“The Melting Pot of Australian Culture”

By: Tori Landon

November 10, 2020

When thinking about traveling to a new location around the world, one must
acknowledge and respect the customs and normative values they will experience during an
immersive journey. For those thinking of traveling to Melbourne, Australia, this article may
prove helpful. It focuses on what to expect when traveling there and takes into account cultural
highlights that may ease any reluctance one may have when considering Melbourne as a study
abroad destination.

As a Susquehanna University student, it is a mandatory graduation requirement for

students to study abroad. After much research and consideration, I chose Melbourne, the coastal
capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. While there, I attended La Trobe
University and continued to pursue my communications degree. As an international student, I
experienced a great deal of cultural diversity both inside and outside the classroom.

It was a melting pot of different cultures - one that embraces differences - that
surrounded me. The culture of Australia is similar to our own in the U.S., but rooted in British
customs and values. Australia's culture has a basis of egalitarianism, optimism, authenticity, and
most importantly mateship- an Australian cultural idiom that embodies equality, loyalty, and
friendship.

Australians' surface culture is effortlessly observed in their easy-going frame of mind and
humility. Their conspicuous cultural beliefs were evident in their daily interactions with friends,
family members, or strangers. They are openly caring and always looking out for each other.
Anywhere one goes, it is common to hear ‘g' day mate’.

As Americans, we frequently let busy lives get in the way of family. The noticeable
difference in Australian culture is that the family takes a front-row seat. The strong family values
held by Australians goes beyond the surface and is a fabric of their deep culture. Along with that
celebration of family, they have a rich cultural history and outwardly demonstrate respect for
their aboriginal ancestors.

Beyond the family-centric values, deep Australian culture is evident in their great respect
for the environment. Australians are passionate about protecting their environment. They are
blessed with beautiful rainforests, ample wildlife, and breathtaking beaches. Individuals place a
deep cultural value on doing their part in keeping their country clean and safe. One small but
specific example of this pertains to grocery shopping. Each shopper is expected to bring his/her
bags for groceries. If a person does not have a bag, he/she must purchase one. Bags are not
simply provided as is generally the case in the United States. The monetary consequence is small
but is a reminder to shoppers to do their part to protect the environment. The practice has become
so commonplace that individuals don’t give it a second thought. This seemingly small act
ultimately saves thousands of discarded bags from ending up in refuse piles annually.

Australia’s British heritage and multiculturalism have influenced most of their traditions,
values, and customs, however, there are a few customs and rituals that can be seen as purely
Australian and borne from Aboriginal inhabitants of the continent. A special ritual that I got to
witness is the ‘welcome to country’ ritual performed at many events held in Australia, intended
to highlight the cultural significance of the surrounding area to a particular Aboriginal group.

This welcome ceremony is sometimes accompanied by a smoking ceremony, music, or

dance. During this ceremony the elder member played the didgeridoo, a wind instrument
originated in northern Australia nearly 1500 years ago. These traditions and rituals help to
sustain Aboriginal identity. These cultural practices and ceremonies reference reverence and
respect for the land and the oral traditions that have existed for centuries.

Culture can be reflected in customs, beliefs, laws, languages, values, and symbolic
communication within a society. The culture I experienced while in Melbourne is reflective of
both centuries-old values and practices and those values and traditions brought to the continent
by settlers from other lands. Together they represent a cultural evolution that makes Australia
unique. The social structure of Melbourne is rooted in this evolution and played a key role in
shaping my experience - one of immediate acceptance as a stranger to a new land. My
experiences have forever changed me as a person and they have opened my eyes to how
embracing differences make us better as individuals and as a society.

For further information or questions regarding Susquehanna University's global

opportunity study abroad, programs feel free to contact the office of Global Programs at
570-372-4697 or email them at ​goprogram@susqu.edu​.