Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
An Austrian who moved to Australia shares her experiences with culture shock. Unfortunately, she hasn't grown to love life in Australia and finds younger locals superficial and self involved.
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Melbourne
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No, didn't think I needed to. I had met Australians abroad.
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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?
I speak English.
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
A little, but not really.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
Drastic.
Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?
The honeymoon stage was brief . After 2 years here I am still in the irritation-anger stage.
What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.
Depression, social isolation.
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Few
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Superficiality, materialism, ignorance. Particularly young people = self-involved.
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
no
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
If you don't like it somewhere, move away!
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