5 things I wish I knew before moving to Australia from America alone in my 20s
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Watch this before moving to Australia!
Do you want to move as an international student to Australia? I left America to move alone in my 20s for Australia to do my Masters Degree! I moved on a student visa and am currently on a graduate work visa. I lived in Tasmania the last two years and am in the process of moving to Melbourne!
Here is a list of things I wish I knew before moving to Australia from the USA. There are so many differences between Australia vs America. I would love to chat more with you in the comments or a future video if there’s things you want me to specifically address!
Have you ever noticed any of these?
Check these out if you want more culture shocks content!!!
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00:00 intro
00:58 you will be stereotyped
02:40 banking is so much easier
03:47 so much less waste
04:22 health insurance is so much easier
05:14 i don’t stress as much about finances
05:31 so much easier for life as a student
06:02 higher wages
07:35 having a retirement fund
09:13 less hectic way of life
10:41 doesn’t take criticism well
12:10 less acceptable to voice your opinions - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
Thanks for coming to Oz. We need more people who love to be here and who contribute to the land of OZ. I hope all goes well in your time here. And who knows, you may just like to stay for ever? Mike
thank you so much! it’s so nice to feel so welcome
Agreed
Australia is the only country that has a nett migration from the US to Australia, every other country, more people move from their country to the USA....hummmm...
@@ya33aAmerican loves Australia for sure: similar climate, culture, lifestyle but a lot more laidback, convenience and less stress.
@@k.vn.kless gun's
My son went to the US as a 15 year old, as an Exchange Student. In the US they couldn’t understand that “taking the piss” out of someone is an indication of affection.
Yep if mock u we like you if we are very nice and polite we don't
Being Australian means being made fun of, it means you've done something right
Yep, we just ignore those we don't like. If we take the piss out of you, we see you as one of the tribe.
try telling that to the aboriginal community
Yes, it's a white privilege thing, unfortunately. Things are getting better, but far too slowly.
@@mremington8 stop bringing race into it I have a Aborginal work mate and i take the piss out of him and he takes the piss out of me so leave that shit behind
@@daviddean8198 Its not a white thing its a Australian thing stop bringing race into it
Welcome, take the insults with a grain of salt, their just internet trolls. I am 6th generation Australian and 65 years old Please stay as long as you please.
I worked in the US for 10 years in Georgia and thought the people where very smart and friendly. (Built Race Engines for NASCAR)
Howdy, fellow 6th-genner. 🤜🤛
i never comment on videos but this is… such a specific thing that im going through as im also in my 20s 😭 ive been on a WHV here from USA for the past 6 months and fell in love with it. the ultimate goal is to move here on a permanent resident visa then citizenship one day. love to you and one day it would be cool to meet up! cheers from a fellow yankee down under
In case no one else says it. Welcome. The process is a hard one but we would love to have you among us permanently.
Unfortunately the process with Aussie immigration is complex but hang in there, we need lots of young people. You are part of an increasing number of Americans.
Don't take negative comments too seriously. Americans are generally well liked in Australia. You are perfectly hold and entitled to hold and express views about anything. Some people are oversensitive abt criticism, ignore them.
Welcome!! I hope it works out for you with your residency and citizenship. My best friends are new Australians from France and Holland.. i was lucky to be born here, but It makes me very proud and happy that others want to call Australia their new home. 😊
I misread your last line as “yanked downunder” 😂 fitting either way. Welcome to Oz. Wishing you the best with your dreams of citizenship.
Thank you for pronouncing Melbourne correctly. Tassie is BEAUTIFUL, I could so live in Strahan on the North West Coast.
it’s so beautiful!
@@krystal5887 Melbin, Melbun etc. Just not Melbourrrrne or Melburn lol
It's can be a bit of a fallacy the Melborn thing. I was in Pt Canaveral (near Melbourne Florida) a few years back, jumped in a cab and the driver asked if I was going to Melburn. I asked her about her pronunciation and she said many Americans do say Melborn, but those in the South East USA would normally call it Melburn.
I visited Tas in 1996 and have longed to live there ever since. Sydney born and it's too bloody hot here lol
I love love Australia and have been here for 40 years. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for loving Australia too.
Oh Wow, I arrived in November 1984 myself. AWESOME!
My wife of 11 years is American, she loves it here in Australia & has never wanted to return to the U.S since arriving. Happily married for 11 years now.
