Honeymoon Fade Out
Before we studied abroad, Northeastern held an orientation where they talked about the different phases of culture shock. First there’s the honeymoon phase and then there’s the “Negotiation Phase” which Wikipedia sums up well: “After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety.” When I heard about these phases, I didn’t think they would apply to me because Australians speak English and I’ve never been one to miss home; I’m the one who moved from Cleveland to Boston not knowing anybody but adjusted well and quickly. With that being said, I guess I’m surprised that I’ve entered into the Negotiation Phase, and so quickly.
Instead of appreciating the small town and small campus, and short hours, I’ve started to become frustrated by it. The main cultural difference that bothers me is the fact that Australia is so Americanized and it is clear that they are in part trying to be American, but they aren’t doing a good job of succeeding. Everything here costs money too, it’s like they are trying to nickel and dime you from every angle. For example, my friends and I were at a restaurant, and one of them got a container to bring the food home, and they charged her 50 cents.
At Bond University everything is so expensive too. The books at the bookstore are double the price of what they should be. In the corner you see the American recommended price and then they just put a sticker on it and it’s literally double the amount it should be. I know shipping books out here can be expensive, but come on. The way they do the meal plans is terrible. A coke zero (a regular bottle that you can buy at the store) is $3.40 (Australian), which is still expensive. The school is obsessed with partying and this afternoon I’ve gotten conned into going on the university pub-crawl, which if I could return my ticket I would.
Oh well, not everything is bad… I love my classes, the weather, and the fact that someone cleans my room/changes my sheets every week. I’ll write about the perks tomorrow. Until then.
