Australia is a diverse country, home to people from a range of different cultures and backgrounds. Over a quarter of Australian residents were born overseas and migration has played a key role in shaping the country.
While you are studying at JCU, we encourage you to learn as much as you can about Australia and to get a feel for the Aussie lifestyle.
The Australian Government provides a range of material for people wanting to find out more about the country’s history, culture and lifestyle, including advice for students wishing to study in Australia.
Quite often, the first thing people think of when they think of Australia is kangaroos and koalas. Or it could be the ‘shrimp on the barbie’, the deep love for sports such as cricket, rugby league and tennis, or laying around on golden beaches all day.
Australia is a very open-hearted and open-minded country. There is great respect for the law, for the individual’s freedoms and for playing fair. Just as with other countries, there are those who would flout the law and try to impinge on other people’s choices and freedom, but in general, Australia is a safe, free country with a clean environment, relaxed lifestyle and easy-going culture.
Equality between men and women continues to evolve, however Australia is considered progressive by world standards. Gay marriage was legalised in 2017, the Australian people stand up for what they believe in, generally without the need for violence (though it does happen on occasion) and for the most part, Australians are tolerant, welcoming and obliging.
Mostly a Christian country, Australia’s population is very multicultural. Most of the world’s religions are practised here and there are plenty of churches, mosques and temples.