I came here in 1972. I've never been back, nor do I want to.
Our healthcare used to be a lot better than it currently is and so did our education. And housing. We still have issues here for sure, but overall I don’t think we fall into that ‘hustle culture’ consumerist trap quite as much. We value family and free time and hobbies and enjoying the landscape a lot more & that means more balance in general. Very cool to see smart kind young people making the move! My parents came here from Scotland and I’m so grateful they did. I haven’t been to Tassie but it’s on my list for those beautiful Jurassic park looking rainforests! ❤
Oh but
I LOVE Scotland!
I think not having tip culture is one of the things that helps that. Getting paid like nothing and hoping for tips.
My wife and I travelled to the U.S. a few years ago and we were treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. I found that most people in L.A were a bit abrupt but when we travelled down to San Diego and into Arizona and Neveda we were treated with utmost courtesy. I could not get used to being called Sir. Don't worry about the trolls you get them everywhere. a common joke up here in Qld is that Tasmanians or Teswegians as they are commonly referred to are a bit behind the rest of Aus. I have known a lot of Tassies over my 73 years and they are great people. Keep up the good work Ashleigh. I thoroughly enjoy your vids. P.S. Love my coffee too.
Queenslanders of all people thinking Tassie is a bit behind. 😄
I went in 2014 and the most shocking think was. I came a cross a round about in the USA in New Mexico.
@@user-bf8ud9vt5b as a Tasmanian i was thinking that lol
Gonna show this to my fiance later as she's less than one month away from moving to Australia on a Work and Holiday visa and we plan to move to a partner visa within the year once we both have the amount.
Thankyou for being open and honest. When I emigrated to Australia in the mid 60s there was no internet or social media. Back then if I made a negative comment about some aspect of Australia, I wouldn't get trolled and told to go back home. I might get an argument, or asked to give reasons why. But nowadays it's easy to be nasty online while hiding behind an acronym. My comments are headed with my full name. And yeah I cop mean replies from time to time. But I'm in my mid 70s, so do you think I care? You are in one of the best countries, and Australia suits you. You will make a good Aussie.
thank you!!!
Wow, I was not expecting to hear that you came to Tasmania first. I'm from Tasmania and lets just say that we are a very isolated and not so common place. I'm up on the north-west coast in Ulverstone. By the way don't pay any attention to the judgement or stigma, most people don't have any malice behind it. If they do then they are just straight up trolls and not worth your energy. You are such a happy and vibrant addition to our nation, wishing you all the best here! Just a side note, you are more than entitled to have an opinion about any place you are living, studying and paying taxes in! No place is perfect, Australia is a young country and could stand to benefit from constructive criticism!
$11USD an hour!!!! Thats only $16AUD, wow we really have it together here in Australia, no one in their right mind would work for $16 an hour. I currently have a casual night job & get $33 an hour MINIMUM. ❤
Great video, & welcome to Aus!
when i was at uni in the 70's ,i was doing some prac work and got $10 for a 12 hour shift driving a tractor ,for 72 hrs/week
Warehousing pays between 35 n 45 an hr (That's driving forklifts though) it's honestly a crap industry though tbh.
I'm actually trying to get out of it. But yeah I wouldn't consider anything less than 30 as u just can't survive on anything less.
US free market and they won’t pay a basic living wage like many other countries.
11 bucks per hour is disgusting.
Yanks are out of their mind
I'm a doctor in the UK and get paid 16aud / hour... its so bad
Im tired and Living here at Las Vegas Nevada United States 🇺🇸. Australia 🇦🇺 is the best Sydney ❤
Hiya Ashleigh, don't put too much thought into the negative people here, or anywhere you are. Just enjoy life and living here in Australia. We, as a country are lucky to have you here enjoying our (hopefully soon to be yours too) beautiful country. You're a very brave person moving so far form what you knew. I'm pretty confident the longer you stay, the more you'll fall in love with being here. Goodonya!!!
I’m so so sorry you have to deal with all those hurtful stereotype comment. as an Australian it makes me sad stay strong 💪 Australia ❤ you.
Your last point kinda relates to your first one in that criticism on a topic that Aus is often told it does better at than the country of the complainer quickly results in them being told where to go.
If an Australian insults you, it shows that you're accepted/liked. We usually choose stereotypes that we know aren't real so we don't really offend by choosing a more sensitive personal topic. I'm 'insulted' for my (just under average) height.
