ptesmart
Are you coming to live in Australia or have you just arrived? Are you worried about adapting to a whole new country possibly across the world from your hometown? We’re here to help you with some tips and tricks that will make you fit in just right with the ozzies. Check these out!
Remember: Australia is a big country
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, this means there are places that are far away from each other and even have different time zones. Knowing where in Australia you’re moving to and researching about that specific region will help you avoid making any confusion or mistakes.
Learn about Australians’ favourite pastimes!
Although most Australians enjoy staying in and watching some Netflix as much as the next person, it’s impossible to ignore the amount of outdoor activities Aussies get up to. Whether it’s renting a campervan to go surfing or biking to a cricket match, you can bet there is lots of fun to be had.
Learn some Australian slang terms
I wouldn’t tell you to start using slang terms you’re not familiar with right away, because it might feel a little forced. But it’s a good idea to google some of them just so you know what they mean when someone comes and tells you to “pull the wool over your eyes, mate” or something like that.
Don’t take things too personally
Sense of humour varies from place to place, so if you’re not used to Australian humour, you might get offended easily. Ozzies love to “take the piss out of” everything and everyone, which means they will make fun of you and of other stuff. Don’t worry, that’s just their way of being friendly.
Find out if your skills are in demand
Depending on what profession or degree you have, you might fit in Australia even better! There are many in-demand jobs right now, which could make it easier for you to find a job in your own field. This is the case for nurses, chefs, construction managers, electricians and many more!
Don’t worry, wear your pluggers!
If you’re scratching your head on this one, “pluggers” or “thongs”, as they call it in Australia, are actually flip-flops. And like many places near the beach, in Australia, it’s perfectly acceptable to go almost anywhere in your pluggers. Maybe just don’t wear them to work, but besides that…
Don’t hold back on the swearing!
I know it might be a weird thing to recommend when someone’s trying to fit in, but honestly, Australians love to swear. In fact, you might even think they are trying to offend you, but swear words a lot of the time are terms of endearment for Aussies of all age groups.
Avoid people from your own country
Maybe avoiding is a little extreme. However, when we’re in a new country we sometimes seek comfort in interactions with people from the same place as us. Because Australia is a multicultural country, you’ll find heaps of people from yours, don’t forget to mingle with ozzies as well!