is Still The Best Country!
Although Australia is a country with a lot of eccentric cultures but people who live in Australia or have been to Australia love this country. It shows that Australia has always been a wonderful and livable country for everyone.
Recently, Australia has been among one of the best countries in the world in 2022. If you want to know why, read this article Why is Australia 7th on the list of the best countries in the world in 2022?