Check that maybe that's what you are experiencing.
Um, no.
@@seaofghosts Um, yes.
It depends on the tone, which is why I suggested they check, and the type of people with whom you associate. No one I know would deliberately insult someone for their nationality, but I know plenty who would have a shot in fun.
@@Bellas1717 Um, no. Don't justify rudeness and bigotry although I will add that it's not exclusively an Australian trait. My hunch is that the author of this video would get the same stereotyping if she visited elsewhere.
I'll also add that teasing among intimates is not the same as coming from strangers.
@@seaofghosts I’m certainly not justifying rudeness and bigotry. The fact that I said "shows you're accepted" and "check that" should show that this is not a justification of rudeness and/or bigotry. Perhaps you missed those qualifiers?
I’m suggesting to *check* that it’s not the decidedly Aussie trait of teasing, before taking offence. That give and take banter can happen quite early on in a casual friendly relationship, in a group setting especially - doesn’t need to be intimates, although we love kind teasing in my family. It's not a generational thing, in my experience, because it's common when my workmates associate socially, and we span generations, but it may be a location thing - we're in Sydney.
You are 100% correct. I traveled to your beautiful homeland a lot when I was working and I found most people in the US to be so nice and welcoming. Except for the accents ordinary people there were no different from ordinary Australians. Because of what is reported on the news Australians get a very slanted view of the US. I personally do want you to stay here because you add a positive influence here and are so damned nice.
thank you!
@@coffeeenut Being nice costs you nothing it's something so many people have forgotten today and you are so inoffensive even when you critique us. I worry for my country sometimes when I see some of the comments made here and on Facebook
Hi Graham, I hate to sound negative but, 5000 crime related shooting deaths,70 odd mass shootings already this year, is news and fact, I don't have "slanted" views because of the news , My views are formed because of what's actually happening . I'm really not sure what you're trying to say ?
I have a lot of friends in the USA, I wouldn't live there if you payed for my entire existence there....
@@MickH60 Yes but all you hear and see is the negative side and as you say I also have a lot of American friends and I wouldn't live there either because of their lax gun laws but that doesn't make it a bad country there are still a lot of good people. The point is most people don't take a measured view they just take what the mainstream news gives them. Is that clear enough for you? And their population is around 334 million so that helps put it in perspective also.
I live in Europe, and my country is sort of transitioning from paper bills to digital ones....like, most heating, water and electricity companies still send bills to your home in paper form, whereas ISPs, mobile operators and banks have apps and/or websites for you to manage everything directly online from your phone or pc.
Love the view through the window. Welcome to our country and wish you well. Stay safe.
thank you! it was a gorgeous airbnb on the Tasman Peninsula
I'm 6th generation Australian with a staunch family history and I've been blessed with working with the U.S. Military on exercises so you'll never hear anything negative about your old home from me or mine. Boston Rules!
As an Australian, I will say welcome to Australia and I am glad that the experience has been mostly positive. Unfortunately, there will always be haters, it is just a part of being human. Yes, Australia is not perfect. No country is, but as you seem to have found out, Australia does have more positives than negatives. As a bit of advice, if you think of every Australian state as a different country, it does make it easier to understand Australian mentality. Because of the small population and size of Australia, every capital city has developed its own unique culture. As I am from Adelaide south Australia I do have some strange habits like adding an extra "r" to words, Adelaide is also a very small city so we tend to be more relaxed and take things a little slower. Personally, I use the bpay system to pay my rent and utilities, my rent I have taken out automatically, but I manually pay my utilities, I find that the easiest way for me. When it comes to the superannuation system you can withdraw your money earlier if you are in financial hardship or if you decide to move to another country, there will be fees involved but that is just because governments love taking your money. Always remember that life is too short to take it seriously, so have fun because nothing else truly matters.
Thanks for the video. I moved to Australia from the US 50 years ago, but have younger friends overseas who may yet. Good comments. When visiting Japan I found you can't open a bank account, and getting a SIM card for a mobile phone was a beaurocratic nightmare with lots of paper (private company). Australia is a lot easier that way.
i didn’t know that about Japan! crazy!
You are so welcome here Ashleigh and have great insight. Thank you for coming to Australia
Congrats on making the jump to oz! There are always things we can do better here, no doubt about it. But there are a lot of things to celebrate about this country. I think we strive to find a balance to the UK and US systems. Be assured you are very welcome here, work hard and reap the benefits!
