Observing cultural differences in Australia

When you travel to a foreign country and everyone speaks English, it is easy to be deceived about cultural differences. But after hearing the Australian perspective on anything from politics to daily life, it has become more obvious that Australia is really a world away. \nProstitution is legal here, not because it is a condoned profession, but for purposes of monitoring the selling of sex. The business of prostitution is unionized to enforce rules such as age requirements and frequent testing. There is even a program in which heroin addicts can legally shoot up in a controlled environment where they are watched for a period of three years while receiving counseling to overcome the addiction. The reason behind the practices is to make the country more safe for Australian citizens.\nAnother custom that isn't part of the Australian way of life is tipping. While Americans have adapted to a lifestyle where certain professions depend on tips for their primary income, Australian employment policies have set a standard wage rate for each job, and tipping is never expected. When a man buys you a drink in a bar in Australia, get ready to return the favor. If someone buys you a drink, regardless of your gender, it is considered rude not to buy them a drink back. This is called "shouting." I have found this custom a lot harder to get used to than the idea of not having to add tips to services.\nIn New York City, I would never think about getting in the front seat of a taxi cab. It is just habit for the passengers to sit in the back. Cab drivers sometimes even consider it rude in NYC if a passenger comes up front. While in Australia, my American friends and I assumed the taxi cab seating situation was the same. But in my class, I found out cab drivers here find it offensive when a passenger will sit in the back. It is considered an obnoxious action. Because our cultures are so different, I have found people jump to conclusions, which are really just misconceptions.\nClasses here are different in a few ways. Teachers don't expect students to raise their hands; there is a more laid-back, conversational atmosphere. My teacher, or as Aussies call them, my tutor, held me back after class and said he noticed I raised my hand a lot that first week. I asked why that was a problem, and he told me it was not necessary to do in the schools here.\nSurfing is more of a way of life here than anything. Kids learn to surf at a very young age and it becomes their favorite pastime. Almost everyone I have met here surfs. Because Australians learn so young, they look natural out in the waves. For us Americans who have tried to become skilled surfers, we just don't look as graceful.\nIn general, Australian culture is just more laid-back than American culture. Time never seems to be an issue. Appointments, classes and even movies don't start when they are scheduled. Dinner is considered a night-long event here, so if you don't ask for your check, you will never get it. Australians just aren't as uptight, and they live in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps this is why I love the Aussie culture so much.