Each year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful workers from around the world vie to be employed in Australia, have their visa, settle in, and establish a good and stable life. It is every migrant’s dream. However, you need to be noticed and employed first before this aspiration rolls on. And that starts with the curriculum vitae.
As we have mentioned before, your CV is your first chance to get your future employers’ (or the Human Resources', for that matter) attention. Much like in products and services, it is your advertisement. You do it wrong and you forever lose the chance of making a deal.
You only get a singular chance to make an impression. It better count. Follow these tips that everybody seems to neglect when writing a curriculum vitae, and then you can start walking the road to a better life.
Here is what every job hunter’s order of business looks like: Write CV. Print multiple copies. Send them to prospective companies. Scratch head wondering why he/she doesn’t get a call. Believe it or not, there is no mystery there. Once you start thinking that a single CV will be acceptable to all companies, then expect to get ignored.
Much like your suit/dress is tailored to your size and shape, your curriculum vitae must also be adjusted to each company you are gunning for. Sit down and read the company’s values, mission, and vision statements, take a look at the words they use, and customize your paper according to those. Each employer is looking for a person who will fit to its established goals and culture, and you need to sell yourself as that person.
But no, do not copy statements directly off their Mission and Vision declaration. You will sound pretentious and insincere. And that’s a turn off.
It is a wonder that people still bother including objectives. That much is very clear the moment you send your CV. You need a job. Period. What companies want to know, however, is what you can do. That is where your executive summary will come in.
An executive summary is your elevator pitch printed on paper. It contains a gist of what you are good at and what value it can provide to the company, all listed in three to five sentences. If your curriculum vitae is a TV show, this is the opening scene. If the audience (your prospects) don’t like it, they will switch to another channel (the next applicant).
Do not litter your summary with vague and cliché descriptions like “Self-motivated, organized, and excellent in multi-tasking,” they have seen that on the previous fifty resumes before yours. Instead, be specific. “Account Manager with a degree in Business Management and experience in sales and marketing” is a better description. It tells something about yourself and what worth you can give to the employer. Throw in your most substantial work-related achievements and work ethics and you have got the big bosses hooked.
It is easy to spot the first time applicants by the way they refer to themselves. They use pronouns. And nothing turns a good curriculum vitae sour than pronouns. You need to be streamlined and unambiguous in your descriptions, so you better take it off.
Logically, using third person pronouns are out of the question (it sounds weird and you are not the Rock), but you shouldn’t use “I” either. Your descriptions, whether it is about your qualifications, trainings, and values, should begin with a verb or (rarely) an adjective for them to be firm and straight to the point:
Has a degree in Psychology…
Develops computer programs for entrepreneurs…
Responsible for arranging financial reports…
Notice also that they come in singular form and in present tense, unless of course the description stated refers to a specific accomplishment in the past that has a profound positive effect to the company, then you use the past tense.
And speaking of accomplishments…
Say what you will, but accomplishments are the most prized part of your curriculum vitae. This part proves that you are not just an item on the company’s payroll, but someone who actually turns the lever and moves the wheels. So you better write them correctly or you are wasting a good opportunity.
You use the Result by Action format. It simply means you list the achievement (result) followed by the method(s) you used.
Generated 150% increase in sales quota (result) by targeting more densely populated territories (action).
Lead the acquisition of related business entities (result) by developing policies that mutually adhere to the companies’ interests (action).
Structured a teaching curriculum (result) by conducting an intensive academic study on freshman students (action).
It shows that you are the employee that provides solution to the company’s challenges and you are producing results.
You know why Facebook’s Timeline design is successful and engaging? Because it focuses on the current things you do, what you are into, what you have for lunch… etc. Then it threads on the past and less important occurrences as you scroll down.
Its structure follows a reverse chronological order, where the latest period comes first followed by the older ones. Your curriculum vitae should be written in the same manner, too. It lets the employer take a look on what you’ve been up to recently. Are you currently working? Attending school? Starting a business? Remember when it comes to employment, time is relevancy. What you are doing in the previous month impacts more what you can offer to the company than, say, your status a year ago.
Also, this format provides a clue of what your future boss thinks is next for you. Are you up for a higher position? Do you need to expand your specialization? The possibilities are endless. And unless you are a fresh graduate, you also need to place your educational background at the bottom. We understand you are proud of dear alma mater, but it won’t make much bearing on your application.
This we cannot stress enough. You have gone out of High School (or College) and now ready to face the professional world. Your days of getting immersed in the World of Warcraft twelve hours a day has ended. Competing with thousands upon thousands of other applicants and/or clients is the real game now. That being said, there’s no reason for your email address to be soulcutter_megablade_1177@hotmail.com (or worse, something laden with sexual innuendos).
Look, your email address is a means of contact. The Human Resource will take note of that. Be sure it is appropriate and emanates professionalism. Leave the silly, suggestive, innuendo-filled names to your Counter Strike: Go account.
Create an email address solely for job applications. Use your first and last name. Avoid using underscores (_) and limit the use of numbers. If you can’t obtain an address with your name, experiment by including your middle initial and/or your job title, like in JohnSReedWriter@gmail.com.
You email address is your brand. It’s something people will associate with you. Be the person that should be taken seriously. Start with your email address.
If you are like most of us, you probably ditched the idea of going from office to office to hand out your CV and instead send virtual copies of applications online. If that's so, you are probably are among the thousands who carelessly just named their CV file name resume.doc. Big mistake.
You see, much like your executive summary and email address, your CV’s final name can also make or break your chance of getting noticed. If you simply named your curriculum vitae, well, curriculumvitae.doc, you are among the one-third of applicant who do that, and there’s a big chance your application will be lost among the similarly and generically named ones.
Use your name on your file name so you can be indexed and found easily among huge batch of files. Or better yet, include your title or the position you are vying for like in RachelLee_CV_OperationsManager.doc (you may use underscores and dashes). For someone who sorts through gazillions of applications each day, your file name will provide a relief since it already tells them who you are.
Also, avoid using version numbers on your CV, like in MelissaCruz11.doc. Your boss will think there are ten more which probably went to the ten other companies in the building. You are not giving a good impression with that.
