Hi, im moving to australia....?

Question

hi, I'm moving to australia with my family in about 8 months. how long do you think it will take me to adjust to the lifestyle and settle in to the aussie way of life? (btw im british)

Answer 1

G'day Oliver

From previous questions I recall that you're 16, so if you're going to school here, it will take you no time at all. Safyre's answer is excellent, particularly about how we love to give poms a hard time. Don't take us too seriously and even more importantly, don't take yourself too seriously, be friendly and you'll be fine. With your attitude, I guarantee you won't have any problems.

Most poms fit in very well here and there's no way you'll be the only one at your school. A small word of warning though: Australians hate people who come here and criticise the place. It's a weakness of ours, so if there's something that's not as good as in the UK, keep it to yourself until you have some close friends who you can trust not to be bothered by the comparison.

If you play a sport, your integration into our way of life will be even faster, but don't worry if you don't. Contrary to popular belief overseas, heaps of Aussie kids never go near any type of sport and prefer to play computer/console games or whatever, so if that's your preference, you'll find plenty of kindred spirits.

Answer 2

Safyre said it all and I am an ex Pom.    

Answer 3

Hi Pom.

First and foremost, I would warn you to be prepared for some serious ribbing.  Aussies (by and large) love to give Poms schtick.  Especially during the rugby, cricket, or any other sport we thrash the Poms in.

But having said that, Aussies only tease people they are very comfortable with.  We are very cordial to people we don't know too well.  So please don't think we're insulting you.  Being teased just means you're a "mate" and that we've accepted you.

As for adjusting, you haven't said whereabouts you are relocating too.  In Melbourne (where I'm from), we have a large enclave of "Brits" down Patterson Lakes way.

The culture is slightly different to the British culture; but you should find it easy to adjust.  Just remember its a BIG country; and a driver's licence is paramount.  We do have good public transport in the major cities; but in the bush (anywhere outside the city limits), public transport pretty much sucks.  And outback (that big, dry bit in the middle), there's NO public transport.

As for our work ethic - it tends to be pretty much the same as a lot of other places.  We work hard, and we play even harder.

You haven't mentioned your age - so I haven't a clue what things will interest you.  But generally speaking, we have all the mod cons... theatre, cinema, night clubs, pubs, casinos et al.  So I'm sure you'll find something that appeals to you.

Things that are different... cable's expensive (and bugger'all choice).  Our hospital system is no where near as in as much schtook as the British system.  Our education system is okay; and affordable.  And its cheaper to holiday within Australia than to travel overseas (except NZ).  We're so far from ANY WHERE... that a quick flick over to Paris for the weekend is simply not on the cards!  And if you like snow ski-ing... go to New Zealand.  Our ski fields are no where near as good as the Kiwis.  (A lot of Aussies flick over to NZ during ski season.)

Hope that gives you some sort of insight.

In short, don't take us seriously... we don't!

Hope Australia is everything you hope it to be.

And welcome to the Land Downunder.

Answer 4

Not long at all if you are British - the key I think is to get involved and make some friends. Joining a sport for yourself or others in your family is a great way to get started, Aussies love sport, but if you're not the sporting type then get involved in something else. Feeling lonely and isolated makes you feel homesick. Really the culture is very similar, you'll fit in just fine.

Answer 5

my tip is dont go sunbaking in the middle of the day like most poms do! ha ha

oh and wear sunscreen every day!

Answer 6

Oh great...another pom!

ha ha nah kidding mate.

Listen if you can take a joke and have a laugh with friends, you shouldnt have any problems fitting right in.

Good luck.