I’m sorry people have said negative things to you either online or in person. You seem like such a nice lady. Everyone has the right to have some criticisms about various things and aspects in life that they have come across or experienced
I don’t think it’s just an Australian thing when people are hostile about visitors criticising things or even just commenting on differences. I was watching a video recently of an Australian girl in the states and she was literally just noting differences about how things work (like simple things about differences in recycling and rubbish or people having flags up) and the backlash was awful. I was actually really shocked. I think it’s a universal thing that people feel like they can say things online that they would never say in person.
Been to America and Canada so many times with my late wife ,who came from Vancouver, never had a bad moment in both countries,manners so well breed into Canadians and Americans ,fond memories of both countries,thankyou for visiting Australia.
Canadians are Americans too
I hope you enjoy life here, on the whole things are very forgiving and laid back as far as life goes. You'll make a lot of friends the more you mix, our job situation is a blast, after only 6 months I had 8 work mates out of 13 who work where I work. I just wish you all the best for the future
I just got back from Boston and NYC in Jan, first time I ever went overseas. Very interesting differences, your observations on another vid about tipping and coffee culture and service defintely resonate. I think its cute to note that a) you've developed australian uptalk and b) you pronounce melbourne the same way we do. You're half way to being an aussie already! :)
Tasmanian here, Some pot kettle blackness. Also, I do not do criticism well. :) Americans can be very prickly if you say something about them, the nation or the physical landscape. It used to also include saying anything nasty about the president, but those days have now passed. Aussies have no problems bagging out pollies even if we voted for them. Tasmanians are very precious about our rock. Even the ones destroying forests love Tassie forests. Even the ones that leave for the mainland still feel connected to Tas. We do do a strong connection to place.
I have been told to go back to where I came from too. Mother's family arrived in the 1850s and father's family arrived here before WW1. Those awful people are just a sign of the times. Sad. Also we won't all fit in Rift valley.
We don’t expect you to know a lot about Australia, but that’s ok. Glad to have you here. What do you think of tap and go, even on your phone now they tell me. Health insurance much cheaper here also. I wish you well good luck.
Born and bred in Australia and love a lot of it and I have criticisms of a range of things. You’re of course entitled to your opinion and to present it respectfully. Trolls be trolling unfortunately.
Don't take it to heart we give shit to our friends and we love them
yeah the people who cant take criticism are called "" wankers"" and australias unfortunately still got its fair share of those all in all you seem a lovely girl and if some people cant give you a fair go then thats on them and its quite frankly un australian so just carry on doing what youre doing, ignore the wankers and welcome to australia
thank you!
Definitely don't forget to sort out your superannuation if you decide to move back to the US or another country. The fees can really add up over time if you're also not paying attention to the investment performance.
That said, hope your move went well and are enjoying Melbourne!
I'm on the tail end of three weeks in oz (and three decades ahead in age), and all this rings true. My company is kiwi but I have the opportunity to relocate to oz if I want to, so I figured I'd take a look on my own dime. Some things look pretty good, but others really don't. If I were to look through the eyes of 30-years-younger me, it'd look pretty good, and I trust the people here to welcome you and let you make a place here... there's a lot of room to run. With my present-day eyes it's looking like more a toss-up. Good on ye for taking the leap, Ashleigh. Keep at it. Thanks for making this piece. Nice to have your perspective.
Welcome 2 Tassie❣️
Thank you, Ashleigh. Our superannuation system was established in the early 90s by the Labor government at the time. It has become one of our treasured national institutions - much like our public health care system, Medicare, established by the same Labor government (even though there was a leadership change in 1990) nearly ten years earlier. I hope you haven’t had too many opportunities to enjoy the benefits of our health care system. ☺️
Unfortunately there are politicians trying to make our health system more like the U.S. 🙄 I can't even fined a bulk billing dr anywhere around werribee Victoria, 60 bucks every time I need new scripts for my medications 😳
Dunno about that, most people I know under 35 think super is a scam. The fees are just ridiculous. If I had a choice I'd put the money into term deposits and would make a better return and no fees.
@@patronza That depends on the super fund. Mine does very well with very low fees. Like everything in a free market, it pays to shop around.
