Discover 11+ interesting differences about Australian culture – International students need to know!

Australian and Vietnamese cultures have many differences in communication styles, school lifestyles, food, festivals or sports. In order not to be too surprised when you first set foot in this land, we invite you to discover interesting differences in Australian culture in the article below.

1. Australian communication culture

1.1. Culture when greeting

Australians are known for their comfort and friendliness. In Australian culture from the first time they meet, they will smile and shake your hand, say hello “G’day” or “G’day, mate”, and call you by your first name instead of formal names like The West.

When introducing yourself, you should not introduce a title, as it is considered unpretentious in Australian culture. You only mention this issue if asked by the other person.

1.2. Australian culture when communicating

Australians have a habit of giving nicknames by abbreviating the names of people around them such as: Michael to Mike, Barry to Baz… For close friends or family members, they can call them by unique nicknames. more unique like: Andy of Ando. So, when Australians call you by another nickname, it means that the relationship between the two is going well.

When meeting for the first time, Australians often feel uncomfortable when asked personal questions such as: age, economy, marital status… In addition, you should not express your own views on matters of religion. religion and politics. Because Australia is a convergence of many different cultures, ethnicities and religions. What you need to do is learn, learn in a civilized way and adapt to each unique beauty in the religion of the people around you.

A special feature of Australian culture that can make first-time international students in this country feel surprised is the frequent use of slang. If you do not understand anything, you should ask again immediately to avoid misunderstandings later. Here are some examples:

• BYO (Bring your own):  This word means you prepare your own beverage such as cold water, soft drink, juice or alcohol. You can bring your own wine to restaurants that have BYO and have to pay a fee called a “corkage” because they provide the glass and wash it for you.
• Bring a plate:  If someone says “Bring a plate” they are reminding you to bring a dish to the gathering for everyone to enjoy.
• Fortnight – fortnight:  This phrase means two weeks. Many Australians get paid every two weeks.

1.3. Punctuality is the minimum courtesy in Australia

According to Australian culture, showing up on time for appointments and meetings shows a professional attitude and respect for the other person. If there is any reason for you to arrive later than planned, you should contact and let people know in advance.

Tips for Vietnamese international students:  Australians are comfortable, friendly, don’t have many rules and etiquette when communicating. Therefore, when Vietnamese students come to Australia, they should not be too strict and self-contained, but confidently talk to the native people around.

Let’s clearly remember the  typical Australian culture and  confidently integrate into the new environment!

2. School culture in Australia

2.1. Students/students are free to express their personal views

School culture in Australia has many differences with Vietnam. First-time international students to Australia may be surprised by the relaxed, non-distance relationship between teachers and students. Australian students often call their teachers by their first names, get together at festivals or sports activities. In addition, students can directly ask questions related to the subject and express their personal views if they notice flaws in the quality of education in Australian culture. All students’ opinions are happily received and considered by teachers and the school.

2.2. No exam pressure

Unlike Vietnamese education,  Australian cultural characteristics  are not too pressured on exam issues. Schools do not appreciate the final exam results because it only shows a student’s ability to learn in a short period of time and often has many negative potentials. Instead, they pay much attention to the quality of their essays and presentations because it accurately reflects the entire learning process of each individual.

2.3. Promoting self-study in Australian culture

Vietnamese students are often surprised when the total study time in Australia is only about 12-14 hours/week. Instead, Australians spend a lot of time self-studying at home, at the library or acquiring knowledge through extracurricular activities such as group discussions, visiting museums, exhibitions, etc.

Therefore, Vietnamese international students to Australia need to practice self-study, actively seek information and knowledge related to the subject, should not ask or ask people to do jobs that you are clearly capable of. performance capacity.

2.3. Free debate, self-development

As a  typical Australian culture, most of the time studying in Australian schools is spent debating and criticizing subject-related issues in Australian culture. Teachers often ask guiding questions to promote each student’s thinking ability. All answers, whether right or wrong, are received and appreciated by the teacher. Students can express their own opinions or give critical views while the teacher is teaching.

This is quite new to Vietnamese students because Vietnamese education still follows the traditional “one-way” method: students passively absorb the knowledge of the teacher without asking critical questions. Therefore, when coming to Australia, students do not hesitate to express their views to better understand subject-related issues and promote their own critical thinking ability.

2.4. Harmony, high team spirit

As a  characteristic of Australian culture,  Australians appreciate the collective spirit, always showing comfort, closeness, friendliness and willingness to help those around them in Australian culture. Therefore, if there is anything you do not understand about Australian culture, lifestyle or school knowledge, do not hesitate to ask questions to receive the most dedicated guidance.

3. Australian culture in food, festivals & sport

The difference between Australia and Vietnam is not only reflected in communication culture, learning environment but also in culinary culture, festivals and sports.

3.1. Culinary culture

In Australian culture, Australian cuisine is a harmonious combination of many cuisines from different countries around the world, most notably European dishes. Australians prioritize choosing fresh ingredients to reduce fat and protect health.

