I have never heard of an American suffering culture shock in Australia. Even though Australian language, customs, social attitudes, history, politics and society are different to USA, you shouldn't find much trouble settling in. Just don't expect Oz to be a replication of USA. It isn't.
My American brother law and I had some trouble with each other's accents when we first met, but we soon got used to the differences. Australians tend to be more relaxed about life than Americans, and we certainly do not esteem our prime ministers as you esteem your presidents.

You will be shocked at the cost of living and the cost of housing. I am, too. We have Medicare, one of the world's best national medical health insurance systems. Likewise for our national, compulsory superannuation scheme. Contributions to both come from your salary.

I strongly suggest you have a job arranged before arriving in Oz, because the cost of living is so terribly high. Petrol, tobacco and alcohol are dearer than in USA. You may not bring any food or plants into Oz, due to quarantine restrictions. Unprocessed meat, fruit and vegetables are relatively cheap. So are second hand cars.

Read as much about Australia as you can before arrival. Like USA we have a large migrant popultion. Don't worry, you'll enjoy Oz.

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Hi Ferran,

1) I've spent about 4 years total in Australia, as a graduate student and living/working. I experienced culture shock about 1.5 years in. The novelty wore off and I fell into a period of being annoying or disappointed by everything. It's not the same as when you live in a place with a new language and vastly different customs. It hits you more gradually. Australia is very different, but in subtle ways. Not really a way to prepare for it except to keep reminding yourself that it's different.
2) I work in a different field than you do. I'd suggest searching expat forums with specific job boards to ask this question.
3) How the CV and cover letter are put together. Standard Australian spelling.

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My two cents:
1) No big differences, but everything is a little different and overall these add up. Best to just expect nothing will quite be same and roll with it. Some differences will be better, others worse.
2) Again, differences will generally be minor, but numerous. Biggest out of gate: avoiding 'tall poppy' syndrome - Americans are expected to be loud, a bit arrogant, etc - best approach with Aussies is humility and respect for different ways of doing things Down Under.
3) For me, it was everything required to set up a whole new life in a new country - banking, doctors, taxes, real estate, insurance, etc., etc., etc. That said, after being here almost 4 years, it doesn't seem like a foreign country at all anymore.

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