We already gave you a glimpse of how amazing, bizarre, and challenging Australia’s day to day foods are. But not all of Aussie cuisine is as quirky as those. Some are ranked among the world’s finest, sought by foodies, chefs, and tourists from around the globe.
Also, they cost three months’ worth of rent and/or a lifetime of savings.
Here are seven of Australia’s world class and highly regarded fares that challenge not only your inner food critic but also your ability to explain to your bank why you maxed out your credit card in single night.
newsusauk.com
For the same amount you can get: Four bottles of imported beer
Cost of the regular variety: $2.00 (homemade)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You have fasted for six to eight hours already and your body is aching for fuel. You definitely can’t miss it. Unless of course you are stuck inside the Sydney Opera House then you will be forced to think with your wallet and doubt the scientific validity of that claim.
This is because Bennelong’s Five Cheese Truffle Toastie might be your only option, and it costs $22.00. Considered to be the most expensive of its kind, the budget-busting toast you could make at home in under five minutes for less than two bucks consists of five kinds of cheese from different parts of Australia. These are C2 cheddar, Heidi Gruyère, ricotta, mozzarella, and l'Artisan Mountain Man. That last one reportedly smells awful (or you know, like a mountain man), but they still think the price is justifiable. And they also threw in black truffles for good measure. And the best part, you can guzzle it inside the prestigious Opera House. You are actually paying for the ambiance, too.
coffinbayoysterfarm.com.au
For the same amount you can get: A pair of business leather shoes
Cost of the regular variety: $20.00 a dozen
These oysters were not called king for nothing. The Coffin King Oysters are being sold for a hundred bucks per piece due to their massive size and incredible flavor. While the regular sort only has 12 grams of meat max, the Coffin Bay variety has 100 grams of luscious seafood flesh.
Also, the factor of time comes into play, as they need to wait for six years before these shellfish can grow to Incredible Hulk proportion versus the 18 months for the common breed, making them the cognac of oysters.
Like most pricey ingredients, these oysters are targeted by high-end restaurants because of the size and quality of meat. Given with these establishments’ reputation to amplify meal prices by adding a few more exotic ingredients, you can only imagine how much the final product will cost.
For the same amount you can get: A month of electricity, heating, water, and Internet service.
Cost of the regular variety: $15.00 (Outback Steakhouse sirloin and shrimp)
Aside from ultra-modern gadgets and the love of anime, Japan is well-known for its succulent and extravagant cattle meat such as Kobe and Wagyu beef. In this tradition comes the Mishima beef. Also a breed of Wagyu, Mishima is highly sought because it is pure bred i.e. never cross-bred with western cattle unlike Kobe.
But those who delight Mishima meat need not to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun anymore, as Aussie farmer David Blackmore already brought the cattle here and raised them in what could be the only Mishima farm outside Japan.
Rockpool Bar and Grill then took it to the next level by having them dry-aged, bringing out the flavor and taste of the beef further. Such process is quite expensive as well, thus incrementing the final price to $190 for 350 grams of meat.
timeout.com
For the same amount you can get: A Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
Cost of the regular variety: $8.00 (regular bag)
Climate change is bringing a lot of bad things: rising sea levels, drought, and meteorological disasters, among many. But ironically, what alarmed the world the most is the impending extinction of chocolate. We don’t know if this dire forecast is Boon Chocolates’ reason to jack up their prices to stratospheric levels, but one thing is for sure, it sells.
Popular during the Valentine’s seasons, the Harana bag lets you take home some of their succulent products encased in a bag entirely made of chocolate, all for $299. The name comes from the Filipino-style of serenading sweethearts, because apparently a chocolate bag containing more chocolates inside can now be equated to undying passion and commitment.
You can’t just enter the shop and grab one, however. You need to call and pre-order two weeks prior, because these things don’t grow on trees. They take time to fashion and develop. You know, like love.
dailytelegraph.com.au
For the same amount you can get: A seven-day European tour by boat
Cost of the regular variety: $1,000 per kilo (Sturgeon Black Caviar)
Caviar is one of those foods that are pretty much relegated to the fancy, people who brew coffee beans from the far end of the world and probably drive luxury cars. So it is no mystery that its value can reach a thousand dollars or two only so you can have something black and salty on your otherwise pale blinis.
But for a price that will get you half a year of rent on downtown Sydney, it becomes ridiculous. Introducing, Gourmet Life’s Beluga Caviar, a delicate and buttery roe obtained from beluga sturgeon. But these aren’t any beluga sturgeon, they have to be at least 25 years old before they can be considered ripe enough to give ten-grand roe. As with any food, the factor of time heavily compounds the caviar prices.
It is so exquisite, you should never eat it with a metal spoon. As the metallic taste it leaves on ruins the flavor of the roe. The best utensil to use? A spoon made from mother of pearl.
lorddudley.com.au
For the same amount you can get: A 2013 Chevrolet Spark
Cost of the regular variety: $22.00 (Beef Pot Pie at The Glenmore)
Pies are the Swiss knives of the gastronomical world. You can just put whatever inside them and still look edible and enjoyable: meat, fish, seafood, veggies, fruits, and nuts, name it. The guys at The Lord Dudley Hotel in Paddington, Sydney thought of this (probably) and said, “Let’s make a pie with all of our priciest stuff inside. They won’t complain.”
And so they did.
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive pie, the Posh Pie contains two cuts of wagyu beef, two whole West Australian rock lobsters, rare Winter Black truffles, two bottles of Penfolds Grange Reserve, and German gold leaf, because all expensive foods need to come with a golf leaf somewhere. The finished product has a price tag of a measly $12,000.
And if you think you can share the pie and therefore split the gargantuan bill, we’re sorry to tell you that each pie is good for one person only. Yes. Get ready to spiral down into debt.
modernisticdesign.blogspot.com
For the same amount you can get: A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline for you and five of your friends.
Cost of the regular variety: $14.00 (Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon)
You could expect the most expensive nourishment out there to be a lavish meal fit to feed two to four person and will fill you with satisfaction and satiety. But no, the most excessively costly food in this list is well, a bottle of liquid.
