During my time in Australia, I learned a great deal about the culture and its approach to both personal interactions and business practices. One of the most notable aspects that stood out to me was how laid-back and relaxed everyone seemed to be. This attitude extended across all my interactions, but it was particularly apparent during presentations by business speakers. Unlike the more formal tone I’d expect in the United States, the language used by Australian speakers was incredibly casual—some even used swear words during their talks. Similarly, their dress was more relaxed; business casual seemed to be the norm, whereas I would have expected business professional attire in similar contexts back home.
Another significant observation was how environmentally conscious Australians are—something I expected, but not to the extent I experienced. I anticipated a general concern for wildlife and the environment, but their commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in their culture. For instance, all the cutlery I encountered was made from recycled bamboo, plastic grocery bags came with a fee, public transportation was widely used, and the cities were highly bike-friendly. Additionally, nearly every company I encountered had detailed plans to become carbon neutral within the next 20 years. This level of environmental awareness and dedication far exceeded my expectations.
These experiences profoundly impacted me and changed my perspective. Witnessing such a unified effort—from businesses and politicians to families and individuals—was inspiring and has encouraged me to take a stronger stand for the environment. The issues that threaten Australia, such as climate change and environmental degradation, are not unique to the country but are global challenges. Seeing firsthand how Australians work collectively to protect their land has motivated me to adopt similar values and prioritize sustainability in my own life.
Ultimately, this experience has shown me the importance of embracing a more relaxed yet intentional approach to both business and life while fostering a deeper commitment to global environmental efforts.
