In general, I have not experienced much cultural confrontation here in Australia because it is quite similar to the United States. There are a few small things that have taken some time to get used to however. First, cars on the opposite side of the road was offsetting in the start of my study abroad. I felt nervous and sort of unsafe crossing the street and having to look in opposite directions that I am not used to. After a week or so of walking around, I began to get used to it. In larger cities this isn’t really a problem because drivers are much more conscious of pedestrians. Another thing that I have had to get used to is the service industry here. There is no tipping, so that was strange at first, and sometimes places will ask for a tip so it is hard not to. Also, extra sauces are usually not free and cost a dollar or two. I know this is a very minor inconvenience, but I am so used to sauces being abundant and free! The food portion sizes are also noticeably smaller, but I do enjoy this most of the time because it reduces food waste. I think that speaks a lot towards America’s health and safety values as well. I cannot say that I have had one significant experience with cultural confrontation. There is no language barrier and the demographics here are very similar, so fitting in felt very natural. I will soon begin my internship in Melbourne where I will be living until the end of the semester, so I am sure I will experience some sort of confrontation during this time because I will be settled in one place and have a daily routine. All in all, I have been having the best time of my life!
