AUSTRALIA - THE MAGNETISM CONTINUES
Aussies
And Us
Socializing - We're All Mates Here
Doing Business Down Under
Living In Australia
Residency Requirements
By Ruth
Halcomb
Australia is a modern,
rich nation with a per capita income comparable to that of the U.S. and a solid economy. Abounding
in natural beauty and resources, it has very little pollution and a variety
of different climates, some similar to California.
What it doesn't have
are problems of population density. About 18 million people occupy an
area about the size of the continental U.S. It boasts long life expectancies
and a low infant mortality rate. Its social programs include excellent
education and health care. No wonder Australia holds considerable fascination
for people on the other side of the globe.
Although Americans
frequently speak of Australia in superlatives, they may be attracted to
the land down under for the wrong reasons. Some, after meeting Australia's
difficult residency requirements, even pull up roots and go with very
little knowledge of what they'll find.
Australians are astonished
by our ignorance. David Mosler and Bob Catley from the University of Adelaide,
report in the book, America and Americans in Australia, that Australia
draws U.S. expats from both sides of the political spectrum.
They write, "Social
democratic migrants focus on attributes of the United States associated
with its weak welfare system, inadequate health care violence, and general
conservative social and economic structures." (Note: Health care costs
in Australia are only 8% of GDP and everyone is covered, while in the U.S.,
they amount to 15% of GDP and many remain uncovered.)
Americans who see
the U.S. as a society in decline, leaning toward socialism, come to Australia
for its safer, drug-free environment. However, they object to Australia's
strong centralized government which they see as being intrusive. They
find that Australia has high taxes, strong unions and generous welfare
system, also that crime is on the increase.
Yet many stay. Australia
may not be ideal but they find it preferable to the U.S. They usually
admire the straightforwardness and honesty of Australians, and they like
Australia's great outdoors. Some marry an Australian, or find
a home or a piece of land they cannot bear to leave.
Aussies
and Us
One theory about
our differences is that while the American frontier called for rugged
individualism, Australia's harsh terrain necessitated cooperation and
team work .Class differences
derived from wealth are less marked than in the U.S., and the gap between
the rich and poor is narrower. When Australians take taxis, they may ride up front with the driver. Tipping not only isn't necessary; it can be taken as an insult. Yet, for all that's said about egalitarianism, however, social classes exist, separating white collars from blue
and private from public school graduates. Australia's schools are more
like England's, and old school ties matter.
Although Australia
has made an effort to show respect for its native peoples, some racism
exists. A black American who was at first mistaken for a local found she
was treated better once people learned she was an American.
Not that being American
gets you far. Several studies show Australians are ambivalent in the way
they feel about Americans. Mosler and Cately explain, "In the politically
correct climate of Australia in the early 1990s, prejudice against Americans
-- and the English -- may well have been the only socially acceptable
form of ethnic bias."
Try as you may to
blend in, an American accent will give you away. These authors note, "with
the possible exception of Canadians no one else speaks like a Yank." Some
Americans reported difficulty in advancing in jobs. The most common form
of discrimination was "a pervasive sense of not belonging" or of "otherness."
But many expats have
positive experiences. According to a 1993 study, the majority of 302 migrants
from the U.S. were satisfied and did not experience discrimination, while only
25% felt some dissatisfaction.
Socializing
- We're All Mates Here
Australians are quick
to use first names, but it's best to wait and take the cue from them.
"Sir" is used but "mate" is used even more often. Men say "mate" to each
other and women use it with other women.
Australians don't
invite people to their homes easily. If you are invited, bring wine, chocolates,
flowers or folk crafts. The evening meal is tea, served from 6 to 8 PM;
supper is a late snack.
They respect
people with different opinions and love arguing. A good topic of conversation
is usually sports. Don't ask questions that might be regarded as too personal,
and avoid mentioning what things cost.
Australians have
no problem saying "no." They can be painfully blunt at times yet reserved
at others, which may throw a relationship off balance, as George W. Renwick
writes in A Fair Go for All. He writes that they may be "quiet or taciturn when the emotions
they are experiencing - of pleasure or of pain - are deep." Don't worry
as long as they're talking, but when they become quiet, watch out. That's when
there could be a serious problem.
The Aussie brand
of English is peppered with unique, colorful expressions. Be cautious
about using them until you fully understand their context. Also, avoid
using the thumbs up sign as in hitchhiking. Men should not wink at women.
Doing
Business Down Under
Modesty and casualness
carry over into business. Whatever your awards, distinctions or academic
qualifications, play them down, and don't make a big deal about your job
title.
A presentation filled
with hype will put them off or arouse their derision. Australians may
make fun when you're being serious, and if this happens, take it in stride. They want
the facts and don't need a lot of details. They follow rules and respect
the chain of command, so the decision-making process may take longer.
When invited out
for drinks with a colleague, don't bring up business unless your host
does. Australians take work and play seriously, and don't mix the two.
At a pub, each person pays for a round of drinks. Don't miss your turn
to "shout for a round." Business gifts aren't given, however. Business
dress is similar to North America but women wear skirts more.
Living
In Australia
On the other side of the equator, of course, the seasons are reversed. Summer is December to February, autumn is March to May, winter is June to August,
and spring is September to November.
Most of the population
is clustered in coastal cities and their sprawling suburbs. Australians
like living in single-family homes on fairly large lots. Most do not have
servants. As Ilsa Sharp explains in Culture Shock, Australia, it's a do-it-yourself
culture. It is also a lifestyle that depends on automobiles.
Residency
Requirements
One fifth of the
population was born outside of Australia, nevertheless, getting into the
country as anything but a tourist is difficult. Australia has
many different types of residency, all of them governed by a complex point
system. The younger you are, the better educated, the more money you bring
in -- the greater your chances.
If interested in
immigration or residency, find out early in the game if you qualify by
contacting the nearest Australian consulate. Or see www.immi.gov.au,
Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Resources
For Australia
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