Learn more about study options at UC and start your international study journey.
E international@canberra.edu.au
P +61 2 6201 5342
G鈥檇ay and welcome to Australia! Aussies have deep values that are intrinsic to our way of life, and are central to how we as a society operate in our day to day lives.
These core principles include mateship, fairness, respect and the importance of egalitarianism 鈥 the understanding that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Humour, sarcasm and informality are also a big part of how Aussies operate. We鈥檙e sure you鈥檝e heard of a few slang words slip into conversation when chatting to locals before! To help you navigate the culture and etiquette of our country, we鈥檝e pulled together this guide on what to expect when you land Down Under.
Aussies have a direct, yet friendly style of communication. People will speak honestly, casually and informally, but will always be respectful. Slang and humour, often self-deprecating, are a big part of how we speak and are woven into daily conversations.
Common Australian expressions include phrases and words like:
Check out our essential Aussie slang guide!
Like our communication style, greeting etiquette is casual and relaxed. The most common verbal greetings are 鈥渉i鈥, 鈥渉ello鈥 or 鈥渉ey, how are you?鈥 In more formal settings, you are welcome to greet someone by their first name and shake their hand.
Aussies also dress casually in everyday life. However, in the workplace and in corporate settings, many people will dress smartly and will wear trousers, leather shoes and a button-up shirt. In areas around the beach, you鈥檒l find plenty of people walking around without shoes or just in their swimsuits!
Typical behaviour at barbecues and social gatherings is also very casual. When you鈥檙e invited to someone鈥檚 house, it鈥檚 polite to bring a plate of food or a drink. Be open to socialising with new friends, and feel free to ask your host if they need help. At the local pub, many people will take turns buying 鈥渞ounds鈥, meaning you buy a drink for everyone in your group.
In the major cities, many people will prefer to take public transport over driving. Buses and the light rail are the most common modes of transportation around 秘密直播 and it鈥檚 crucial to be respectful of your fellow commuters. Keep any bags within your seat and refrain from talking loudly or playing music on loud speaker. Plus, don鈥檛 forget to thank your driver, if you can!
At the beach, parks and public spaces, remember to take any rubbish away with you and leave the environment how you found it.
While Australia is a very casual country, it鈥檚 important to be punctual and arrive on time to begin your work day and to meetings. Depending on the industry, the dress code may vary so it鈥檚 always a good idea to dress to impress. Aussies respect our colleagues regardless of job titles and positions.
Australians highly value a balance between working and our personal life. Leisure and family time are cherished and many Aussies will try to leave the office on time. Employers will also often encourage this work/life balance as employees are encouraged to use their annual and personal leave.
In the classroom of Australian universities, all ideas are welcomed and encouraged. Like the workplace, punctuality is important so be sure to arrive on time for lectures and tutorials. On campus, many students dress casually and comfortably, and will often address teachers by their first name.
There is mutual respect between students and faculty, with many educators and tutors encouraging autonomous learning, independence and providing an environment to take initiative.
Australia is a multicultural country and as a society, we welcome our diverse landscape which brings new ideas, cuisines and innovation. In fact, it鈥檚 even part of our laws that multiculturalism and cultural diversity is to be promoted.
While English remains the most widely spoken language, over 20% of Aussies speak a second language at home. It鈥檚 important to be culturally sensitive and respectful of various backgrounds, avoid stereotypes, and when in doubt, just ask!
Learn more about study options at UC and start your international study journey.
E international@canberra.edu.au
P +61 2 6201 5342
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of 秘密直播 and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.