While I couldn’t wait to do all those things, the more I thought about it, the more frightened I became at the idea of managing all that while also trying to keep up with studying.

Many questions started to pop into my head. Which courses should I be taking? How do I get around the university campus and the city centre? Who do I speak to if I need help? Where can I find cheap or discounted items?

Throughout my four years in Australia, I have reflected on how I would do things differently or what advice I would give to others in order to fully appreciate this thrilling and worthwhile experience as an international student.

What is it really like being an international student?

Living abroad can be a very challenging experience. You are separated from your friends and family and must adapt to new ways of doing things to fit in.

Sometimes you may feel that you have lost your cultural identity.

Every international student will have a different experience living and studying in Australia and what one student finds challenging might be a breeze for another. Some of the most common everyday struggles you are likely to encounter when studying overseas include the following …

Experiencing culture shock

Culture shock is definitely what most, if not all, international students will encounter. This refers to the feeling of unfamiliarity with a new culture and social norms when living far from home.

There is no correct timeframe when it comes to making a cultural adjustment – it all depends on your ability to adapt to a new social, academic and cultural context.

I really didn’t expect culture shock to affect me so early but noticed some indications that I was experiencing it including withdrawing from social activities, experiencing a lack of motivation, as well as stress and loneliness.

I’ve been through all four stages of culture shock. Sometimes it can be very frustrating when you think that you have successfully beaten it and then, when you least expect, it reappears for some time. I learned to make peace with it by thinking of it as a normal phenomenon and something that I can talk with other people about.

Fitting in and settling down

Part of culture shock is feeling like you don’t fit into your new environment.

At first, you might find yourself feigning interest in activities that locals enjoy.

During my first few weeks after moving into university accommodation, my roommate invited me to a party. I remember trying to have fun but realised that it was not the kind of thing I enjoyed. I was only doing it because I wanted to fit in and make some new friends. I decided that if I was feeling uncomfortable, I didn’t have to continue doing it.

It was a decision that helped me discover that I much prefer a casual lunch with good food and good company. Pretty soon I found some friends who enjoy the same thing, and Friday lunches soon became a tradition! Australia’s coffee culture has become almost obsessive so getting yourself regularly caffeinated is another positive step you can take to fit in.

Once you find an activity that you are comfortable with, you will begin to settle.

Dealing with homesickness

Even if you manage to quickly settle down into a new city and a new routine, homesickness can start to creep in.

What I have learned is that missing your home, the people, and the culture, is okay and absolutely normal.

When it comes to feeling homesick, you are not alone. Even domestic students who come from interstate also experience homesickness. It’s important to stay connected with your loved ones and your heritage, while also looking for opportunities to experience new things and explore new places.

My ability to cope with all these challenges comes down to acceptance. I accepted that I am away from my family and old friends. I accepted that I now live in a new city. I accepted that things are different from home.

Try to cultivate an open mind and take some risks.

Survival guides

To help ease your transition into a new Australian city, and one that you will hopefully come to regard as your second home, I have collated some of my essential survival tips derived from personal experiences.

1. Australian culture

While you may have strong English language skills, something you may not have accounted for is Australian slang. Try to familiarise yourself with a few common expressions.

Do you know about Australia’s history, laws, geography and etiquette?

Reading more about your host country gives you a better understanding of how it operates. It can also be a topic of conversation for that helps you integrate more easily.

Take advantage of your city – whether you are based in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth – by visiting local attractions. If you’re based in Canberra, a trip to the War Memorial, Parliament House and the National Gallery can help you learn more about Australia’s history and culture.

2. Studying

Make sure you know in advance what courses you should be taking. You can do this by referring to the semester study plan spreadsheet available from your college. Stick to that plan and contact your college Dean if you are having trouble selecting courses.

International students are required to enrol full-time and complete a minimum of 24 units per semester (4 courses per semester, each course with a value of 6 units).

Student central or student administration services are available to help you manage your study programs. There are also student-run organisations or associations that you can contact with further enquiries.

For textbooks and materials, the Co-op Bookshop is the place to go. It is the largest retailer in Australia and located right on campus at each university. Textbook exchange Facebook groups are a popular way to buy pre-used books. StudentVIP is also a great website to find cheap textbooks and tutors.

3. Employment

One way to get the most out of your university life is by getting a part-time job. It’s a great way to build your network and to develop the kind of practical skills and experiences that future employers look for in a potential candidate.

A student visa generally allows international students to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during a university semester and unlimited hours during a holiday break.

Write a resume and cover letter and arrange a Tax File Number (TFN). Your university Careers Centre can help proofread your resume and prepare you for an interview.

To avoid the possibility of being exploited by an unethical employer, make sure you are aware of your basic workplace rights, such as minimum wage and basic employee protections.

Seek, Found, Ethical Jobs and Indeed are popular job search providers. Most universities also have their own job search websites.

