CULTURE SHOCK!

I was a member of the airport crew, providing service to Jetstar Airways at Phuket airport which operates flights to Sydney and Melbourne. I would tell myself that one day I will visit Australia. 

Finally, my dream has come true and I am very happy to be here in Australia. 

I have visited Sydney and Melbourne and have enjoyed the architecture and art in both places. I have seen snow, farms, mountains and beaches. Last year we spent Christmas and New Year in Hobart and now I'm studying at CIT Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. 

My life is wonderful. But there was a culture shock which makes me say OMG!

Australian slang

When I arrived in Australia, the first thing I saw was the sign in Sydney airport which said G'Day and I thought it was a special day in Australia or some festival in Sydney. It is not.  G'Day means "good day" or "hello". 

The most common Aussie slang words.

How ya goin, How's it going?, How ya doin' = How are you?

Cheers mate = Thanks

Have a good one = Have a good day, night, weekend, etc

Okie dokie = OK

Don't forget to use Aussie slang words to say with the local people :)  


Shops do not open 24/7

In Thailand, the shops open 24/7 such as 7-11, small convenience stores on every corner with many street food sellers and night markets. In Thailand, a lot of activity begins at 6pm and continues until midnight.

In Australia, many shops close at 5 or 6pm, including important shops like pharmacies. You won't find many shops, banks or agencies open on Saturdays and Sundays either.


Summer Christmas 

In my mind, Christmas should be cold weather with snowfall and making a snowman but here there's no snow at this time of year and some Australian images of Santa Claus have him wearing short pants.

When you move to a new country like Australia, you are bound to have a few culture shocks, even within a country like Thailand.



Suriya B.