InterNations Featured Blog
Recommended Expat Blogs: Melbourne
Everybody who has spent time in a different country knows that expat life is not quite like anything else in the world. The confusion of the first few days and weeks, the slow, but steady process of acclimation, the little peculiarities and quirks that might strike you about your new surroundings: almost any situation you encounter can make for a great story. If you are so inclined and want to blog about it, of course!
Our InterNations recommended blog section features talented expat bloggers from around the world. Their offerings to the blogosphere have been selected for their great entries and high quality, whether they may be funny, informative, interesting, deeply personal or a combination of all of the above.
Let’s hear from our featured bloggers in Melbourne:
Ryan and Laura: When in OZ
I think we were prepared. There are always things that pop up here and there that even planners like ourselves couldn’t anticipate or cover it all. So at risk of sounding cliché, we wouldn’t change a thing. It’s all part of what has made the experience as wonderful as it is.
Christine: Australian Family Hendricks
For us, Melbourne seems a perfect blend between European culture with their passion for all things beautiful, and the North American ease and accessibility.
Christie: The Plunge Down Under
When we had been living in Melbourne just a few weeks, I went to the post office to send a package back home. I became flustered and could not count out the correct amount of coins needed to pay the clerk. She was impatient with me, and finally asked, “What is wrong with you? Are you a kiwi?” I later realized that being called a kiwi is almost an insult, but my neighbors helped me see the funny side of it, and we shared a good laugh.
Tina: Back Pages
I didn’t plan on staying in Melbourne—my original “plan” for Australia was to travel for a while then land somewhere in the outback to do an outdoor job. However, Melbourne is a charming place and once I was there, I didn’t want to leave. If I had known that I would be staying there, I would have done more job research and found a place to live right off the bat.
Cosette: Stumble Down Under
Life in Australia is different in many small ways. My carbon footprint is lighter – we recycle more, we compost, grow some vegetables, and people seem more concerned about water and energy conservation. I shop at markets and buy fresher foods now. But I’d say the biggest culture shock is how much more expensive life is here. And driving on the left side of the road.
Julie: fivedownunder
We came without jobs and found the job market much more difficult than we thought it would be. Melbourne is a town with a heavy emphasis on personal connections. If we could have a “do-over”, we would have worked on building our networks much earlier before we moved.
Jan: The American And The Brit
The bad: I miss my family more than ever. They are so far away. Shopping here isn’t as good as in America and everything is super expensive. But salaries are better here so I guess that makes up for it.
I didn’t really experience culture shock – except I kept looking in the wrong direction for oncoming traffic. I found Australia to be the same as America in a lot of ways.
Are you an expat blogger and would like to be featured here? Get in touch with us!
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