The 2004 Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon, comes only in a limited edition of 12 bottles. The red wine is made by Penfolds, one of Australia’s very few established wine makers (they make the wine for our Posh Pie up there). It is so rare, it has to come with its own cabinet, as they realized you have already blown too much money for the wine itself for you to build a decent casing. The sauvignon is sealed in an airtight hand-blown glass ampoule fashioned into a shape of a plumb bob, an ancient device used by builders to determine a vertical line. The vial is then suspended inside the timber cabinet.
All in all, four expert master artisans collaborated to create the entire casing. The wine is described to have “an ethereal dimension,” and “extraordinarily perfumed with layer upon layer of flavor.” In 2005, a U.S. wine critic gave it 100 points out of 100.
A perfectly-tasting wine encased in masterly-crafted cabinet worth a hundred grand, it definitely is the most valuable thing of its size you will ever have in your collection, until you stumble upon the Ark of the Covenant, of which will probably only slightly outprice the red wine.
We’ve all been warned about the changes that will happen when moving to a foreign land. You will meet new friends, learn new languages, and try different foods; you know, all those stuff your expatriate friends and relatives keep telling you. But along the way, there will be these tiny occurrences that will barrel your way and sucker punch you into mild depression and a progressing case of “I want to go home.”
We are here to talk about those life-changing experiences which everybody think are too trivial to talk about.
When moving to another country, you will only feel two emotions: excitement and fear. And you will entertain and juggle these two while on your six-hour plane trip (“I can finally visit the Forbidden Palace and order authentic Chinese foo… wait, I don’t know Chinese!.”). But upon setting your foot on the new land up to your first three months living there, the third (and evil) sibling of these emotions will rear its ugly head: hate.
And no, you don’t hate because you are far away from home and you are stuck in this alien life for good or other huge changes you’re having. You feel irritated and exasperated because of the small inconveniences that comes to you on a non-stop, daily basis. Whether it’s the fact that they serve pineapple and beetroot on your burger; or most of the restaurants won’t accept credit cards, or hey, is that milk on sealed plastic bag? Really, guys? It never ends. And it piles up.
And you can’t do anything to change that. Back home, you just take a deep breath , walk away, and find an alternative. In your new country, it’s the universal rule. And you have to deal with it.
People will play this "moving abroad" thing down, so we will give an analogy to illustrate what it really feels like: Your homeland is like your bedroom. It’s where everything is familiar and comfortable. Moving abroad is like going to your new job or your new school where everybody doesn’t know you and is not really enthusiastic on helping you feel at home.
Consider having this feeling on a daily basis. You will learn to think on your feet, get creative, and improvise. Your senses are constantly sharp (“What is the Serbian-speaking guy trying to tell me? Oh, my chair’ is stabbing his toes!”), and surprises, whether good or bad, are staples of everyday life (“What do you mean you didn’t save our payroll before the system crashed?”).
Yes, there’s always adrenaline rush. Routine becomes an alien concept. Waking up means dealing again with a dozen of different emotions all at the same time. And here’s the catch: it is addictive.
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once said “Adversity is what brings people together.” We don’t know much about him, but we are pretty sure he hasn’t lived abroad, otherwise that quote would look different. When you are in a completely unfamiliar territory, your compatibility with a fellow countrymen increases by 300% even if they are complete strangers. It doesn’t matter how huge your differences are i.e. they are weird, your age gap is big, your industry is unrelated, they love DC and you worship Marvel, etc, you will be huge BFFs, at least for the time being.
You will exchange stories from back at home, share your discontent about your adaptive country, talk about life, work, and dreams comfortably like you have known each other since kindergarten years whereas you only exchanged glances three minutes ago.
The surge of endorphins is no illusion. You are away from home, confused, exhausted, and ready to spiral down to depression with a slight push. Seeing someone who thinks, feels, and perceives the same way as you do on a cultural level is what your psyche is aching for to maintain sanity. You need that newfound countryman in your life. Thus the sudden establishment of connection, comfortability, and compatibility.
That cricket-induced (the sports variety) mass hysteria in your country that you can’t even understand? You won’t see that in the US. You only occasionally dig McDonald’s fried chicken? Good luck seeing that in Japan. You always tip huge to show your gratitude? No need for that in Australia (OK, you will probably enjoy that even more).
The thing is, the almost negligible details that completes the intimate and convenient picture of home will be missing in your new country. This provides the feeling of unfamiliarity, or worse, inconveniences that lead to our item number one. You might not be into cricket, but the mania that follows it disrupts what could be a routine and boring day back home. In the United States, you have to find other disruptions. The same goes with craving for fried chicken in Japan. You can find that in KFC stores three city blocks away (Japan isn’t really big in fast food). It suddenly gives rise to inconvenience. You might not care about something back home, but you actually need it to go on with your day.
If the above case is bad, consider if the thing you miss is something you really, really love. And most of the time, nostalgia hits you on the most inconvenient time and place. Just a sight or smell of a favorite food or a sample tune of favorite song will flood you with memories of family and friends back home.
Technological connectivity and social media does not make it easier either. Yes, it will allow you to follow on what’s happening back home, bringing you closer to them, but it also shows how far and inaccessible you are. “We are having a Christmas feast here in the Philippines. How’s Hanukkah over there?”
Nostalgia is bittersweet. Either you love it or you hate. You deal with it for good. It will be a part of you once you set your foot outside the land. And yes, even when you come back. It’s because…
That’s right. Given that you have lived abroad for a considerable amount of time, things will go full circle. You have become comfortable with you adoptive country that you become a foreigner on your homeland. Suddenly, everybody is driving on the right side again (“I need to return to the UK!”), the chopsticks are wooden again (“Korea, take me back!”), you frown on splitting the bill (“Thanks for institutionalizing me, France.”), and you are carrying a bunch of dinars on a dollar-using country. The list goes on.
And every time you see a native of your expatriation country, you feel the urge to spend half of the day with them because working abroad made you confusing.
But these are not weird after all. They are all signs of reverse culture shock (yes, there is such a thing). The feeling of distress experienced upon re-entry to your country. We human beings are formed by evolution to adapt to which ever land we are on. The fact that you are experiencing shock means you have accustomed quite well with your expatriation country. So celebrate and enjoy that smoked yogurt soft served ice cream, because welcome back to Australia!
