For the past two weeks, I've been studying in the great country and continent of Australia. Located in Sydney, NSW. I've done my fair share of interacting with the locals, exploring the different areas, and finding some pretty unexpected differences between their culture and ours in the United States. Here are just a few:
1. The language
Obviously this is expected, however I never anticipated such vast differences. We both speak English and the Australians have, well, an Australian accent. That being said, I spent nearly an hour bantering with a few locals about their choice of words. The best words being...
Thong -- Flip Flops
Macka's -- Mcdonald's
Dino -- Dining Hall
Brekky -- Breakfast
They also say words like "keen" and "reckon." If only Americans had such a cool vocabulary.
2. Eating out
Although dining halls are a whole other world, my friends and I certainly wanted to branch out on food while being in Australia. Because of that, we've been to a few restaurants of all kinds. Chinese, Italian, Seafood, you name it. The main difference I noticed was that the waiters let you take your time. You ask for the check, they don't rush you. Water is always given in bottles which you can then pour it into a cup. They sell kangaroo burgers and chips (or french fries) are sold with just about everything. Everything is served in smaller portions and there's hardly ever a wait. They really like avocado and will put it on just about anything. If you're going out to breakfast, you probably won't find waffles or pancakes, but you'll always find avocado. You have to pay for bread before the meal. And last but not least, you don't tip. But the food is fantastic.
3. Dining halls
On the topic of food, as I said before when you go out the portions are smaller and generally healthier. In the US, there are about three hundred different option. When you swipe in for a meal at the University of New South Wales, everything is done at large tables, family style, and there's one meal to pick from. Although this has proved tricky for me since I'm a picky eater, I've tried the weirdest meals, vegemite being on of them. All of the locals say to eat it with butter but I just can't get myself to like it. To each their own, I guess!
4. Store chains
While in the US you find loads of CVS's and food chains, it feels like I was thrown back in the 1990's in the main area of Sydney. The pharmacies are called "chemists" and large grocery store chains simply don't exist. They have small markets called IGA and the occasional store near the beach, but no big commerce by any means.
5. The water
It's. So. Blue. And the waves are fantastic.
6. LGBTQ+ Friendly
Not that America isn't, but the second I landed in Sydney I saw a pride flag every corner I turned. Although I know gay marriage was just legalized here, it's still exciting to see all the love and acceptance (also the amazing gay bars).
7. Drinking
As many know the drinking age in Australia is 18. I've been able to legally have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner. Although I know many college students abuse the ability coming from a country where drinking casually is quite frowned upon, it's nice to be seen as more of an adult. Also, having a mojito once and a while is pretty great.
8. The sun
There's hardly any O-Zone layer here, it's sunburn central. Now that the seasons are switched, I'm currently in summer and looking like a lobster.
(You're probably not going to want to see a picture of me).
9. The dorms
The dorms here at UNSW are called "colleges." Each building has events, an orientation week that almost feels like a frat initiation, and fancy dinners where you have to wear graduation gowns. All the pep is not exactly my speed, but it's a really easy way to meet people and I've found that it's a lot more interactive than college in the US. Even if it's not your thing, you get to wear a fancy dress and drink free beer.
10. The trust
The number one thing I've noticed that's different about this country is how trusting and friendly everybody is. While getting on the bus, no one pays attention as to whether or not you've payed or swiped your card. When someone lost a phone, it was given to the owner right away rather than stolen. There are hardly any police patrolling the streets at night, and everyone seems more willing to give a hand. I'm not sure if this is just my perception, but there just seems to be fewer strict laws and more trust.
Whether it's different or the same from the USA, all differences and similarities are wonderful. Australia is a beautiful country and continent, and I'm so lucky to be spending the next four months here.
