Planning a a new adventure is arguably one of the most exciting things to do with your free time! But no amount of Googling or YouTube videos can truly prepare you for how you’ll feel when you arrive in a country on the other side of the world for the very first time.
The culture-shock can hit you the moment you step off the plane, or gradually creep up over days or weeks. And as much as humans love novelty, you’ll soon be searching for the familiar. If you happen to find a community of people from your home country living in Australia, you’ll naturally be pulled towards them like a magnet - no matter how much you swore you’d stay away! This community will provide you with stability, solidarity, and support. But getting engulfed by what you know is a sure-fire way to miss many of the amazing opportunities waiting for you.
Finding your place in a new society can be challenging, but follow these five tips and you’ll be calling Australia home in no time.
Tip #1: Embrace the culture
“When overseas, you learn more about your own country than you do the place you’re visiting” – Clint Borgen
Every culture is different, but no one is better than the other. You’ll discover aspects of Australian culture that you love, you’ll come across things that you hate, and you’ll find some that simply confuse the hell out of you.
There’s nothing wrong with comparing Australian culture to your own – surprisingly you’ll quickly discover a lot more about yourself and where you come from - but embracing the culture of the country you’re in is a choice you get to make.
Learn about the history, attend cultural events, try the local food – and yes, that means Vegemite! Enjoy the thrill of being in a place you know nothing about and accept things as they are without labelling them as good or bad.
Tip #2: Learn English
“Everyone smiles in the same language” – George Carlin
Putting yourself out there can be hard. Yes, you may ask for soap instead of soup, or feel embarrassed when you confuse kitchen with chicken. You may be laughed at or treated like a child by people who speak only their mother tongue. But what you have to say is important, and you’ll only find the right words through practice.
Speaking English is the easiest way to connect with other people outside of your own nationality, and it is instrumental in making you feel at ease. Attend English classes, and pay attention! Then use the tools you’ve been given on the streets. Talk to as many people as you can, as often as you can. Sing the lyrics to your favourite songs out loud, and watch TV without subtitles. Do whatever you need to do to improve your English - just a little bit, every single day.
Tip #3: Get involved
“You don’t want to look back on your life and realise that you successfully managed to stay out of it” – Robert Breault
There are endless ways to create connections and networks in Australia. List the things that interest you and join a club or organisation with that focus. Most sports clubs have teams from beginner to professional level – why not try something completely new? If you want to push yourself even further you could join a book club or attend events at your local library. Discover which volunteer organisations operate in your area and spend a few hours each week or month giving back to the community - not only will it make you feel good but you’ll grow your networks along the way.
Tip #4: Make an effort
“Success is the sum of small efforts – repeated day in and day out” – Robert Collier
Today we get everything we want instantly with the push of a button, we have grown so accustomed to instant gratification that we have forgotten what it means to try. But the real world is not the Metaverse - generating a sense of belonging takes time. Work towards your goals by committing to them in ways, on a consistent basis. Cultivating new relationships is like caring for a plant. You can’t force it to grow, but you can provide it with the perfect conditions to blossom. Have a short conversation today, share a meal tomorrow, and watch as your connections grow into friendships day by day.
Tip #5: Be open-minded
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did” – Mark Twain
Travelling and migrating is all about taking risks and exploring the unknown. Use this time to try things you’ve never imagined and entertain ideas you’ve never thought. Try saying yes instead of no, and give things a go before you judge them! It’s important to stay safe when you’re living abroad, but don’t be afraid to embrace the opportunities you come across and try to think of difficulties as challenges you can overcome.
Settling into a new home takes time, and patience is the key. But with the right mindset and attitude, you’ll gain unbelievable benefits from your Australian adventure! Take it day by day, step by step, and make yourself at home.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for the future
“I think I’m quite ready for another adventure” – Bilbo Baggins
Whether Australia is a temporary phase in your life, or you’ve decided to put down roots and settle in for the long-term, 4Migration can help you find your way. Book a consultation and tell us your story, so we can help you turn your dreams into reality.