In a recently published 2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), six universities made it to the top 100 best research and academic institutions in the world. The prestigious international ranking included The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, The Australian National University, Monash University, University of Sydney, and The University of Western Australia.
This year’s ranking displayed a huge improvement for some of these and other Australian universities as more than half of the public universities in the country are now included in the top 500 list. So without further ado, let’s take a glance to the top six academic institutions in the country that are now among the world’s best 100.
Website: unimelb.edu.au
Global Ranking: 40
National Ranking: 1
Founded in: 1853
With its main campus located in Parkville north of the Melbourne central business district, the University of Melbourne is the second oldest university in the country and the oldest in Victoria. It constitutes of 11 academic units operating separately.
Itis well connected with many academic and research institutes such as the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The university has 15 graduate schools such as the Melbourne Law School, the Melbourne Medical School, and the Melbourne Business School.
According to the 2015 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the University of Melbourne ranked 5th in the world for education, 8th in law, 13th in computer science and IT, 13th in arts and humanities, 14th in accounting and finance, 14th in dentistry, and 18th in medicine.
Remarkable alumni:
Website: uq.edu.au
Global Ranking: 55
National Ranking: 2
Founded in: 1909
One of the sandstone universities (Australia's oldest tertiary education institutions), the University of Queensland is principally a research university, dedicated in generating research and producing graduate students. It consolidates various research institutions like the Sustainable Minerals Institute, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, and the Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, among others.
Through the years, UQ has produced world-changing researches such as the still continuing pitch drop experiment, the advancement in high-performance superconducting MRI magnets for portable scanning of human limbs, and the renowned HPV vaccine invention against cervical cancer.
The university is constantly in the top 0.5 percent of all major world university rankings. The Economist Intelligence Unit and The Australian Financial Review rates the Business School's flagship MBA program as the best in Australia and the Asia Pacific.
Noteworthy alumni:
Website: anu.edu.au
Global Ranking: 77
National Ranking: 3
Founded in: 1946
The only university to have been created by the Parliament of Australia, the Australian National University is a national research university situated in the country’s capital, Canberra. It consistently found itself ranked among the world’s top academic institutions, and boasts of six Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni.
It comprises of seven colleges: Arts and Social Sciences, Asia and the Pacific, Business and Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Law, Medicine, Biology and Environment, and Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Also, the university has already schooled two Prime Ministers, 30 of Australia’s current Ambassadors, and more than a dozen current heads of the Australian Government departments.
Noteworthy alumni:
Website: monash.edu
Global Ranking: 79
National Ranking: 4
Founded in: 1958
The second oldest university in Victoria after the University of Melbourne, Monash University is a public research university and is the only Australian member of the prominent M8 Alliance of Academic Health Centers, Universities and National Academies. It also cradles the Australian Synchrotron and the Australian Stem Cell Centre.
Monash University is home to 47,000 undergraduate and 20,000 graduate students, and recieves more applicants than any university in Victoria. It has produced CEOs for the 500 largest companies worldwide, skyrocketing its status as one of two Australian universities to be ranked in the The École des Mines de Paris (Mines ParisTech), placing it in the top 20% in teaching, top 10% in international outlook, top 20% in industry income and top 10% in research for the current year.
Its centers extend beyond the Australia, too. The university has a graduate research school in Mumbai, India, a teaching and research center in Prato, Italy, and a graduate school in Jiangsu Province, China.
Noteworthy alumni:
Website: sydney.edu.au
Global Ranking: 82
National Ranking: 5
Founded in: 1850
Also one of the sandstones, the country’s very first university has formidable reputation in the field of Law, Education, Medicine, Accounting and Finance, with the 2016 QS World University Rankings by Subject positioning it at 11th, 16th, 17th, and 18th, respectively, in the global ranking. Through its history, six prime ministers, and 24 justices of the High Court of Australia, including four chief justices have been educated here. Also, it has five Nobel and two Crafoord laureates among its affiliations as graduates and faculty.
The University of Sydney is the result of the expansion of the Sydney College into a larger institution, reasoning that a state university is compulsory in the growth of the society. Currently, it is a member of prestigious academic organizations such as the Academic Consortium 21, Group of Eight, the Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN), and the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning.
Noteworthy alumni:
Website: uwa.edu.au
Global Ranking: 96
National Ranking: 6
Founded in: 1911
Another member of the sandstone universities, the University of Western Australia is the oldest educational institution of its kind in the region. The intensive-research university was established as part of an act by Western Australian Parliament, though it never began teaching students until 1913. Throughout its existence, it had educated one Australian Prime Minister, one Nobel Prize laureate, and 100 Rhodes Scholars.
To further its research projects, it established over 80 research centres and institutes, such as the Centre for Energy, the Energy and Minerals Institute, the Oceans Institute, and the Centre for Software Practice. The main campus is situated in Perth.
Noteworthy alumni:
I won’t deny it. I took the chances of working on a foreign country solely for money. If it wasn’t for the dwindling economy and the rising cost of living, I would just stay home, talk to people that speaks my language, and enjoy the food that I grew up eating. Let’s admit it. Comfort zone is the best zone. It is where you feel safe, secure, and at home.
But the circumstances pushed me out. I traveled to a country I only see on the episodes of Lonely Planet Six Degrees, meet strange people, and traverse the first world urban jungle. I did earned a lot of money. And even saved a lot more. Working in a first world country has its blessings. But I’ll tell you, the financial benefits of this endeavor is just the tip of a colossal ice berg that is the amalgamation of perks of working outside your homeland. I really believe I should have done this a long time ago, and everybody should try it at least once in their lives.
So why should you work abroad? Here are a few reasons…
I won’t lie. It scared me to death realizing that I won’t see, talk, dine, and drink with my family and friends for a while. I imagined being alone, missing home, and getting depressed in my new country.
Upon landing ashore, an entirely different world burst in front of me. It’s so alien. So bizarre. And so intimidating. It constantly shook me up and threw me off my balance. And that’s how I learned to continuously get back on my feet and think outside the box. I have done things and learned new skills I never imagined I could.