Most countries have subsidised retirement accounts like US 401K/IRA. But the Australian super system is not typical. There are no common policies between Commonwealth countries - all the countries are totally independent, it is just a historical club.
Most Anglosphere conservatives would really hate Super and ours - they regard it as impounding people's money and taking away choice. But despite efforts the conservatives here have been unable to roll it back because there was enough time to get it bedded down, it's popular and people's savings are involved.
There is a problem with Super and unfortunately it happens at the beginning of the accumulation phase when young people are switching jobs and not really paying attention. I've argued that everyone's Super should go in the Future Fund until they're 30 (by far the best return compared to Industry or Private super) and once they hit 30 they have a year to transfer it out to a Super fund they've done some research on. At 30 people are starting to think about their future, unlike their twenties. It's also a better deal for the Super funds because you're transferring a large chunk of funds and the administration cost to investment is a lot lower. Doing it that way means that there's a substantial reduction in the fees and charges when you're building your balance.
The thing is though, If super didn’t exist you wouldn’t be getting that 12% paid to your salary, you just wouldn’t get it at all. The employer has no obligation to pay it to you.
Count your blessings Ashleigh. You have so many good things happening to you. Have a wonderful life, it’s all up to you! 🙏☮️
Hot tip: if you put extra money into super it's only taxed at 15% (up to a yearly limit of $27,500).
Yes that is a very good idea if you can manage it❤. Once I pay off my mortgage I will be doing so.
Or up to your full salary per annum at only 15% tax on withdrawal if you’re a public servant! (Up to $1.9m total).
I worked in a casual call centre role once in oz. I was doing like 5 to 12 hour shifts because the staff there were constantly absent. One time, It was only 2 of us there out of 50 people.The rate was almost 30 an hour. Was so good.
Love this. Appreciative and happy to just be here.. I’m subscribing! Love it!
thank you so much!
Hey Ashleigh, since watching your first video, you have come so far with your academic work and being accustomed to your new home and its' foibles.
Well done and keep having a happy and resourceful life from us Aussies in Qld.
We love hearing from you Ashleigh thank you. I learned a lot as an Australian 🙏
thank you so much!
Congratulations !!you have have came to the best in the world
Welcome to Australia I hope you have a amazing time here 😊
Great video, welcome to our beautiful country, glad to have you here. Youll love Melbourne, an amazing city with such soul, great food & things happening all the time, beautiful parks, beaches and mountains & people are friendly & polite.
Great to hear of your experiences, please enjoy your time here. BTW Welcome 🎉
Heading to Tassie for the first time in April….cannot wait! So glad you are here..enjoy every day ❤
ahhh enjoy! if you need any recs please reach out over on instagram!
Make sure you try the scallops pies. The fruits and produces are really fresh. The best cherries in Australia comes from Tassie so make sure you get a few kg to try.
@@chulkcha I’m not into any kind of fish lol. Most adventurous I do is open a can of tuna 😂😂 but yes definite going to get the fresh fruit and veg ❤️
Superannuation is a good deal. The US equivalent would be having your 401k, traditional IRA and Roth IRA all combined into one, plus having your employer making compulsory contributions.
It's wonderful how you moved to Australia Ashleigh. You will fit right in with our relaxed culture and our beautiful coffee. I would like to see you make a video on how you managed to move to Australia from the USA as it's not an easy thing to do. It may help other people from the USA navigate their way over here as well. I have subscribed - Keep those videos coming!
Don’t be too down, many Aussies like Americans have opinion based on never having travelled. Having visited the USA 8 to 9 times, all the people were wonderful no matter where I went. I did do a five week driving holiday from Niagara to Florida then up to the GC, then west to LA. So I spoke to many people. The secret to not being ignorant, is doing what you are doing, travel and experiencing life. Go you!! (Melbourne Aussie)
Happy you're enjoying your time here and sorry if people have been less than pleasant to you.
Many Australians are also critical of some of the issues we have here. You've just run into some of the not-so-nice people that all countries have. I've noticed that people are more open to being critical of things in major cities like Melb and Syd. That being said, I haven't been to Tassie yet, been dying to do some hikes down there. If you ever come up to Sydney and need some help with finding places to visit, i'm more than happy to help.
