Reading time: 2 minutes
In this episode of I’m at Curtin, Now What?, Ravish and his fellow hosts go on a deepdive on Australian culture through food. Beyond the cuisine, Ravish shared some big culture shocks when he first arrived in Australia.
From unexpected conversations in elevators to people walking around barefoot in shops, Ravish’s intro to Aussie life was full of surprises. If you’re a new international student wondering “Is this normal?” This one’s for you.
-
The accent? stronger than expected
Ravish knows that Australians speak English. But he didn’t realise how fast, casual and full of slang it could be.
“I used to work in customer service, and I couldn’t understand a single word sometimes. I’d just laugh, smile, and say, ‘Have a good day.’” He admits this strategy almost backfired when a customer told him a tragic story… and he accidentally laughed.
Lesson? Give yourself time. The Aussie accent grows on you. And yes, it’s totally okay to ask someone to repeat themselves.
-
Barefoot in the mall?
One of Ravish’s biggest surprises? Seeing people casually walking barefoot. In shops, on the street, basically anywhere.
“Where I’m from, it’s seen as unhygienic,” he says. “So I was pretty shocked at first.”
It turns out it’s not unusual for Aussies to kick off their shoes, especially near the beach or in warm weather.
-
Everyone talks to you (like, everyone)
Coming from a culture where people keep to themselves, Ravish was taken aback by how social Australians can be.
Whether it’s a stranger saying “hi” on the street, a quick chat on the bus, or someone making conversation in the lift, Ravish wasn’t used to all the small talk. At first, it was overwhelming. But now?
“I love it,” he says. “It’s way better than what I was like before. I used to be really shy and introverted, but coming here pushed me to open up.”
What to Expect (and Why It’s Worth It)
Feeling out of place at first is totally normal. For Ravish, the cultural shift pushed him out of his comfort zone, but it also helped him grow.
Tip: If you’re a new international student, take it slow and soak it all in. Say hi back. Try the things that feel unfamiliar. You’ll be surprised how quickly they become part of your everyday life.
So if you’ve just arrived in Australia and you’re thinking, “Why is everyone barefoot and trying to talk to me?”, don’t worry. Ravish was just as shellshocked. But like him, you’ll soon find that these little cultural quirks are what make your uni life in Australia unforgettable.
Ravish and the gang get shocked with Aussie Cuisine!
If you thought that barefoot walking and strong accents are the only thing you have to get used to, just wait until you try the Aussie cuisine!
Ravish and his fellow hosts play a challenge where they see which one of them got the impostor Aussie dish.
Watch more ‘I’m at Curtin, Now What’
Have you ever thought to yourself… I’m at Curtin, now what?
Well, IACNW is devoted to busting the secrets of student life at Curtin, Perth and beyond! Watch the new season starring Aakanksha, Musa, Kristel and Ravish on YouTube!
This article, alongside Season 2 of ‘I’m at Curtin, Now What’ is proudly powered by Medibank. Check out what Medibank can do for students here.