You see, at home you are comfortable and complacent. I’m not saying it’s bad, but it’s holding you back. Yes, those pillows and blanket on a cold weekend morning would probably mean the world to you and staying in bed all day seems to be the most reasonable things to do, but there so many things you’ll be missing out on. The friends you’ll be meeting, the errands you will be running, the places you’ll be going. There’s an entirely different world out there. Yes, it’s scary to face it. But you can never be excited without being a bit scared.
Prior to being an expat, I have traveled to other countries as well. And I thought I was already “exposed” to their culture because I talked to a few locals and tried their street food for a few days. I’ve never been so wrong. You get exposed when you experience shock, confusion, and disturbance to new ways of living, challenging your prior beliefs and reservations.
And it isn’t just one culture I have to deal with. I worked with Europeans, Asians, Middle Eastern, and Africans. Our office, an expansive singular room filled with tables and cubicle, is nothing short of a United Nations global convention (a colleague calls the cafeteria “the Cantina” in reference to Star Wars).
By getting immersed in new cultures, you develop a thicker skin, trust your gut during periods of fear and confusion, learn to think on your feet, and push through your challenges. Evolutionarily, we are not supposed to be stagnant people. Our ancestors travel in search of resources, and therefore were constantly exposed to new lands, environment, and other people. Once the shock subsides, you will learn to embrace the new experiences. You will realize that the world is very small, and despite the differences in ethnicity, belief, and language, at the core we are just the same.
Contrary to popular belief, racking up as much likes in Facebook or followers in Instagram as humanly possible does not constitute social skills, at least for me it isn’t. Social savviness is the capability to effectively (take note on the operative word) interact and communicate with others, whether it is on verbal or non-verbal level. You might get away with being an anonymous, antisocial introvert whose communal interaction with others is often limited to “Hi.” and “Bye.” Abroad, this won’t help you much.
Like I’ve said, once the initial shock of the new culture subsides, that’s where you’ll start embracing your new experiences, and that includes making new friends. There’s something quite exhilarating about establishing relationship and connections with someone whose set of experiences and perception is different than that of yours. Each thing you share in common, each moment you gained each other’s trust is something worth treasuring.
Buy why be a sociable person? First, it takes the loneliness and sadness away by making contact with other people. Second, it makes work life easier. Imagine the people around you giving a helping hand because you know how to express yourself and ask what you want. And lastly, it will open more opportunities for you.
No one could have said better than Keith Ferrazi. In his book Never Eat Alone, he stated “Today’s most valuable currency is social capital, defined as the information, expertise, trust, and total value that exist in the relationships you have and social networks to which you belong.” Indeed enough, your success in life is determined not only by how much you know, but who you know. By expanding your network, you make yourself more open to other possibilities and opportunities. As long as they are the right people and your relationship with them is genuine and substantial enough, you may tap on them when the time arises, whether it be career growth, investments, new projects, or business expansions.
But networking does just go on singular direction either. It goes both ways. You too become a part of their connections, and you be ready to be tapped when the opportunity comes. Before you know it, you are already on your way to climb the career ladder or be part of a growing startup. The probabilities are endless. That is if you network enough.
There’s more than a way to skin a cat (as an animal rights advocate, I sort of hate this phrase). And as our tasks and jobs get more complex, the methods and principles behind it gets compounded. That means no matter what industry you are in, chances are the people on the other side of the planet do it differently.
I once went back home on a two week vacation and had a chance to compare notes (yes, I still do notes) with an old colleague who works on the same industry. It turns out what we know, how we do things, and the results we look for are worlds apart. It’s not necessary that one person do it better or more properly, it’s just our methods are varied. I went back to work with more ideas, fresh concepts, and simple innovations. Working abroad provides you with the mindset you can never obtain at home. Plus, if your new country is a prime destination for other expatriates, then learning the industry from workmates from other country gets more exciting, because this means more opinions, more theories, and a better understanding.
Working overseas will not only improve you as a person, it will add on oomph to your credentials as well and improve your chances of getting hired and/or climb the corporate ladder. Being an expatriate means you are independent, resourceful, and creative. It also means you can take calculated risk and are never afraid of trying new things. This also shows you are a team player and can work well with others, having interacted with people of various background, ethnicity, and culture before. Also, you have more unique skills and fresher ideas with you, having gone through your job from a different outlook (see global perspective above). These makes your credential jump out from the rest, separating you from the other sheltered applicants.
But this advantage isn’t limited from what’s written on your resume, but gets carried into the interview process as well. You’ll have more things, experiences, and topics to discuss in relation to your gig(s) abroad. The skills you learned, how you find them beneficial, and the way things are done oversees. The possibilities are endless. An entertained interviewer is just as important as an impressed one.
Aussies’ love for sports comes second only for their love for beer. And as a newcomer in the country, it’s not hard to get lost and confused in this affinity, what with the confounding terms and slangs and parlances they’ll throw at each other like they are secret codes of a clandestine society (“What on earth is a ‘footy?’”).
Today, we will clear out the haze and re-introduce you to these athletic pastimes that Australians are going gaga about, whether in the field or in their couches while drinking beer.
Or footy, as blokes usually call it, Australian Rules football isn’t just a sport, but a cultural pillar that transcends to other media not typically seen with other sports such as poetry, the arts, and even mythology. Ironically for non-Australians, this is a plain source of further confusion.
You see, it’s called Australian rules football because it has its own set of rules to set it apart from association football where they use a circular ball, American football where body armors are involved, and rugby. Australian Rules football is being played between two teams of eighteen players on an oval (not rectangular like in other forms of football) field. The main way to score points is by kicking the ball between the two tall goal posts (not touchdown as opposed to American football).
Like American football, tackles are involved, but they cannot run carrying the ball. They can only kick it or hit it.
Australian rules football is considered as the most popular sports in the country as it attracts the greatest overall interest among Aussies than any other football code (code is sports talk for variation) and has consistently ranked first among other sports.
For an untrained eye, it’s not very hard to mix up rugby with Australian Rules football, since both involve muscular men in short shorts jumping on each other for the possession of a singular oblong ball (we know, it sounds very off in paper). The key difference lies in spotting the number of players (rugby has 15 or 13 players only, Aussie football has 18), how much the players trying to bulldoze each other (rugby has a lot more of contact), and the shape of the field (rugby is played on a rectangular field).