I like your post made your case very well, good luck.
the wages structure here in oz is a direct result of an american company. in 1900 the labourers and others employed by international harvester with union help took the company to a state court over wages . the dispute grew and eventually it went to the high court .once that happens any decision then applys across the country and no more arguments. the high court determined every adult working a week of 40 hrs. was entitled to a living wage no matter what the work, you could earn more but never less. and that rule still stands every six months the basic wages are adjusted. thank you harvester co.
ahhh
Technically it was the conciliation and arbitration court. Anyone interested can look up the harvester judgment of 1907. That decision came about because of the shared ethos of the ‘fair go’ that this country was established and built on. The conciliation and arbitration court was abolished by hawke/keating governments of the 1980s/1990s and, ironically, those were labor prime ministers. The concept of the fair go - which was central to so much of Australian life until well into my early 20s has been starkly eroded since then and this country is almost unrecognisable compared to what it was. Im sad to say that a lot of that is because of economic and social ideologies coming from the usa, which we have been increasingly exposed to over the last 30 odd years. Australia has changed a lot over the last 30-40 years. In some ways for the better and in some ways for the worse. But i really wish we could have kept hold of more of those central tenants of life that used to be considered sacrosanct.
It was the Sunshine Harvester company an Australian company owned by early Australian industrialist HV McKay that was the subject of what is commonly know as the "Harvester Case" that set "basic wage" in 1907. International Harvester wasn't established in Australia until 1912 and then only as a distributor of imported machines. Manufacturing started much later.
The Harvester Judgement, Justice Higgins decided that a worker should be paid enough to support a spouse and children. The 8 hour working day, a world first, was introduced in Victoria in the 1850s for the Stone Mason's Union and it soon spread to other workers. The Secret Ballot (also known as the Australian Ballot) was introduced first in Tasmania, then Victoria and South Australia in 1856.
You are part of the furniture now. Embrace. Love the way you started in Tasmania. Hope you feel welcoming love where ever you go.
You can be mountain biking in Derby which barely has phone reception and the trail shuttles have tap and pay.
Moving from one cold place to another hehe come to tropical brisbane!!
Nice outlook from your window.
Welcome to OZ, feel free to express your opinions on ANY subject, there will always be those that dont like hearing anything negative, but it should just start a discussion not a fight.
All the best for the future i for one will keep an ear out for your future vlogs. Go do puffing billy in melbourne, something unique.
How do you like our coloured money, is it easier to identify each note compared the US cash?
i don’t find it easier/harder! indifferent to it
I'm so glad I found this video. I have recently decided I want to move to Australia from the US but I've been nervous to take the leap but all the things I keep hearing from many people make me more excited to move there and ready to leave
yay! so happy to hear that
I wouldn’t be to worried about being told to go back to were you came from. The sort of person that would express that view would be in most probability a narcissist and therefore not worth worrying about. Welcome to Australia I hope your time with us exceeds all expectations and if you have any dislikes about things here remember so do we from time to time but as you explained we still love the place.👍✌🏿❤️💛🖤
Had to sub. your gorgeous smile conned me into it. Secretly us Aussies love yanks, but would never admit it. Welcome and keep your vids coming. Enjoy life and take care.
Yes I love Americans except the religious violent republican types
Hi Ash
Of course you should express your opinion. One of the reasons I watch your vlogs - and others, such as Kaitlin - I’m interested in seeing life in Australia through the eyes of someone not from Australia. The differences you find between Australia and the USA are really interesting. It’s mostly positive, but if some criticism comes along then so be it - you’re a nice person, and I know you won’t say anything particularly nasty anyway.
So, say what you think and don’t worry about the odd negative reaction in the comments from some narrow minded or insecure people. You’re just as entitled to your opinion as they are.
Love your work!
Best wishes Ashleigh - from an older Aussie bloke 👍
actually because you're looking from the outside in ,you can spot stuff that we need to improve.
i'd like to hear ,what has become obvious for you ,to present it to us for our consideration
Well said.
Hi Ashley happy Saturday night and I hope you having amazing day today and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter
thank you so much!
