About Australia

Multiculturalism is Australia's main social policy. Although English is the national language, many languages beside English are spoken in Australia.

At times people think of 'Australians' as Anglo-Australians. However, a large number of people from a variety of other backgrounds are also Australians. This means the population of people in Australia come from a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds.

Communicating

If you have not lived in an English speaking country before coming to Australia, you may have difficulty communicating with other people, even if you have studied English for many years in your home country.

Don’t worry, this is very normal, and with time your English skills will get better.

Find useful tips to improve your communication skills in English.

Adjusting to a new environment

When you arrive in a new country, you may experience a wide variety of feelings and reactions as you adapt to the new environment and culture. Some people may feel confused, nervous, irritable, uncertain or dependent on others.

If you do experience these things, then you are probably experiencing what is called culture shock.

Find useful tips to make your transition to a new culture easier.

Making friends

When making friends, someone has to take the first step and it usually takes time and effort for a friendship to develop. Friendships take time to grow - don't let a few disappointing experiences discourage you from making close, lasting friendships.

Try to take advantage of any opportunity to meet people, for example in student groups, through where you live, in classes, in clubs or at campus events such as film nights, rock concerts, etc.

Join Mates@UQ and engage with other students at variety of different social and sporting activities held throughout the year.

Find useful information about friends and relationships.

Australian Customs

You may receive an invitation to a Barbecue be asked to "bring your own steak or veggie patties". This seems strange to most international students but it is an acceptable way to entertain. Buy a steak or patties at the supermarket (they come neatly packaged), put it in a bag and give it to your host when they greet you at the party. If you are asked to "bring a plate", this means "bring a plate of food" as a contribution to the meal - don't just bring an empty plate!

Find useful information about Australin customs.