In Australia, there are two codes playing the sport, each one having its own rules: The Rugby Union which was founded in 1949 and National Rugby League (NRL) which is considered the more popular sport of the two. Players of both codes are not necessary and completely constricted to their respective factions, as many players have moved between codes on the course of their careers.
Nope. We’re not yet done kicking balls. Soccer (or association football), the world’s most famous sport, is also a big deal here in the Land Down Under, as it is one of the most played outdoor team sport in the country and consistently ranked high in television audiences.
The British immigrants first brought the sport to the country during 19th century. It wasn’t until 1922 that the first national soccer team was created for a tour of New Zealand. Australia’s first venture into the famous FIFA World Cup finals was in 1974 when they faced West Germany. It wasn’t until 2006 that the country qualified again, ending the 32-year absence.
A-League, the professional men's soccer league in the country, pulled in US$92 million in revenue last year (that’s US$6.9 million each club), making it one of the most lucrative sports in Australia.
Eleven men trying to bat a rolling ball with a wooden paddle may not be the most heart-stopping of all sports, but in Australia, this thing is a major hit. Some considered cricket the country’s national sport, as it spawns equal interest in all regions, and is increasingly popular at international, domestic and local levels. Cricket Australia's annual report says that from 2014 to 2015, 1.2 million Australians played formal, organised cricket during the period, a 9% raise over the previous period, making it one of Australia’s biggest participant sport. This increase pours over female participation as well, with an 18% in their number.
Very much like baseball, cricket is played with bat and a ball, and with two teams consisting of 11 players each. One team bats and runs to score, while the other team rolls down and deflects the ball, attempting to restrict the scoring and dismiss the batsmen.
And get this: due to the material the ball is made of (cork, layered with tightly wound string, and covered by a leather), its weight (163 grams or almost 6 ounce), and the velocity it travels (160 kilometers per hour), cricket has been deemed as the most dangerous ball sports on the planet, and can actually killed its players. We’re taking back what we said about it not being heart-stopping.
With an average area of 74 acres (30 hectares) golf has the largest playing ground of any ball sport. And it is only fitting that a country as expansive as Australia is home to so many golf courses. Also, three of the oldest and most famous golf tournaments in the world is being held here: the Australian Open (since 1904), the Australian Masters (since 1979), and the Australian PGA Championship (since 1905).
But perhaps the popularity of the sport can be attributed to the population demographics. The country is a go-to destination for retirees from around the world. Not to mention, retirement system here is very efficient, golf has become the favored pastime of the senior population. The sport does not require enormous physical energy, speed, and stamina (unlike the ones mentioned above), but rather focus, thinking, and strategy. Basically, things that our retirees had earned along the way.
Now here is the part where it gets weird. For a country which is 60% desert and where snow is mostly non-existent and solely relegated to a certain region, an ice-related sport such as ice hockey going popular is a subject of bedazzlement. And to further add to this bewilderment, the country’s organization in charge of the sport, Ice Hockey Australia, was founded in 1908, making it one of the oldest associations of its kind.
But the ice hockey wasn't a runaway hit back then, as it was only moderately popular with mediocre participation and minimal audience attendance compared to other sports. It wasn’t until 2000 that the lukewarm pastime became overly cool (heh!) in part due to the establishment of the Ice Hockey League, seeing an increase in players and viewers.
Currently, Ice Hockey Australia has seven state and territory-based affiliate associations across the country.
Despite the name, there’s close to nothing to be a cause of ire in Ireland. The Emerald Isle is home to the most stunning views in the world, the most beautiful ancient castles, and the most modern companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Twitter (thanks to their low corporate tax rates). The food is good, the people is very friendly, the lifestyles are very active, and the place is quite rustic and even sometimes provincial. And did we say they also love beer?
Ireland and Australia have so much in common. So today we compare the two so you may choose wisely on which country to settle to.
Relying mainly on services and high-tech industries as well as trade, industry and investment, Ireland’s economy can be categorized as of modern knowledge type, focusing mostly on technology and groundbreaking ideas to further growth. In 2005, survey by The Economist found the country to have the best quality of life in the world. It has an unemployment rate of 7.8% and a deflation rate (Yes, deflation. That’s not a typo.) of 0.5%.
Industries that pay on an above average rate include food, drink and tobacco processing; telecommunications, transport medical appliance manufacturing; construction, and oil and gas exploration. Currently there are no oil reserves discovered in the country, so huge opportunities await to whomever will first find one. You might want to stay away from material manufacturing (metal, plastics, rubber, textiles, leather, pottery and glass), electrical and electronic engineering, and printing and publishing as these are the lowest paying ones.
Ireland’s average working time is 1,821 hours annually, or 35 hours a week.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8%, but still very low in overall scale. Inflation rate is 1.3%.
Australia makes sure its migrants adhere to its strict standards of skill and qualifications through a point-based system. The most paramount of these qualifications is the ability to speak English. Also, there will be more assessments to make sure your trade and competence is something the country needs. The industries in need of migrant workforce in the country are varied and disparate, ranging from technology to medicine to construction to finance to manufacturing. Currently, Australia is providing what deemed to be the highest minimum wage in the world. Also, average working hours here is just the same as Ireland’s level at 36 hours a week.
Ireland’s health care system is divided into two tiers: the public and private sectors. All residents are eligible to receive health care via the public health care system. The Health Service Executive manages this and is funded by taxation. Depends on his/her income, age, illness or disability, the patient may be obligated to settle a subsidised fee for certain health care received. There are no charges for maternity services and child care up to the age of six months.
Meanwhile, private health insurance can be accessed by those who want to avail of it. They are available through private companies offering this type of service.
Australia’s health care system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
Just like in Ireland, it is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Due to its temperate climate, Irish cuisine centers on the grown crops and meat from farmed animals with contributions from the English cuisine. Common foods/ingredients include butter, cheese, oats, wheat, cod, shellfish, trout, salmon (typically smoked), lamb, mutton, potatoes, rhubarb, pear, and plum. The country is also known for its alcoholic beverages, mostly bearing its name, such as the Irish whiskey, Irish stout, Irish red ale, Irish mist, and Irish cream.