@@coffeeenut your welcome sending you hugs ❤️ 🤗
Hi Ashleigh, I am American and moved to Australia on my own (as a post grad student) way back in 2001, so imagine the changes I've seen. Well done on doing something so independent and personal growth-inducing. I live in Sydney but also lived in Canberra for 5 yrs. I agree with you on nearly every point, but cost of living. I assume you're paying some expenses with US money, I could be wrong, but that might be why you feel comfortable financially. I find the cost of living with petrol and rent and energy to be really hard right now, and I'm a career professional. I frequently wonder if my lifestyle is worth what I'm getting. I sell new homes well outside of the city and the smallest house on a tiny block (225 sqm) is running $1.1m and up. In fact 1.2 to 1.3m is the entry price for most locations, and this isn't amazing city living or with beach views. I live alone and my quarterly electricity bill just jumped up by about 20%. It's hard. You're so right abt banking and bill paying and superannuation. I will have something to one day take back home and maybe buy my dream Victorian house. I agree about concept of Americans. We don't travel outside of US is my favourite. I love Tasmania. I'd go straight there if I could. I love Australia in many many ways but I also miss home. Enjoy your stay!
So sorry to hear that you get those hurtful comments, remember it just reflects on them not you. Keep on enjoying and I hope you'll grow to love this country as much as I do. I've been here for 51 years .
interesting review, your views are welcome, thankyou. you are welcome to stay!
Welcome to Oz ❤ so brave of you to do this alone 😊 even the best of us have criticisms about our beautiful country, but we are also proud and protective of it. It doesn't need to go to that extreem tho, don't listen to the few nasties, and continue enjoying our awesome country.. you are 100% correct, we are all entitled to our own opinions. Stay safe and happy enjoying your journey xxx
if it went that extreme in our easy-going country, consider that what was said may have been very objectionable. Two sides of every story. All we got was look I am so cute and wiggle my head and someone was mean to me after i kicked their country, the one I am currently staying in. Just got to wonder.
Omg, you're so relatable. I'm traveling full-time and people often think I'm American at first. When I out myself as German, they start using different stereotypes. It's just nuts. This is one of the downsides of traveling. But most of the time I met the best people on the road.
Lovely! It’s my dream to visit my friends there some day. Then STAY!
Good luck Ashleigh. Enjoy the OZ. Believe me, there things I don’t like here to, but I don’t want to live anywhere else either.
thank you!
G'Day Ashleigh, Although you have been here for a number of years, welcome to Australia. I have been watching your videos, off & on, for a couple of years & have overwhelmingly enjoyed them. Please don't let anybody put you down, or make you feel sad, or apologetic, because you are American. It has been my experience in life that Americans, as a whole, are no less intelligent than Australians, or any other nationality. I have known & mixed with a lot of Americans, in my life, especially in the late 1960s & early 1970s. I was in the Australian Regular Army for six years & did two twelve-month tours of Vietnam & as you would be aware, there were A LOT of Americans in Vietnam. I had no problems dealing with them. Also, your rights to freedom of speech & freedom of expression are universal. You don't check them at the border, as you pass through Customs, when you enter the country. So, if there is something you don't like about Australia, feel free to express it. If anybody tells you that if you don't like it, go home, just tell them that at least you are here learning, in a different country. why aren't they doing the same? I hope you continue to enjoy your time in Australia; it is good to have you here.
I’m surprised about you not liking our health care system. I will go and watch the video you did on it. We hear horror stories from the US where people are denied medical attention because they have no insurance etc and that doesn’t happen here. Maybe if/when you become an Aussie citizen and are eligible for Medicare you will like it more. Myself and my family have had zero issues ever accessing medical help…apart from mental health support…that really sucks in Australia but I think it’s a worldwide issue. I’m heading down to Melbourne and Tassie (from Darwin) this arvo to visit family and friends…Melbourne is too crazy for me, but I LOVE Tasmania! Cheers.
Ditto. Glad that you’re feeling you’re making a good decision. To move from home is brave. We are always happy to gain optimistic hard workers who want a better life. So welcome😊. 🎉. BTW. superannuation was a federal government initiative introduced in 1992 and was part of a historic accord between govt unions and private business. It was to trade off wage increases and instead people got 2.5% paid into a fund of their choice. Uniquely. It is a fully funded system (not unfunded like say, US Social Security Security). Now contributions must be 11% of wages. There is over $3.5 TRILLION now working every day for the benefit of members and this result is truely an outstanding success story of the Australian people over the last 30 years.
PS. Love America too. Some people say they wish to make America great again. I say, the talents, vibrancy, creativity and achievements of its people and systems mean there’s no need for “again”. We need not fear, America is, was, and always will be GREAT!
In Australia we "hang shit" on each other. Meaning we tease, we jab, we make fun of. If people are "giving you shit" it generally means that you are liked. If we dont say anything to you then its time to worry. Chin up mate. You'll be right.
