It is an attention-grabbing expertise to be an Australian within the UK, and I nonetheless generally discover it shocking how large the variations between the 2 nations are, given how comparable they’re. As somebody fascinated by the cultural distinctions and distinctive traits of nations all over the world, I’m significantly conscious of how I really feel defines my private expertise of the UK as an Australian. After speaking to buddies from each locations, I feel there are some attention-grabbing comparisons to make that transcend Vegemite and Marmite (though the previous is clearly higher), as a result of, crucially, a big a part of any migrant expertise is to attain all issues. you took residence solely after residing life with out them.

Earlier than coming to Cambridge I had visited UK usually as I’ve dad and mom who dwell in London so I believed I knew what life was like on this nation comparatively properly. Nonetheless, I did not actually understand how my Australian outlined me till I began to introduce myself to folks right here by saying, “Hello, I am Alex, good to satisfy you! I am from Australia. ”It is fascinating how one thing I had by no means considered earlier than shortly set me aside from the remaining – I’ve usually heard folks say“ Alex from Australia ”or“ Alex. the Australian ”to make clear which Alex they have been speaking about.

“An enormous a part of any migrant expertise is doing every little thing you took as a right in your personal residence solely after residing life with out them”

Since arriving within the UK, I’ve realized how a lot my childhood and teenage years in Australia have formed who I’m. Rising up surrounded by nature in a rustic that locations such an emphasis on out of doors residing, I by no means totally discovered how a lot I cherished it till I moved to England.

Usually once they discuss to Brits about Australia, they instantly point out sizzling sunny climate, and admittedly that is not only a cliché. An energetic life-style is so essential to the work-life stability of Australians, and personally I’ve not often thought of how particular it’s to dwell in a rustic that provides numerous seashores heat sufficient to be visited. all 12 months spherical, or the place delicate winters inspired actions corresponding to out of doors winter morning brunches with buddies – a staple of any Australian weekend routine. As I recalled such issues, I spotted how even one thing so simple as the climate can affect one’s life-style so strongly. Lounging by the ocean surrounded by a top quality wine and eating scene is one thing I actually miss about residence. Extra concretely, classes in solar security, secure seaside swimming practices, days when wildlife consultants would come to our college and present us completely different species of snakes, lizards and spiders and we even compelled to maintain some (sure!). it is all a part of each Australian’s childhood. To me all of it felt so regular, till I spotted that within the UK it simply is not a part of lots of people’s schooling.

It goes with out saying that every nation has its personal practices and traditions, and clearly every nation brings its distinctive customs. Having lived in France and Hong Kong earlier than, I anticipated the UK to be much more just like Australia given our shared historical past, however little issues like this acquired me very focused on character. distinctive to every nation.

The biodiversity of Australia is one thing I actually miss – having the ability to take a highway journey by numerous distinctive landscapes, taking you to gorgeous seashores, by gorgeous rainforests and unimaginable desert landforms, all throughout the similar nation. Australia’s laid again and laid again tradition is definitely not a fable, and to be sincere, I by no means gave it a lot thought earlier than coming to the UK. Whether or not it is in customer support, or simply the overall vibe on the streets, it is true that we Australians have a sure laissez-faire perspective to life that does not translate right into a faux smile, however merely the expression of a sure carefree perspective which is typically rarer in the UK.

“Having grown up surrounded by nature in a rustic that locations such significance on the outside, I by no means totally understood how a lot I cherished it earlier than transferring to England”

That being stated, for me the UK is a historic heart and is so wealthy in cultural sights it presents, that are uncommon in a rustic as trendy as Australia. My hometown is dominated by skyscrapers and a vibrant youth scene, however the UK has its castles, museums and architectural wonders that transport you to a different period – Cambridge itself embodies that. I personally admire the UK for its proximity to Europe, and though I miss my residence throughout this pandemic time, I’m very grateful to be the place I’m. Particularly as an individual fascinated by European cultures and languages, it’s superb to dwell someplace the place it’s so straightforward to have a weekend overseas. For Australians, a visit to Europe is a good journey booked for a summer season trip, conserving airfares in thoughts, a stopover someplace in Asia or the Center East and the journey over 24 hours. The UK’s place because the capital of the world, together with simply having the ability to simply stroll by lovely streets with centuries of historical past, positively offers this nation a particular place in my coronary heart.

Having studied right here for nearly two years now, it is humorous to listen to folks right here and in Australia say how a lot I’ve modified. In fact, the accent is the very first thing that involves the minds of many – even after I first arrived a lot of my British buddies advised me I did not look very Australian and that they would not have guessed if I hadn’t I did not inform them. Now my buddies again residence cannot cease commenting on how so English I sound after I name them, and it is humorous how such variations make me so conscious of the little issues every nation defines itself by. In the end Australia is my hometown and the nation that made me who I’m in the present day. I’m so grateful for all of the experiences I had there, however I additionally admire every little thing I’ve realized residing on this new nation, so completely different from mine.