The cultural influence of the Australian people is European, especially from the United Kingdom.  Another cultural source comes from the Aborigines. Their art style along with their values and habits are unique.

Nowadays, Australia is considered a multicultural country, also due to the big influence of immigrants coming from all over the world. The main influences are: Asiatic and Indian who migrated to the country looking for better life conditions.

The Australian people can be considered cozy, smiling and happy. We could make try to classify the Australian people as a middle term between British and Brazilian people. Not too lonely, not too extroverted. Due to the mix of influences coming from all over the world, the Australians had become used to the foreigner’s presence and recognize how important they are for the country.

Family houses offered to students who had just arrived in Australia, also known as homestays, are an example of it. It is part of the Australian culture the respect for those who stay at their homes, coming from different parts of the world, but want to be respected as well. The homestays family respects the student behavior and habits they also expect that the student respects house’ rules and schedules, like meal time. If the student eventually needs to arrive late for diner or if has some other plans, they won’t be upset, as long as they are previously warned about.  The Australian sympathy is surprising.

Studies show that the Australian East Coast is the area where is concentrated the most part of the population and the history, as mentioned above, helps us to understand that the Australian population was formed by influence of immigrants coming from all over the world.

The Australia population generally has ancestral relationship outside the country (especially by Europeans and more recently Asiatic) so, is easy to find people speaking languages different than English, the official language.

This cultural experience had also contributed to make the Australian population free of prejudices. Is easy to find on streets people with their own and alternative dressing style, and this seen with no problems by the Australian society.  The same happens related to homosexuality. The sexual freedom is also something part of the society, as you can see in the Mardi gras, one of the biggest gay events in the world, had become some sort of Carnival party (with allegoric cars and costumes) being considered one of the main attractions in the Australian Events Annual Calendar.

Australian authorities know how to apply rules and the Australian people know that they must obey it. In case of a law violation, the citizens are penalized with by paying fines or, depending on the situation, go to jail.

Please read this important recommendation: Arriving in Australia, avoid to crossing streets outside the crosswalk, ride bicycles without a helmet or throw trash on the floor. A fine might be applied to students living in the country, even temporarily. Whoever if caught doing those violation is automatically fined. In Australia is also forbidden to consume alcoholic drinks on streets. Don’t forget, as this violation might cost you over AU$ 120.00

The Australian Architecture is a result of a very interesting mix between ancient and modern.  Originals from the British culture, older buildings are perfectly preserved.

Contrasting with the centenarian European style, we can observe the audacity of the ultramodern architecture of outstanding buildings. One of them is the Opera House. This is one of the most impressive architectonic buildings and had become an Australian icon. The Opera House delights and attracts millions of visitor from all over the world to Sydney. Besides the modern architecture, Opera House surprises due to the variety and quality of the concerts performed.  Going to Australia and not visit the Opera House is the same of staying home!

The Australian art has been globally recognized, due to important productions on the movies, music, painting, theater and dance. The famous Sydney Opera House is an example of important art symbols for the country and many Australian opera tenors are recognized around the world.  To reinforce the power that Australia art in the country, it can be highlighted the Theater Companies and State Symphonic Orchestras. Besides, museums and art gallery are available around the country.

The Australian music had become famous after some big bands such as AC/DC, INXS and Midnight Oil. Australia also has famous Hollywood actors such as Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge), Russell Crowe (Gladiator), Heath Ledger (the actor was found dead, after play The Joker on The Dark Knight) and Hugh Jackman (X-Men).

The Australian cinema is facing a very good moment. The cinematographic industry had produced lots of important movies filmed in Australia, see some of them: Crocodile Dundee (1986), Shine (1996), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), Muriel’s Weeding (1998), Matrix (1999) and Australia (2008). These are some of the many different movies produced in the country, once many movie producers have been choosing Australia to film, in order to explore country’s natural beauty.

Sports and leisure are part of Australian lifestyle. Enjoy a weekend at the beach or watch rugby matches are some of the Australian favorite activities, who value life quality. Due to the favorable weather, outdoor’s activities, in contact with the nature are one of the Australian favorites.

The most popular sports in Australia are: AFL – Australian Football League (a mix of Rugby and Football), cricket, rugby, surf, swimming, diving and tennis.  Lots of students choose Australia so they can conciliate English Course with surfing or diving.