The people in Australia are well-known for their attitude towardstheir lives.

The people of Australia believe in living their life to the fullest. It is this motivation which makes Australians a fun loving, courageous, talented, devoted and an adventurous nation. The Australians are also known for their patriotism.

Aussie Modesty

Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else. They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness. Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour. They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do. They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievementoriented. A Multi-Cultural Society

The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent. After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey. This was in response to the Australian policy of proactively trying to attract immigrants to boost the population and work force. In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy and opened its borders to South East Asia. This has caused a real shift in self-perception as Aussies begin to re-define themselves as a multi-cultural and multi-faith society rather then the old homogenous, white, Anglo- Saxon, Protestant nation.

Australian Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette

Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed. A handshake and smile suffices. While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner. Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?'

Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting Gift Giving Etiquette

Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbours on birthdays and Christmas. Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer! If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated. Gifts are opened when received. Dining Etiquette

Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ). Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat! Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a large party. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.

Most of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Australians generally prefer to be treated as individuals. Many people do not represent themselves as a member of a specific class, religion, profession or group. A practical example of this is that most Australians consider themselves to be equal regardless of their education, employment, social and political beliefs or financial position. In your day-to-day life you will see this clearly represented by the participation of both women and men in the workforce. Generally both men and women expect the same rights, opportunities and status. Depending upon your own cultural background you may consider that Australian women are more independent than women of other cultures. This idea of equality generally results in both men and women working even after they are married to support their families. You will also note that many men and women choose not to formalise their relationship through marriage. Equality also allows for informal social relationships between men and women, you will find that many of your new classmates live in shared accommodation both on their own and with friends of either sex.

Greetings
Australian men and women often shake hands the first time they meet. Examples of formal greetings that you will hear are: "How do you do?" "Good morning"

"Good afternoon" Alternatively, in informal situations, such as talking with friends, people will say: "Hello" "Gday" (short for good day) "Hi"

How ya goin? (short for How are you going?) In these situations most people simply respond with Fine thanks or Okay, a nd in some cases they will keep walking past you.

Guide to using names

In Australia first names are most commonly used to address someone. If you know a persons first name it is usually appropriate to use it when speaking to them. Similarly, when you meet someone for the first time it is a good idea to tell him/her your preferred name. Mr, Mrs, Miss: It is polite to address men or women that are older than you as Mr, Mrs or Miss and then their family name (for example, Mr Smith or Mrs Jones). Often they will ask you to call them by their first name once they get to know you better. Ms: Many women in Australia prefer to be addressed as Ms (pronounced mizz) followed by their family name. This term is used both for single or married women in place of the term Mrs or Miss. If you are unsure it is acceptable to ask the person what they prefer to be called. Nicknames: many Australians also use what is known as a nickname. This is often not their real name, but a name given to them by friends because of a physical or social characteristic that is individual to them. It may also be a shortened version of their real name. For instance someone called Matthew may be called Matt or Christine (female) or Christopher (male) may also both be called Chris. It i s not considered offensive when friends use nicknames to address each other; in fact it is often a sign of acceptance or belonging to a social group or network.

Social invitation
If you receive a formal written invitation or an informal invite from a new friend by phone or text, they will expect you to reply quickly. Many written invitations have the letters RSVP and a date on them. In this case it is expected that you will need to advise them if you are able to attend or not by the date; RSVP simply means Please reply. If you have a formal appointment with a Doctor, Tutor, Lecturer or Student Advisor you are expected to be present at the arranged time. If you arrive late it is unlikely that you will be able to attend the appointment because you have missed the agreed time and other people may be booked in after you. Appointments for social activities are more flexible, but it is important to arrive as close to the appointed time as you possibly can, especially for dinner invitations. If you are delayed it is considered good manners to phone the person before the agreed time and inform them when you expect to arrive. It is also often customary to pay for your share of the cost when you are invited to a restaurant, movie or theatre.

BYO (Bring Your Own)

Unlike many cultures, if you are invited to a party it is often BYO Bring Your Own. This means that you are expected to bring your own drinks such as soft drinks or alcohol. If you are invited to a party and you are unsure if it is BYO, ask the person who invited you to clarify this. Many restaurants are also BYO and it is acceptable to bring your own alcohol, such as wine or beer. If you BYO to a restaurant you will have to pay a service fee called corkage. Non-alcoholic drinks, such as juice or soft drink, are usually available. If you have young children it is often acceptable to bring drinks for them in a small container.

Tipping
Tipping is not a usual custom in Australia but a 10% tip in expensive restaurants or hotels is normal if you have received good service. You may also tip taxi drivers or someone who delivers goods to your home. It is not expected, but often people will round up payment to the nearest dollar if someone has been helpful.

Bargaining
Bargaining is generally only practiced on expensive items such as motor vehicles, white goods (such as a fridge or washing machine) or large electrical appliances such as televisions. In these cases bargaining usually occurs when you shop around and compare prices at different shops, and are paying cash. For everyday items, such as fresh food or clothing, bargaining is not practised. There are a few examples in Adelaide where bargaining is practiced on these items, these include street and weekend markets, and the Central Market in the city on a Saturday afternoon.