Put your best efforts into your job and aim to impress your supervisors and managers because when it comes to finishing up your studies, you can ask them to be a referee for you. It’s also a great way to build relationships that may lead to future opportunities.

4. Housing and accommodation

The prospect of moving to an entirely new country can be terrifying thought, so choosing accommodation that best suits you and your personality is critical to ensuring that you have an enjoyable experience. For personal safety reasons and easy access to study facilities, I chose to stay in a private apartment on campus.

Walking to a lecture or a tutorial also gives me an excuse to get some exercise.

If you are not confident cooking for yourself, you might prefer staying at a residential college which has a variety of meal options available. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, an off-campus share house is also an option. Try searching Flatmates for shared accommodation options. Local Facebook groups in your city are also a great way to find a vacant room with like-minded students.

5. Budgeting and finance

Living on your own for the first time means that you are responsible for managing your budget.

Open a bank account by applying online or by visiting a local branch. Most Australian banks have a mobile app or online banking options where you can easily track your spending.

I tend to personalise my sub-accounts by labelling them according to my monthly expenditure. For example, ‘food, ‘renting’, ‘tuition fees’. Living Expenses Calculators can also help you identify the average amount you may need to allocate in each account.

If you enjoy online shopping, you will love UNiDAYS which offers a range of discounts from major brands, exclusive only to students.

6. Getting around

If you’re having trouble finding your lecture rooms or where to buy food, the free mobile app Lost On Campus has got it all. It consists of maps and images of lecture halls, nearest toilets and even vending machines.

For bigger adventures, Google Maps is your new best friend. The app now includes public transportation guides that can help you decide which bus or train you should take to get to a specific destination as well as which route is the fastest.

The Australian Government has compiled public transport information for each state and territory if you are eager to learn more about the best way of getting around.

If you prefer to avoid public transportation, riding a bicycle is ideal for most students to get around campus and the city. They are affordable, excellent for your health and good for the environment.

Conclusion

Like domestic students, being an international student comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Keep in mind that there are a number of resources out there to help you settle down in a new place, so take advantage of them.

To those who have just started their degree in Australia – good luck! You have a fantastic and exciting journey ahead of you. To those who are half way through or almost finished their studies – keep going! The end is near and graduation day will come around faster than you imagine!

Links and resources

• Comprehensive international student guides are available through Insider Guides here.
• Each Australian university generally has its own international student guide/handbook either in print or online. Look them up on your university website.
• The Australian Government also has further useful information relating to visas, changing your courses, and scholarships.

“Society is itself an education in the extrovert values … and rarely has there been a society that has preached them so hard”- William H Whyte

In Australian culture, those who are talkative are generally perceived to be more intelligent than quiet ones. Quick-talkers are also considered to be more appealing and more capable than slow talkers. When working in a group, for example, we tend to gravitate towards and follow the opinions of the most vocal. As a result, valuable ideas suggested by the less outspoken people can often be overlooked.

Within universities, for example, most courses require tutorial participation as part of your final mark. Students with extrovertial qualities are often in a better position to actively engage in group discussions, voice opinions and achieve higher participation marks. Similarly, in some industries, potential employers require applicants to undergo personality tests to assess suitability for a position and your ability to gel with company culture. In many cases, extroverted applicants are at an advantage.

But there is a clear difference between being able to speak well in a group or in public and having sound leadership qualities. Good talkers do not automatically possess good ideas. Sure, being able to command a room is a valuable trait, but it is easy to mistake confidence with ability.

Since surviving in a world filled with extroverts can sometimes feel overwhelming, here is an insider’s guide to better understanding yourself and embracing your inner introvert.

What Is It Really Like To Be Introverted? 

• You Dislike Crowded Places  

You enjoy going out with a group of friends to parties or gigs but often feel anxious to get home and recharge your battery. It may take several days, weeks, or even months for you to be ready to socialise again.

When it comes to social interactions, you tend to prefer intimate one-on-one conversations over group sessions because within this space you can easily express yourself without fighting to be heard. It may also be difficult for you to find people that you genuinely like and feel comfortable with so starting off with one person makes it easier for you to get into a good social flow and warm up to a few more.

• You Loathe Small Talk

You let out an internal exasperated “sigh” whenever people ask you what you study or where you grew up.

While extroverts are happy to chat at length on pretty much any topic, you think that small talk is an impediment to establishing a deeper and more meaningful level of friendship.

You strive to discuss, debate and engage on topics such as life, big ideas, theories and other interesting subjects.

You place a high value on the art of listening since this is your way of showing respect and appreciation for who you are communicating with.

For you, it is often the case that these seemingly casual conversations morph into meaningful and lasting friendships. 

• You Think Before You Speak

Think, think, think.

You never stop thinking. Your head is full of thoughts and ideas and you tend to choose your words carefully before communicating them aloud. Whereas extroverts tend to think on their feet and formulate an opinion as they are discussing it, you need time to quietly weigh the merits of each approach.