When dining outside, be conscious about place settings. The knife above your plate is for the butter, while the little plate next to your bigger plate is for the potato peelings. It is not for bread as many assume, as bread isn’t usually served here. Holding the potato down using your fork in one hand, and peel the skin with your knife in the other. Also, keep your hands on your lap when not using, as opposed to most western settings where hands must always be visible. Service charges are usually included in your bills.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible (check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Irish families would rather buy properties than rent them, this results to a less than reliable rental market in the country. There’s a very apparent shortage of apartment here, especially the three- to four-bedroom apartments which is perfect for the family. However, just like the general rule in other countries, it is unwise to purchase a property if you just arrived or you don’t see yourself living in the country for more than three years.
While searching for a private rented accommodation, you may turn to local newspapers, real estate agencies, or even websites such as myhome.ie, let.ie, and daft.ie. It is advised that you view first the rental accommodation before making any tenancy transactions as the quality of apartments vary heavily. For long term agreements, minimum rental period is usually six months to a maximum of three years. The region, city, neighborhood, number of bedrooms, age, and quality of a property usually determine the rental price.
Unlike in Ireland, owning a house is not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provide public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. You may check here for a comprehensive guide on how to find an apartment in the country.
Ireland has a few extensive light rail networks serving the suburban areas. These include the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) rail line running the length of Dublin's coastline as well as the Luas tram system which has two popular lines. Light rail systems also exist in Cork, Limerick and Galway. However, buses are the main means of transport in the country. They are convenient, affordable, generally fast, frequent and reliable. Roaming around by car is also an excellent way to go around the country, as roads and infrastructures in the country are well developed. Taxis and Uber services also operate here.
A one way train ticket here costs US$2.87, while a monthly pass is at around US$122.66. Starting taxi tariff is US$4.57 with US$1.45 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$26,486.77. Gasoline is at US$1.45 for every liter.
The rail way system in Australia is extensive and efficient logically due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. While Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have partially underground transit systems. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here are less expensive than in Ireland, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Ireland has a maritime influenced, mild and humid climate. It is characterized as mild, moist and shifting with generous rainfall and not much temperature extremes. The driest and warmest time of the year is during May to mid-September, while January and February are the coldest. Winter days can be most, cold, and short. But temperature rarely falls below freezing due to the Gulf Stream. Snow might be very occasional here, but it is very common in the mountainous regions. It can be very windy in the coastal areas, while hale and thunderstorms are very rare occurrences.
Due to its massive size, climate also varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of Irish citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian citizenship include:
If you can survive the uncertainties of the weather, then either Ireland or Australia is perfect for you. Both nations are known for their unpredictable patterns. Also, the two share their love for beer, reflected on the many pubs and bars on major cities and even small towns. Also, both countries are relatively safe and known for their strict gun laws.
Because of its location, Ireland’s main draw is its proximity to Europe. Within two to three hours, you can be either in Barcelona or Spain, while the United Kingdom is a mere 45 minutes away. Also, accommodation is highly affordable, though you have to compete your way to find a good one. And if you are working full time, you are entitled to 20 holidays, and this is mandated by the law.
However, unemployment rate is quite high in Ireland. There are also lots of redundancies and the job competition is stiff. The European Union is going through some financial challenges already, and may or may not be worsen by Brexit, but Ireland is one of those who can feel the woes already.
Australia, on the other hand, is much stable economy-wise, as it is not part of any economic bloc who decides what is its financial fate. In fact, it is one of the very few who came out unscathed by the recent global recession. The outdoor and active lifestyle is Oz’s best pride, coupled by the warm weather and friendly people.
However, while Ireland’s properties can be very low-cost, houses and rents here can be very expensive, as is the general cost of living. And if you love going around Europe, you may like to settle in Ireland instead, as the Land Down Under is bordered by the ocean from the rest of the world.
While the entire Europe is busy having a generally anti-immigrant stance, a political party in the Netherlands called Denk (or “Think” in Dutch) courageously stood up to oppose the rising xenophobia and racism slowly embattling much of the continent these days. This only represents the country’s position of slowly opening its gates wider for immigrants is the waves of globalization enables more people to be expatriates, travelers, and migrants.
Today we compare the Low Lands and the Land Down Under to get to the bottom of their migration potentials (pun intended).
Considering that the Netherlands has only 17 million inhabitants and is the 18th largest economy in the world, the country is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest in the world. It operates on an open economic structure (they can freely trade internationally) and relies on export. Other main industries include metal and engineering products, agriculture, petroleum, electronic machinery and equipment, chemicals, and construction. It has an unemployment rate of 6.8% and inflation rate of 0.3%.
At US$28,000 to US$30,000 annually, the wage here is average compared to most of European countries. It is deemed higher than that of Spain and Italy, but lower than that of England and Germany. However, work-life balance here is guaranteed, with Dutch Laws prohibiting anyone from working more than 45 hours a week. This policy resulted them to have one of the lowest average working time in the world at 1,425 hours annually or 27 hours a week.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with an inflation rate of 1.3%
The country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world, making up for the considerable high income taxes. Like in the Netherlands, a law is also mandating employees to work for a maximum of 40 hours a week only (they fought for that right in the past), making the average working time here to be only at around at 1,664 working hours annually or 32 hours a week.
And if you came here unemployed (or became unemployed in the process) here’s a quick and comprehensive guide on how can you land another job.
The Dutch health care is considered as the best in Europe, taking the top rank in the list of 34 nations in the 2012 Euro Health Consumer Index. It spends a lot on its health care system at 11.9% of GDP, second only to the United States. They have a network of 160 primary care centers, with open surgeries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most of the doctors speak very good English, making them fairly accessible to expats and new immigrants.
Health insurance here is mandatory. And is covered by four statutory forms:
Australia’s healthcare system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Because of its coastal location, main ingredients of Dutch cuisine include fishes, but also centers around pork, chicken, or beef. On the traditional level, their method of cooking and preparation is simple and straightforward, focusing more on vegetables and farm produces than meat. Dutch diet is mainly rich in fat and carbohydrates and contains dairy products, reflecting the nutritional requirements of farmers, fishermen, and laborers back then.