Queuing
In situations such as paying for groceries at the supermarket, waiting for the bus, or visiting your School, Faculty Office or the ISC you are expected to wait in line (queue) so that the people in front of you can be served first. It is considered extremely rude and impolite to walk or push past other people who are waiting; this is referred to as jumping the queue. You will find formal waiting lines in banks or government offices and again, you are expected to join the back of the line and wait to be served. In places like coffee shops or food outlets queues are less formal. In situations like this the person working behind the counter may ask: Who is next please? You are expected to have noticed who was waiting before you, and wait for your turn.

Alcohol
The minimum legal drinking age is 18. Therefore, you are required to carry identification at venues that serve alcohol. You may be refused entry if you do not have ID. It is also illegal to purchase alcoholic drinks for people under the age of 18. Though it is not illegal to drink alcohol and then drive a car, the limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while operating a vehicle vary across Australian states and territories and for different licence and vehicle types. BAC limits range between zero to a maximum of 0.05g/100mL. It is not worth taking risks with drinking alcohol and driving, because aside from the legal penalties for doing so over the prescribed limits, you are also putting yourself and others in potentially lifethreatening danger. When drinking in a hotel or bar, it is expected that you will pay for each drink as you receive it. The custom of shouting or rounds in Australia means that if a friend or a stranger buys you a drink they will expect you to shout them in return and buy the next round of drinks.

Smoking
Australia has very tight anti-smoking laws. However, they vary across the States and Territories. It is illegal to smoke on public transport, in shopping centres, hotels, government or private office buildings and aeroplanes. Some pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafs may have a designated smoking section (usually outdoors). It is also important to remember that it is against the law in South Australia and many other states to smoke in a private motor vehicle if there are children under the age of 16 in the vehicle. In July 2010, the University of Adelaide became the first university in South Australia to establish an entirely smoke-free campus. Smoking is not permitted in university buildings or facilities, or outdoor areas, including gardens, sporting grounds and carparks.

Gambling
Australia has been known to have a reputation as a nation of gamblers. Legal forms of gambling include bingo, lotteries, poker machines and sports betting. In South Australia we even have a public holiday to celebrate a horse racethe Adelaide Cup. However, as is true in all countries where gambling is acceptable, it is much easier to lose money than it is to win. Gambling more money than you can afford can negatively affect your health, finances, relationships and study.

Rubbish and litterkeep Australia beautiful!

Littering or dropping rubbish in the street, a car park, shopping centre or the beach is an offence and you can be fined. Bins are provided at most council areas, shopping centres, in the street or at the entrance to buildings. Local councils are responsible for keeping the streets clean and collecting domestic or household rubbish. For example household rubbish is removed from bins that people place on the footpath or kerb in front of their home each week. Some council areas even provide separate bins for different types of rubbish. You may find that you have many different bins: one bin for recyclable material, such as paper, glass and metals one for green or garden waste, such as tree clippings

one for non-recyclable domestic waste. If you are unsure about these systems of collection please check with your local Council office for details about collection times for each type.

Mothers, fathers and babies

It is generally encouraged and acceptable for babies to be breast-fed in public. You will also notice parents rooms (or baby change rooms) in major shopping centres, and also in or next to the toilets of government and public buildings. These areas provide facilities for changing nappies and they also provide a space for feeding babies; it is commonly accepted that both mothers and fathers will use these facilities.

Domestic work
In Australia people do not usually have domestic servants or live-in help. Often you will see companies that advertise domestic services such as cleaning, gardening, child minding, or trade work such as plumbing and electrical. The people working in these businesses are generally self-employed and carry out these jobs as a part of their business. If you use these services remember that they do not consider that they are your employees

It is common in Australia for both men and women to initiate social invitations to go on a date. When this happens it is not usually customary to be chaperoned or accompanied by an older person when a couple go somewhere together. While not customary, it is often common for couples that are dating for the first time to be accompanied by friends or to meet at a location where their friends will be, such as a coffee shop, hotel or club. If someone asks you to go out it is common to ask them if any of their friends will be there or if your friends are welcome. Other common practices are for couples to share the cost of a meal or activity when dating. It is also common for your date to invite you into their home at the end of the evening for a drink. Although this is common, you are not obliged to accept this invitation if you are not comfortable or you consider it inappropriate. If you do not wish to accept this invitation and you do wish to continue dating the person, this is an excellent opportunity to politely decline the offer and arrange a time in the future to meet with them again. Relationships vary from a casual friendship to a romantic attachment that may include deep emotional and/or sexual involvement. In each of these relationships in Australia it is expected and assumed that an individual has the right to decide if they wish to have sexual involvement or not. Finally, it is important to understand that there are no set customs or rules in Australia about intimate relationships. Because Australia is a diverse country with people from very different backgrounds the majority of people draw upon their own social, religious, cultural and individual beliefs and values. As a result of this diversity it is commonly accepted that couples living together may be married or unmarried. Because of this diversity it is advisable to be clear about your own expectations when dating and to be open and honest about them with yourself and the other person.