American expat reveals the BIGGEST ‘culture shocks’ she experienced in Australia
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Every country has its own set of values, cultures, and beliefs – so moving to the other side of the world will inevitably lead to culture shocks. But have you ever wondered which Aussie norms may come off bewildering to expats?
An American expat revealed a list of things that have shocked her since she moved Down Under. Tate Duane, with the TikTok username @tatesescape, detailed her struggle with almost everything – from the way Australians drive and speak to the food served in restaurants.
Kicking things off with how Aussies drive on the opposite side of the road. Tate described the change as 'stressful'.
'I have lived abroad before and driven on the wrong side of the road... But for some reason, watching people drive here stresses me out!’ she said.
She added that left turns make her nervous the most and that she struggles with road rules such as not being allowed to turn right 'on red'.
Next on the list is Australian slang, particularly how we often shorten terms: 'Every word is shortened, even if it doesn't need to be shortened.’ she said.
'A lady came in the other day and ordered two caps, and I thought she asked for two cups, so I handed her two cups. She clarified that she wanted two cappuccinos.'
The American expat listed the things she found shocking in Australia. Source: @tatesescape
She also mentioned that the word 'keen' is never used in the US but she has heard it a lot since she moved.
'I think it is so funny. Like when people excitedly text "KEEN" cause they are looking forward to something.’ she said.
She went on to compare US tradies and those from Australia.
'All of our plumbers in the US are stereotyped as older men. Here in Australia, everyone is so young – all of the electricians, plumbers, miners.’
She then approved of Asian food in Australia, but Mexican food was given a thumbs down.
She gave Asian food in Australia the seal of approval. Source: Zafigo
Tate pointed out how British rap and techno music were everywhere, sharing that the experience is 'wild' for an American before moving on to a non-existent critter commonly found in the US: ‘The way that there are no squirrels on this entire continent blows my mind.' she said.
‘How did that happen?’
She then criticised how the use of the ‘C word’ is something many Australians feel comfortable with as it is looked down upon in her home country.
'My jaw dropped the first time I heard it thrown around so casually.’ she said.
Despite the huge list of culture shocks, Tate emphasised that she loves living in Australia. Several Aussies jumped at the opportunity to educate the young traveller in the comments.
'Right on red would take you across traffic and you would die!’ one woman warned.
'What we lack in squirrels, we make up for in possums.’ another added.
‘Tradies here make a fortune so everyone is keen to work in the industry.’ a third explained, while a fourth teased: ‘I’m glad the American knew that Australia is a continent.’
‘Australia is literally right next to Asia hahaha! Of course, we’re going to make better Asian food than Mexican dishes.’ one more wrote.
What are your thoughts about Tate’s list of culture shocks? Do you agree with some of them? What would you change? Let us know in the comments!
Watch the full TikTok video below:
Source: @tatesescape
An American expat revealed a list of things that have shocked her since she moved Down Under. Tate Duane, with the TikTok username @tatesescape, detailed her struggle with almost everything – from the way Australians drive and speak to the food served in restaurants.
Kicking things off with how Aussies drive on the opposite side of the road. Tate described the change as 'stressful'.
'I have lived abroad before and driven on the wrong side of the road... But for some reason, watching people drive here stresses me out!’ she said.
She added that left turns make her nervous the most and that she struggles with road rules such as not being allowed to turn right 'on red'.
Next on the list is Australian slang, particularly how we often shorten terms: 'Every word is shortened, even if it doesn't need to be shortened.’ she said.
'A lady came in the other day and ordered two caps, and I thought she asked for two cups, so I handed her two cups. She clarified that she wanted two cappuccinos.'
The American expat listed the things she found shocking in Australia. Source: @tatesescape
She also mentioned that the word 'keen' is never used in the US but she has heard it a lot since she moved.
'I think it is so funny. Like when people excitedly text "KEEN" cause they are looking forward to something.’ she said.
She went on to compare US tradies and those from Australia.
'All of our plumbers in the US are stereotyped as older men. Here in Australia, everyone is so young – all of the electricians, plumbers, miners.’
She then approved of Asian food in Australia, but Mexican food was given a thumbs down.
She gave Asian food in Australia the seal of approval. Source: Zafigo
Tate pointed out how British rap and techno music were everywhere, sharing that the experience is 'wild' for an American before moving on to a non-existent critter commonly found in the US: ‘The way that there are no squirrels on this entire continent blows my mind.' she said.
‘How did that happen?’
She then criticised how the use of the ‘C word’ is something many Australians feel comfortable with as it is looked down upon in her home country.
'My jaw dropped the first time I heard it thrown around so casually.’ she said.
Despite the huge list of culture shocks, Tate emphasised that she loves living in Australia. Several Aussies jumped at the opportunity to educate the young traveller in the comments.
'Right on red would take you across traffic and you would die!’ one woman warned.
'What we lack in squirrels, we make up for in possums.’ another added.
‘Tradies here make a fortune so everyone is keen to work in the industry.’ a third explained, while a fourth teased: ‘I’m glad the American knew that Australia is a continent.’
‘Australia is literally right next to Asia hahaha! Of course, we’re going to make better Asian food than Mexican dishes.’ one more wrote.
What are your thoughts about Tate’s list of culture shocks? Do you agree with some of them? What would you change? Let us know in the comments!
Watch the full TikTok video below:
Source: @tatesescape
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