When coming to Australia, international students do not forget to enjoy delicious typical dishes such as Ham and Pea soup served with crispy garlic butter bread, Barramundi (grilled fish), Parmigiana chicken (fried chicken covered with ham). ), Shrimp Cocktail, Chiko Roll, Lamingtons (chocolate and coconut sponge cake)…

In Australian culture, although Kangaroo is the national symbol of Australia, Kangaroo meat is still used for processing in daily meals such as: Kangaroo steak, Kangaroo burger, Kangaroo sausage… In addition, you You can enjoy the most unique Australian dish, “Bush Tucker”, which is made from roots, bugs, and pupae buried in hot ash.

Wine is a proud Australian drink. Besides, some alcoholic drinks such as Rum, beer … or coffee are also popular with many Australians. It was the Australians who created the foamless latte with a rich, rich flavor that is famous all over the world.

Tips for Vietnamese international students

In the first time, when not really familiar with the taste of Australian dishes, in Australian culture, international students can tinker with cooking, cooking or going to Vietnamese restaurants. In big cities like Sydney, Melbourne, international students can easily find Vietnamese dishes such as Hue beef noodle soup, Vietnamese bread, Hanoi noodle soup, etc. because the Vietnamese community lives in these areas. . However, do not forget to seize the opportunity to enjoy special cuisine to better understand Australian culture.

3.2. Festivals in Australian Culture

In Australian culture, festivals are extremely diverse and take place at many times of the year. Here are the 3 most impressive festivals that international students cannot miss:

• Ord Valley Festival:  Ord Valley Festival is usually held in May and lasts about 2 weeks in Kununurra – the land of Western Australia. When participating in the festival, you have the opportunity to experience exciting adventures with mountain bikes, swim across the Argyle River, mountain bike along the Gibb River Road, dig diamonds, taste fresh regional produce Kimberley, immerse yourself in the traditional dances of the people of Kununurra…
• Laura Aboriginal Festival:  Laura Festival is usually held on June 2nd and is considered the biggest street music festival of the year. Aboriginal communities from the Cape York peninsulas converge in the beautiful town of Laura, sharing their customs and culture through street plays, song, and dance.
• Dreaming Festival:  The Dreaming Festival is usually held for 3 days in June in Woodford. The festival attracts a large number of visitors with unique activities such as: professional performances by Aboriginal artists combined with indigenous artists from all over the world, art gallery space, films. , wine and food fair…

3.3. Australians are passionate about sports

According to  Australian culture,  people love sports and have the most special affection for two sports: football and cricket.

In Australia, the two words “soccer” and “football” have different meanings. “Soccer” refers to the type of football that uses a ball. And “football” refers to Australian football, using rugby and can be passed by throwing, kicking or running.

Cricket is a popular sport, often held in park picnics or outdoor parties, also appearing in professional tournaments. Enjoying the exciting atmosphere of a football or cricket match is also not a bad idea for international students to come to Australia.

4. Interesting sharing of international students exposed to Australian culture for the first time

On Youtube channel with 17.4 thousand subscribers, Youtuber Thanh Ngoc AU, who is currently living and studying in Australia, has shared many interesting facts about Australian culture. If you are planning to study in Australia, you should not miss it.

• Not focusing on luxury dress:  According to Australian culture, Australians often choose appropriate clothes for different times such as: going to work, going out .. and do not really appreciate luxury branded items. slag.
• Regulations and deadlines:  International students in Australia must complete assignments on time and without any reason that can justify late submission.
• Australians are independent, like to experience:  Most Australians over the age of 18 go out and start a new life with their own strength, no longer relying on or depending on their family.
• Don’t worry about what others think of you:  Australians enjoy life and respect their own feelings, regardless of how people around them look in Australian culture.
• Work and leisure balance:  In  Australian culture, Australians do not work/study continuously for long periods of time. They are always serious, highly focused to complete the set goals early. Then, they spend time resting, regaining energy, participating in recreational activities.

5. Note to help Australian students easily adapt and integrate

Australian and Vietnamese cultures have many differences. Therefore, in order to easily adapt and integrate in a new environment, international students should note some of the following issues in  Australian culture  :

• Learn about the culture:  Actively learning about the culture before starting your journey to Australia is a way to help you prepare mentally, understand the indigenous way of life and have proper and limited manners. make basic mistakes when communicating with Australians.
• Always on time:  You should arrange a suitable timetable and arrive on time to show professionalism, build trust and sympathy of Australians.
• Stay humble:  Australians live modestly, hating show off. Therefore, according to Australian culture, you should not brag about yourself or appear superior because this makes them feel uncomfortable, unfriendly.
• Avoid mentioning topics that divide Australian society:  Some issues such as refugees, religious views, politics… are sensitive issues that can get you into trouble talking about.
• Avoid excessive controversy or debate:  Australians tend not to befriend people who are too obstinate. Therefore, when criticizing an issue, you need to show a sincere attitude and listen to the opinions of people around in Australian culture.

Hopefully, the above article has brought you interesting features of  Australian culture in terms of people, lifestyle, educational environment, food, etc. Since then, international students are cherishing many plans and ambitions when studying abroad. Coming to Australia can prepare more than enough knowledge and spiritual baggage before starting a journey to explore  Australia.