A nation lush in ocean and wildlife, everywhere you look, there is something new to see. Australia is the only country that is also a continent, and the sixth-largest country in the world at that. Australia is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, which can be seen from space! The blue ocean that stretches on for eternity, the famed Sydney Opera House, and Uluru, the dramatic rock formation, are just a few things calling your name in Australia.
There are also supremely adorable animals like koalas (which actually are not bears, but marsupials), kangaroos and platypi, all native of Australia. Australia is also home to the outback, a vast, unpopulated area of the country.
Location and Demographics
Australia is located in the Pacific Ocean, and is the sole occupant of its own continent. Australia consists of seven states: New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territories, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. New Zealand and Fiji are nearby, but there is so much to do in Australia, it’s hard to travel elsewhere! Various bodies of water surround Australia, including the Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea, and the Coral Sea (where the Great Barrier Reef is located). Australia has a population of over 22 million people, though the cities never feel incredibly crowded or as if you will be swallowed in hoards of people.
Climate
Australia has a climate that perfectly matches its people – bright, sunny, and shining. It is a sunny, dry country with seasonal rain. In summer, Australia is the perfect beach place – hot with little to no humidity, bright sunshine, and not a cloud in sight. As it moves towards the winter, the temperatures begin to drop, as rainfall increases. The best time to travel to Australia is during the summer, when it is prime beach weather and you can grab sunscreen and a towel to take in the beautiful coast.
Language and Currency
“G’day mate! How about some shrimp on the barbie?” This is the stereotypical way people think Australians talk. They commonly think that Australians speak an almost different language, which they refer to as an “Australian accent” or “Strayan accent.” While they certainly have their slang, it is not that much of a stretch from the way Americans speak. This list of ten popular Australian slang terms will help you get started.
- Mate: Friend
- Barbie: Barbecue
- Arvo: Afternoon
- Bikkie: Biscuit
- Brekkie: Breakfast
- Fair dinkum: True, genuine
- Takeaway: Take out
- Uni: University
- Whinge: Complain
- No worries: Not a problem, you’re welcome
It’s entirely possible that, when in Australia, you will hear all of these words, some of these words, or none of these words. Aussies in different places use different slang, just like in the United States.
In terms of currency, Australia uses the Australian dollar. Its denomination are similar to that of American money, but there are also one dollar and two dollar coins, which it is important not to forget. You could think you’re running on no money when there is twenty dollars worth of gold coins lying around!
Food, Culture, and Activities
At first, Australian food is difficult to distinguish from American food. It has a lot of the same characteristics, but Australians food is richer, less processed, and more creative than anything found in America. The food certainly is reminiscent of American and British food, but there are many other cultures that find a home in the cuisine of Australia. There are tons of Thai restaurants, possibly four or five on one particular street.
Ethnic food is amazingly true to itself rather than attempting to merge with Australian entrees. One thing you will find in Australian supermarkets and on many menus is kangaroo. While it may sound crazy, to Australians, it is much like venison meat.
Australian food doesn’t seem to have a well known reputation but there are certain items that are directly associated with the country. One is a chocolate biscuit called a Tim Tam — chocolate wafers with chocolate cream filling dipped in chocolate. They are available in almost any flavor you can think of, and Aussies love this bikkie! Fish and chips are an absolute must when at the beach. It’s not an Australian original, but when the sun is warming your cheeks, the only thing to do is have some fish and chips. Lamingtons are another popular food, and they are considered the “National Cake of Australia.” This is a sponge cake covered with chocolate icing and coconut.
Vegemite is a rather infamous Australian food, and if done right, does not have to be the stuff of nightmares. The trick is that vegemite (which is a concentrated yeast extract) needs to be put with butter on toast, not eaten off a spoon. Be warned, it may look like it in the jar, but it is not Nutella. Some other foods that Australia is known for are Pavlova (a meringue cake), meat pies, and fairy bread (white bread with margarine and sprinkles).
There are no nicer people than the Australians.They are kind and welcoming to the people around them, will strike up a conversation with anyone, and are incredibly inviting. They will constantly ask how you are enjoying Australia, and will likely provide clues for some local favorites to try. The students are very, very involved in their studies. They create amazing discussions, really work hard, and genuinely want to learn.
Although dedicated to their studies, Australians definitely live a “by the beach” mentality. They are very laid back and things do not easily ruffle their feathers. Australians are big sports fans, whether it be cricket, rugby, or Australian Rules Football. They are loyal to their teams, creating cheers to sing every time there is a goal.
Studying Abroad in Australia
Studying abroad in a country so vibrant and rich in culture allows for students to experience surroundings that, while similar to that of other English-speaking countries, are also vastly different. The Australians are certainly some of the kindest people you could ever ask to meet, and it makes studying there a true pleasure.
Staying in a dormitory is the typical form of housing, whether it be in a dorm room itself or in an apartment with other international students, as well as domestic students. This allows the opportunity to live with locals, and an even better insight into the country.
Many areas of study are popular and some have an Aussie twist. For example, English brings in American and British literature while also including Australian literature, something not found elsewhere. Sydney has a great music program with a Conservatorium located not far from Darling Harbour.
Australia is a bright, sparkling, vibrant country that is just waiting for more people to explore it. No matter where you study, there is no doubt that time down under will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.