Once you have had time to process your thoughts, you can then clearly communicate exactly what you intend to say.

• You Express Yourself Best In Writing 

Writing through texts or emails gives you the time and space you crave to clarify your thoughts.

Sometimes you find it difficult to talk to people without thinking about what you want to say first. You just don’t want to feel embarrassed if you end up saying the wrong thing!

Writing is an excellent reason for you to spend time alone where you can brainstorm ideas and put your creative plans into action. In general, introverts work best when they work alone.

• You Are Observant Of Your Surroundings

Since you observe the world before interacting with it, you practise a greater awareness of your surroundings than most people. You remember small details about others because you want to really know who you are interacting with.

Although this is the case, you normally guard your own personal space and select who you want to speak to very carefully. By being very observant, analysing before you act and not letting people in easily, you avoid many negative or toxic interactions.

At this point, you are probably asking yourself – how can I survive and thrive in a world filled with extroverts?  

Launch Your Own Startup Or Pursue Something Creative

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, spent many hours working alone on a prototype which enabled letters to appear on a computer screen through a keyboard. He believes that groundbreaking inventions are not made by committee members but instead by artists who work best alone.

Introverts prefer to work independently and solitude can be a catalyst to innovation” – Hans Eysenck, an influential psychologist.

Since introverts perform best in solitude, use your alone time to discover your authentic talents, unleash your creativity and build something you are passionate about.

This could take the form of starting your own online business, authoring a book, using your skillset to work as an online freelancer, starting a niche blog and becoming an expert in your field, or even creating an app.

Learn How To Say No

Never be afraid to set boundaries and say no to meetings, or any other gatherings, that you don’t want to attend.

Go easy on yourself – the wonder of technology means that many things can be taken care of without the need for a face-to-face meeting. In the long run, you will be glad that you prioritised your own needs over others.

Remember that you don’t have to experience that uneasy feeling in your stomach when you agree to do something out of obligation and social propriety.

Stay Connected

Digital communication is a fantastic way to stay connected with your friends and family.

For introverts, social media is a perfect way to talk to lots of people without ever having to leave the luxury of your room.

Talking to ten friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Skype throughout the day is nowhere near as daunting as catching up with ten people in the same room. It is also a great way to boost your confidence and practice your social skills for when you engage people face-to-face. 

Enhance Your Communication Skills

Instead of focusing on the disadvantages of being an introvert, dedicate your energy towards developing your existing skills and abilities.

If you are an introvert, you are probably a great thinker. This does not necessarily mean that you hate public speaking – some of the best leaders and public speakers in the world are introverts. What it does mean is that you are more inclined to present your ideas, whether in a study group, tutorial or work meeting, clearly, succinctly and accurately.

Using your incisive thinking skills, you can convey your core message without the need for expansive dialogue. Presenting ideas as shortly and sweetly as possible can minimise the opportunity for people to engage, challenge or start a discussion.

When It Comes To Finding Your Authentic Voice

“Be yourself, because an original is worth more than a copy.”

You don’t have to worry about not being the most vocal in a group or not possessing the best presentation skills.

Our personalities are not static, which means that as we go through adulthood we often change and develop depending on our experiences. While right now you may be on the extreme end of the introversion spectrum, in five years time, after working in a challenging professional environment, you may find that you have become a borderline extrovert. The same principles apply to extroverts who can often become more introvertial with time.

The bottom line is that being an introvert is not an obstacle to success or achieving greatness. Introverts have an important place in this world so remember to embrace your introversion!

Further Information

You’re not the only introvert who has doubted yourself or wondered where they fit in. The following inspiring books about famous and highly successful introverts are a great way to understand yourself and your strengths better:

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Susan Cain takes a scientific view of introverts in a society that grows louder everyday. This book is full of real and memorable stories about successful introverts. Among them are Steve Wozniak, Dr. Seuss and Rosa Parks. Quiet helps empower introverts to understand themselves and to change the way others see them.

• The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World by Sophia Dembling

Similar to Susan Cain’s book, the Introvert’s Way encourages introverts to accept their nature and traits. Although extroverts outnumber introverts, living an introvert’s lifestyle is not wrong in any way.

• Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe

In her book, Laurie Helgoe asserts that introverts gain power and energy through reflection and solitude. Introverts see the pressure to enjoy parties, and other interactions as a problem rather than an opportunity. Therefore, she encourages introverts to use their traits and inner power to their fullest advantage.

• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Jim Collins tells the story of Darwin Smith, the head of Kimberly-Clark, who transformed the business into the leading paper company in the world. This book tries to make a point about the value of quiet leadership and how this characteristic of leaders enables them to thrive in comparison to extroverted leaders.

**The list of books above is not exclusively for introverts. Most extroverts can find value in a better understanding of introverted personality types, how it differs from their own, and be in a better position to enjoy more harmonious relationships with family, friends and colleagues.

Are you an introvert? What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in a world dominated by extroverts? Share your experiences below!