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AUSTRALIA - THE MAGNETISM CONTINUES
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And Us Socializing - We're All Mates Here Doing Business Down Under Living In Australia Residency Requirements Resources |
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Australia is a modern, rich nation with a per capita income comparable to that of the U.S. Abounding in natural beauty and resources, it has very little pollution and a variety of different climates, some similar to California. What it doesn't have are problems of population density. About 18 million people occupy an area about the size of the continental U.S. It boasts long life expectancies and a low infant mortality rate. Its social programs include excellent education and health care. No wonder Australia holds considerable fascination for people on the other side of the globe. Although Americans frequently speak of Australia in superlatives, they may be attracted to the land down under for the wrong reasons. Some, after meeting Australia's difficult residency requirements, even pull up roots and go with very little knowledge of what they'll find. Australians are astonished by our ignorance. David Mosler and Bob Catley from the University of Adelaide, report in the book, America and Americans in Australia, that Australia draws U.S. expats from both sides of the political spectrum. They write, "Social democratic migrants focus on attributes of the United States associated with its weak welfare system, inadequate health care violence, and general conservative social and economic structures." (Note: Health care costs in Australia are only 8% of GDP and everyone is covered. In the U.S., they amount to 15% of GDP and many remain uncovered.) Americans who see the U.S. as a society in decline, leaning toward socialism, come to Australia for its safer, drug-free environment. However, they object to Australia's strong centralized government which they see as being intrusive. They find that Australia has high taxes, strong unions and generous welfare system, also that crime is on the increase. Yet many stay. Australia may not be ideal but they find it preferable to the U.S. They usually admire the straightforwardness and honesty of Australians, and they like Australia's great outdoors. They may marry an Australian. Or they find a home or a piece of land they cannot bear to leave. One theory about our differences is that while the American frontier called for rugged individualism, Australia's harsh terrain necessitated cooperation and team work. When Australians take taxis they may ride up front with the driver. Tipping not only isn't necessary, it can be taken as an insult. Class differences derived from wealth are less marked than in the U.S., and the gap between the rich and poor is narrower. For all that's said about egalitarianism here, however, social classes exist, separating white collars from blue and private from public school graduates. Australia's schools are more like England's: old school ties matter. Although Australia has made an effort to show respect for its native peoples, some racism exists. A black American who was at first mistaken for a local found she was treated better once people learned she was an American. Not that being American gets you far. Several studies show Australians are ambivalent in the way they feel about Americans. Mosler and Cately explain, "In the politically correct climate of Australia in the early 1990s, prejudice against Americans -- and the English -- may well have been the only socially acceptable form of ethnic bias." Try as you may to blend in, an American accent will give you away. These authors note, "with the possible exception of Canadians no one else speaks like a Yank." Some Americans reported difficulty in advancing in jobs. The most common form of discrimination was "a pervasive sense of not belonging" or of "otherness." But many expats have positive experiences. According to a 1993 study, the majority of 302 migrants from the U.S. were satisfied and did not experience discrimination, while 25% felt some dissatisfaction. Socializing - We're All Mates Here Australians are quick to use first names, but it's best to wait and take the cue from them. "Sir" is used but "mate" is used even more often. Men say "mate" to each other and women use it with other women. Australians don't invite people to their homes easily. If you are invited, bring wine, chocolates, flowers or folk crafts. The evening meal is tea, served from 6 to 8 PM; supper is a late snack. Australians respect people with different opinions and love arguing. A good topic of conversation is usually sports. Don't ask questions that might be regarded as too personal, and avoid mentioning what things cost. Australians have no problem saying "no." They can be painfully blunt at times yet reserved at others, which may throw a relationship off balance, as George W. Renwick writes in A Fair Go for All. They may "be quiet or taciturn when the emotions they are experiencing - of pleasure or of pain - are deep." Don't worry as long as they're talking, but when they become quiet, watch out, because there could be a serious problem. The Aussie brand of English is peppered with unique, colorful expressions. Be cautious about using them until you fully understand their context. Also, avoid using the thumbs up sign as in hitchhiking. Men should not wink at women. Modesty and casualness carry over into business. Whatever your awards, distinctions or academic qualifications, play them down, and don't make a big deal about your job title. A presentation filled with hype will put them off or arouse their derision. Australians may make fun when you're being serious: if so, take it in stride. They want the facts and don't need a lot of details. They follow rules and respect the chain of command, so the decision making process may take longer. When invited out for drinks with a colleague, don't bring up business unless your host does. Australians take work and play seriously, and don't mix the two. At a pub, each person pays for a round of drinks. Don't miss your turn to "shout for a round." Business gifts aren't given, however. Business dress is similar to North America but women wear skirts more. The seasons are summer - December to February, autumn - March to May, winter - June to August, spring - September to November. Most of the population is clustered in coastal cities and their sprawling suburbs. Australians like living in single-family homes on fairly large lots. Most do not have servants. As Ilsa Sharp explains in Culture Shock, Australia, it's a do-it-yourself culture. It is also a lifestyle that depends on automobiles. Moon Living Abroad in Australia
One fifth of the population was born outside of Australia, nevertheless, getting into the country as anything but a tourist is extremely complex. Australia has many different types of residency, all of them governed by a complex point system. The younger you are, the better educated, the more money you bring in, the greater your chances. If interested in immigration or residency, find out early in the game if you qualify by contacting the nearest Australian consulate. Or see www.immi.gov.au, Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. For more information see Network for Living Abroad newsletter, March 2000. Also see
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