What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Australia. They wrote...
"One challenge that expats in Australia often face is the lack of familiarity with the local language; Australia has a unique way of speaking English, often incorporating slang and colloquialisms, which can seem difficult to absorb for many expats. Another challenge that expats often confront is the tendency of Australians to be very direct in conversations and to address each other in a casual manner; for some expats, this can come across as confrontational or unprofessional. Finally, it is common for expats to struggle with the ‘mateship’ culture in Australia; this concept of shared camaraderie means that Australians are more likely to rely on each other’s help and support, which can be a struggle for those not used to the culture," explained one expat living in Australia.
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"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," said another expat in Brisbane, Australia.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Australia?
- How do I meet people in Australia?
- What is life like in Australia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Australia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Australia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Australia like?
- Is the cost of living in Australia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Australia?
- What are healthcare services like in Australia?
- Is the cost of living in Australia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Australia?
- What is the weather like in Australia?
- Are there good restaurants in Australia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Australia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Australia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Australia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Australia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Australia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Australia, newcomers to Australia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.