Adjusting to Australia

Coming to Melbourne as a newcomer is a big step for many people, especially students. We may have come from overseas, interstate or country Victoria. Our main reason for coming is to study, whether it be the English language, a course at TAFE, or in some other area. Usually, we come with mixed feelings: we feel sad to leave our family, friends and home behind and, at the same time, excited and happy to come to a new city. Some of us might cry at night, some might just take it all at in our stride and adapt quickly to the new way of life here. Some of the problems faced are common for many of us. For example, many overseas students struggle with the language barrier. Further, we all face the problem of getting to know the city, becoming disorientated and getting lost. These 4 steps can help students adapt to life in Melbourne.

Be Proactive

The worst thing you can do is to do nothing. Staying home, doing nothing, places you into a vicious circle of sadness, fear and loneliness. These negative thoughts eventually make you depressed. The best thing to do is to be active and to break the chain of negative thoughts: don't be afraid to ask questions and expose yourself to new experiences. Join a newcomers' club (Newcomers Network is a great start and be accessed on: http://www.newcomersnetwork.com.au ), go to events, museums, exhibitions, shows, etc. Melbourne has a wealth of events at any time of the year, many of them for free. Talk to your institute adviser, invite some of your classmates out for a movie, go for a walk, go to the market, talk to people at the shops, read the local paper and find out about social activities in your area, join a volunteer group, find a part-time job. 

Enjoy it

Take the time to enjoy the new sights, people and experiences you encounter. Some international and interstate students get so busy studying that they forget that they should allocate time for fun and play: you will be amazed at what you learn outside institute! An example: one international students was having difficulties with her English skills, especially her oral fluency. She was so worried about that "deficiency" that she would spend hours with a dictionary and grammar book under her arm. Most of the other international students, also struggling with the language barrier, were out and about, practicing their oral language skills, watching movies, talking to people, not afraid of making mistakes. Their oral language skills developed far quicker that way than by concentrating on a grammar book, over studying, and being overly shy.

Laugh

When something totally embarrassing happens to you, don't feel silly, just have a giggle about it.

Time (Give it time!)

Some of us try to do everything at once and, admittedly, there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of once we get to Melbourne: opening new bank accounts or transferring funds from overseas, finding appropriate accommodation, buying institute textbooks, getting to know the public transport system, finding good places to shop for groceries, clothes and medicine, etc. These are things that need to be done, but that doesn't mean that you should try to accomplish all of them on your first day or week here. Get the essentials done but then go out and immerse yourself into your new community.  That way you will begin to establish networks and friendships, both of which will help you overcome your difficulties far more quickly than, if you try to do everything alone. So go out and enjoy yourself – Melbournians are waiting for your contribution to its life.

AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS

International students and their families may experience a wide range of feelings and moods when studying or living in Australia. Some may feel excited to see and learn new things or meet new people. Some may feel lonely, stressed, frustrated and homesick. This is a very normal feeling. However, it is very important that you seek help if you find that the process of cultural adjustment is adversely affecting you.

Stages of Cultural Adjustment

This impact of moving from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar culture is known as a “culture shock”.

1. When you first arrive in Australia, you may feel excited, curious and stimulated.

2. A little later on after the Orientation & Enrolment period, you may start to feel depressed, homesick and stressed. This can happen because of language barriers, lack of confidence, workload and lack of familiar support from close friends and families.

3. You may also feel frustrated and confused about your own cultural identity and Australian cultural identity.

4. Eventually, you will feel more comfortable, confident and relaxed as you begin to become familiar with Australian culture.

5. Finally, you will feel full of potential and confident in your identity while living and studying in Australia. You will start to enjoy and understand Australian culture while valuing your own culture. You will go back to Stage 1 again when you return to your home country.

Australian Culture

Learning more about Australian Culture can help you feel more settled.

• It is common in Australia to call a person’s first name when meeting and addressing new people. You do not need to preface it with Mr., Miss, Dr or Professor (i.e. John instead of Mr. John’s Surname);

• Punctuality is very important in Australia. If you cannot arrive on time upon your appointment with Australians, you must cancel the appointment by giving them a call. If this is not possible, get in touch as soon as possible to apologise. However, punctuality is more relaxed when it comes to social occasions including parties and dinners;

• Australians believe in equality and that all people deserve respect regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background, occupation or economic circumstances. A casual “thank you” to a shop assistant, ticket seller and the like when you are served, is all that is required.

Miscellaneous Social Customs

• If an Australian is invited to a meal, he or she may take a small gift, chocolates or a bottle of wine, to the host. As a student you are not expected to do this. If Australians tell you to “bring your own plate”, they mean bring a plate with some food to share;

• Do not push ahead of others who are waiting in a queue;

• It is not polite to ask a person about his or her income, marital status or religion;

• Australians generally stand about an arm’s length from each other when in conversation. In general people will feel uncomfortable if you invade this personal space;

• You are not normally expected to tip for services. If the service has been particularly good, especially in expensive restaurants, you may wish to do so;

• Goods in retail shops are sold at a fixed price, though it is becoming common to ask if a discount is available on large and expensive items, like electrical goods. Mild bargaining is commonly used in the open-air markets;

• Clearing your throat noisily, blowing your nose in front of others, and not using a handkerchief or a tissue paper are all frowned upon.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Behaviour

• Unacceptable behaviour – in many places there are laws against unacceptable behaviour including spitting in public, swearing, talking indecently, behaving in a sexually indecent way or urinating in public;

• 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 pressure or be shy 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;

• Humour – Australians value a person’s ability to laugh at him or 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 intended to hurt you.