This virtual study abroad program exposed me to several cultural differences present between the United States and Australia. One of the more apparent differences is variance in the food palette. Many diet options in Australia are healthier and include more vegetables. More variations include the lack of fast food options and how expensive the cost of living is there. These distinctions make Australia’s cultural environment unique and distinct from other western countries.
I learned about how business is conducted in Australia and how it varies from the business environment in the United States. There is a difference in approach to work-life balance, with there being more time spent with the family and not working. Businesses address these social pressures by keeping the working week within their 38-hour work weeks and not surpassing it. It was also interesting to learn about Australia’s unique business environment companies have to function in while the country’s international borders are closed. This is especially true in the tourism industry, where native Australian’s are ‘discovering their own backyard’ due to only being able to vacation within the country.
I always assumed Australia had a very similar environment and lifestyle to other western countries such as the United States. But due to its location and unique history, Australia boasts its own novel culture. Americans and Europeans unintentionally overlook Australia with it being across the world; however, the country flourishes with a strong economy and acts as an influential figure in the Asia-Pacific. It’s essential not to forget the country’s pivotal role in the area it operates in.
In addition to all of the above information, I also learned about some interesting facts from my classmates’ presentations. The most significant difference that surprised me was that kids in Australia have year-round school. I assumed that school systems followed a similar schedule to the United States one, but clearly, that assumption was incorrect. I also learned that although they were the first people to inhabit Australia, the aboriginal people only make up three percent of the population. Also, I discovered that Holland imports tulips from Tasmania and that Tasmania have the cleanest air in the world.
While the virtual aspect of this study abroad was undoubtedly different from what I initially anticipated my experience would be, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned from this unique cultural exposure experience. If the choice between a virtual study abroad and taking another international credit arises, I would recommend engaging in the virtual experience. I learned about many different areas regarding Australia in both business and culture, and I believe I have grown and widened my sustainability lens from this experience.