I'm an Aussie who lived in America for 5 years back in the 90's. I found most Americans didn't know much about Australia or even where it was. These days I'm sure it's much better as Americans tend to travel overseas rather than just around the states. Have fun in Australia and ignore people who look down their nose at you. It's not cool. ❤❤
Many of my oldest buddies here in Adelaide are American, ive known 7 very well and long term and none have ever suggested going home. The eldest Chuck was here since the War and went home in his 80's for a holiday, it was the first time that he had ever visited NY!.......He was from Bakersfield CA and was amazed how much LA had changed. But we're ALL Aussie's now 👍
I came here when I was 19 (I'm now 71) and had been here about 4 years when I heard myself described as 'that Yank chick', so I decided to change my accent.
I was a permanent resident and had found so much more freedom here as a woman that I ever had in the US, so there was no way I was going back.
I used the method I learned in my high-school French class, "écoute et répète" i.e. listen and repeat and basically mimicked whatever I heard.
Now it's almost impossible to tell that I have ever lived anywhere else. 🙂
I'm feeling a little more nervous about moving from Perth to New Jersey now 😅 I think us Aussies take our lifestyle for granted !
I hope you have a great time in Australia.
I hope you enjoy your time in Australia, your welcome to stay as long as you want be long or short time, people like you are welcome..
On the criticism - yep, we are totally sensitive to it, because Australia's self-image is very dependent on how others view us (part of why we watch videos like yours). We are the anxious teenager of nations ;)
On the Superannuation situation (Super) - ten years ago I spent a lot of time studying different retirement savings systems in English-speaking countries: at the time, Australia's system was unique and only really possible as a result of the legal and political legacy of centralised waged-bargaining under the Award system (complex to describe, but basically unions bargained for a Super system in lieu of wage increases... kinda :) ). Impossible to imagine anything comparable ever existing in the US... while the UK and NZ have different ways of doing similar things through their tax systems.
so interesting about about Australias self image!
I think Nigel is on the money. When that image is challenged by someone not Australian, Aussies can get a bit protective of it. And not just online, examples of panel shows like Q&A where a visiting guest voices an opinion and the rest of the Australian panel and audience are a bit dismissive.
Just Subbed, welcome to Aust :)
From what I have seen of you you are a smart open minded person I did experience coming in contact with a hand gun at an Aunt's in South Carolina but my uncle removed it straight away after that I was made very welcome and I saw big differences in the USA but mostly came in contact with some very nice people best of luck to you.
thank you!
Love your channel thanks coming to OZ.....if the world was more like you it would be a better place....Georgina Queensland xx
You will love Melbourne !
Hi Ashleigh,
I enjoyed listening to your views on Australia and how much thought you put into them.
I also enjoyed your description of Americans in the US as friendly and helpful.
Most of the information on You Tube in particular depicts rampant crime, drugs and a fractured, hostile political system.
I hope you settle here and continue to enjoy our lifestyle. You will find we have 4 weeks annual leave so you can travel, and 3 months long service leave after 10 years in a job.
Welcome to the free world, sweetheart .
Tasmania is a very popular place for people from around the world.
Some people stay and some people don't but not only are you going to fall in love with our country you might fall in love with an Australian.
I've lived in Tasmania for 21 years, and i moved from South Australia, and we love it here .
Superannuation is a fantastic policy. A lot of Australians will retire with between $500K - $1m because of it.
I’m sorry you get hit with the ‘ignorant American’ stereotype. Some of it is probably because it’s widely recognised how extremely US-centric most US education (pre-tertiary, at least) is, so unless people are well travelled or have (formally or otherwise) studied about the rest of the world there is often a significant knowledge gap.
If it’s any consolation, we used to be (and quite a few people still are) similarly insular. The Australian movie The Dish highlights and pokes gentle fun at it. By the ‘70’s there started to be a recognition of our geographical place in the world, and by the ‘90’s Indonesian, Japanese, and Mandarin started replacing French in schools as language learning options. Thankfully, because Australian French is pretty awful. (An elderly friend failed French at her primary school in Adelaide, even though she’d emigrated from France a year earlier as an eight year old!)
First thing I did, like and Sub 🇦🇺 You moved to Tazzy, cool. Melbourne not sa much. Melbourne's full of Coffee snobs lol