Adjusting to a New Culture
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. Staff at ISS or at your Department are available to discuss any concerns.
Stages of Cultural Adjustment
This impact of moving from a familiar culture to an unfamiliar culture is known as a “culture shock”.
- When you first arrive in Australia, you may feel excited, curious and stimulated.
- 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.
- You may also feel frustrated and confused about your own cultural identity and Australian cultural identity.
- Eventually, you will feel more comfortable, confident and relaxed as you begin to become familiar with Australian culture.
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 favorable 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.
Please also visit our Support Services & Links page for more information about support services available at the University and Language Support and Professional Development Program for Spouses page for more information about this program and how your family can benefit.
Useful Links & Contacts
Transition ProgramGround Floor, 723 Swanston St, Carlton
T: +61 3 8344 9356 or +61 3 8344 9355
F: +61 3 9349 1039
E: transition-info@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/transition/
Language & Learning Skills Unit
723 Swanston Street, Carlton
T: +61 3 8344 0930
F: +61 3 9349 1039
E: llsu-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/llsu/
Counselling Service
Level 2, 138 - 146 Cardigan Street, Carlton
T: +61 3 8344 6927 or +61 3 8344 6928 or 1800 671 559
(within Australia)
F: +61 3 9347 5403
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/
Clubs and Societies
Third Floor, Union House
T: +61 3 8344 4834
W: www.union.unimelb.edu.au/clubs/