When you arrive in a new country, you may experience a wide variety of feelings and reactions as you adapt to the new environment and culture. Some people may feel confused, nervous, irritable, uncertain, or dependent on others. For other people, the period immediately after their arrival is filled with excitement and adventure – however after this wears off the challenge of adjusting to life and study in a new culture can be exhausting. This may lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. If you do experience these things, then you are probably experiencing what is called CULTURE SHOCK
Coming to Australia from another country exposes you to many new things which may include such things as: the buildings look different and so does the landscape, the food is not what you are used to and the people look, speak and act differently from the people at home. You may not be able to speak with other people as confidently. If you feel lonely, you may miss your family and friends more than you expected. All these feelings and emotions may mean lead you to start questioning your decision to come to Australia. Was it the right decision?
Coping with CULTURE SHOCK requires a special effort, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. During the first weeks and months in a new country, it is common to experience some degree of culture shock – it is a normal response to a drastic change in your physical, social and cultural environment. The following comments will help you understand what you may be experiencing and suggest some ways of coping more effectively with your new situation. Below are some tips that may assist you in your transition to a new culture:
Think positively – be willing to learn, be open minded and light hearted
Listen, watch, observe and reflect. Examine your expectations and preconceived stereotypes
Stay in touch with family and friends and keep up with events at home
Keep a diary of your experiences
Allow yourself sufficient time to adjust
Do some familiar activities, especially the things you are good at
Get involved in a social and recreational activities that will help you to meet people and to make new friends
Introduce yourself to other people and students in your courses – keep in contact with the people you meet
Remember what you would have done at home to relax and do something similar
Use English language as much as possible; read the local newspaper and watch television, listen to the radio and try to speak English as much as you can: the more you use the language the more you will improve
Take advantage of the services and orientations offered by NIT
Set small goals that you can achieve every day
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure what to do or what is expected of you
Get plenty of exercise, eat well, and drink plenty of water
Keep your sense of humor and believe in yourself!
Smoking is banned on public transport, train platforms, tram and bus stops. It is also banned in public buildings, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants. Heavy penalties are in place for smoking in restricted areas.
Prices are generally fixed, and bargaining is only available at some markets.
Chores are shared equally between males and females. In shared accommodation, you will be expected to share in the shopping, cooking and cleaning.
Do not ask people how much money they make, the price of something, their personal relationships, their politics or religion. These topics are only discussed with very close friends.
TOPICS TO BEGIN A CONVERSATION
The weather, the family, what you did on the weekend, where you work, what you think of Australia or travel.
Punctuality is important in Australia. If you have an appointment, you must be on time. You also need to arrive on time for your classes. If you are going to be late it is good manners to get in touch and let your appointment or the school know that you will be late.
In social situations with friends, you can be a little late.
You might find that education in Australia is a lot less formal than in your country. Teachers and students dress casually in jeans and t-shirts. Teachers are often addressed by their first names.
Australians expect to maintain eye contact when speaking to each other, it is considered rude to look elsewhere.
Students are expected and encouraged to speak freely and question decisions which they feel are unfair. Student must be able to express their opinions and the reasoning behind them.
Generally, in Australia an arm length is considered personal space and people feel uncomfortable if you get too close, especially if you do not know them too well.
You always wait your turn, you do not push in. You walk on the left hand side of passageway or stair.
For an emergency, if you need an ambulance, the fire services, police attendance TELEPHONE 000 and tell the operator which service you require.
Nova Institute students in Australia typically spend about $300 to $450 a week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs.
For the latest information on the cost of living and studying in Australia go online to www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
The following is only a guide to help you understand the breakdown of costs.
Hostels and Guesthouses – $80 to $135 per week
Shared Rental – $70 to $250 per week
Homestay – $110 to $270 per week
Rental – $100 to $400 per week
Groceries and eating out – $80 to $200 per week
Gas, electricity – $60 to $100 per week
Phone and Internet – $20 to $50 per week
Public transport – Myki card- Zone 1 weekly $35.00 Zone1 &2 weekly $59.20
Car (after purchase) – $150 to $250 per week
Entertainment – $50 to $100 per week
While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle. Some people spend a lot more than this, and others spend less. To live cheaply, you will have to share a room and cook for yourself.