Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Brisbane, Australia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Brisbane

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

No but my family has been travelling within Australia for 6 months before we decided to stay.

GeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

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?

NA

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

Yes I had read how different it is here.

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

I found it quite hard even though I have a child at school. I moved to a very white church dominated area. I'm an Indian Brit.

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?

I got so annoyed that the shops don't sell the same selection of things as back home. I felt very down and lonely for months at first and missed home and family so much. I just wanted to meet like-minded English people.

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. Lack of self confidence, anxiety, increased eating, frustration, jealous of my husband going out to work and homesickness.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Not the culture but the country is beautiful and the wild life, birds, plants, trees, flowers are amazing. The fact we are no more than an hour from a beach.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Finding food shops that are good and products we used all the time at home.

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

No I didn't. I'm not sure that is possible with Australians they are so laid back.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

I would find a group of friends on here or any other similar site and make friends to help you settle in.