Cafes are located everywhere in the country, all serving quick snacks. Broodjeswinkels (small shops) sell open-faced sandwiches, consumed traditionally with a glass of milk or buttermilk. Meanwhile, informal restaurants like Poffertjes offer fried dough pancakes, typically with powdered sugar. And lastly, raw, salted, smoked, or dried herring are being sold on street stalls. You will usually purchase the herring from a barrel, then hold it by the tail and eat it on the street.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations, thus helping transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible.
The country is has a rich culinary atmosphere, evident by the many restaurants continuously sprouting in cities from ultra-exclusive joints to pubs to dives serving street food. Melbourne itself has become famous for gastronomical adventurers because of the many restaurants and cafes lining up its streets. Also, Australian food is diverse as they are enjoyable and sometimes challenging. Check some of them here.
Social housing is high level and well developed in the Netherlands, as 60% of the residents here own their properties. However, that doesn't mean the renting market is underdeveloped for the other 40%. The properties for rent are up to par also, though the process can be pretty complicated. On some areas, restrictions are applied on who gets prioritized to live in the house. The odds mostly go for those who have strong connection to the area i.e. they were born there, working nearby, or has a family in the area.
As a foreigner, a migrant, or expatriate, there is no restriction for you to own a property. However, like in renting, it is restricted to low-income earners, which makes it quite challenging. It is mostly advised that you rent if you are new to an area or planning to stay there for three years only or less. If you are able to own a property, on the other hand, there are tax benefits and mortgage costs are often lower than that of renting.
Unlike in the Netherlands, owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here live in fully owned properties, 31.4% rent their home, while 35% of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provides public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Public transport in the Netherlands is well-developed, efficient, and relatively affordable compared to the average income. The OV-chipkaart is the country’s main smart card system in traveling, and can be used in trains, metros, and buses. Various railway systems operate in the country. They have three rapid transit systems (metros) serving various cities, a rail transport that connects almost all major towns and cities (it is the busiest in the world), three large tram networks which operate in three cities, and two light rail networks. There are also regional and city public transport bus services, but their connections are quite limited due to the extensiveness of the train networks.
A one way train ticket here costs US$3.13, while a monthly pass is at around US$84.92. Starting taxi tariff is US$4.47 with US$2.35 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$24,255.49. Gasoline is at US$1.71 for every liter.
Australia also has very efficient public transport system. But unlike Japan where trains are more popular, driving is the most used mode of transport here, and this number continues to rise. Trains only come second, then walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then buses. All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits.
Commuting costs are a bit less expensive here than in the Netherlands. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every liter of gasoline.
The Netherlands has a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with typically high humidity. This is more evident in the Dutch coastline, where the difference in temperature is definitely smaller between summer and winter, and between day and night than it is in the southeast part of the country. Since the country is small in land area, there isn’t much else variation in temperature and climate from region to region, however, the marine influences are less felt inland. Rainfall is distributed throughout most of the year with a dryer period from April to September.
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Also due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
Depending upon where in the continent you are each month, the seasons will vary, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
The Netherlands and Australia have as so many similarities, their qualities and characteristics are almost mirror-like. Both have a well-structured economy, an all-encompassing health care, very low crime rate, an egalitarian culture, and efficient transport system. Also, both countries have the tendency to build traffic congestions, especially in bigger cities, and the unpredictable weather patterns.
However, The Netherlands has the upper hand when it comes to their tax system, which provides a 30 percent tax-free allowance available, as well as lower average working hours. Living the country also opens more opportunities in other European countries by the agreement in the European Union.
But this specific benefit is also a major drawback, job and career opportunities are mostly restricted towards migrants from EU countries only. Also, you need to learn Dutch to better get along with the residents.
Australia, on the other hand, prioritizes the job market according to skills, not nationality, and opportunities are available to almost everybody. And since English is the main language, it’s fairly easy to deal with people. Also, the country offers the highest minimum wage in the world, which makes up for the expensive living.
If you like traveling the world or fond of going abroad, however, Australia is isolated by ocean from the rest of Europe and Asia, and provides a major challenge. Also, the properties can get very expensive, the reason why only 30% of people here owns their home.
Australian girls can get stereotyped a lot. They love beaches, they’re all blond, and all have sexy accents. While most of these are true, Aussie ladies are in fact, way more than those, and could be one of the best companies you can ever have. If things work well, you may elevate this into exclusive dating, a relationship, or even marriage. And you will have a respectable, gorgeous, and intelligent lady forever by your side.
We listed down the reasons why you should date an Aussie girl, like right now.
Disclaimer: The traits detailed in this article cannot represent accurately all Australian women, as they are completely complex and multi-dimensional people. We merely highlighted the good and general traits embedded in their character as part of their national identity and culture.
The brunette on the other side of the bar? Looks like a snob. The blond in the nearby table? Way out of your league. For tens of thousands of years, women have been intimidating men in ways more than we can imagine. They are either too smart, too rich, too busy, or too social. It’s like wearing an invisible “back off” sign.
This isn’t much the case with Aussie ladies. You see, they belong to one of the friendliest, most polite, and most laid-back people on the planet. They’ll talk to you like you were their old neighbor. They’ll laugh at your jokes, listen to your stories, or, if you’re lucky, buy the next round of drinks, all these considering you are a well-represented, decent human being yourself. They might not like you right away, but at least you’ll have a fighting chance, and not treat you like you have a restraining order from them.
Who hasn't heard of Margot Robbie utter a word and didn't think “OK, that accent is melting me?”
Aussie accents is up there with British and South American as one of the most likable in the world. It sounds British (because history) without the ultra-formal and posh tone. It’s more relaxed, a bit rougher, and flows with politeness and gentleness imbedded in its inflections.
Though on the flipside, you will inevitably lose all the arguments with her. Seriously, who wants to maintain contention with a lady whose speaking timbre you can’t even resist?
As men, we generally love sports, a good laugh, a few rounds of drinks, night time drives, and adventures. And what do we love more? A woman who likes all of these, too.
Australia is known for its very active and outdoor lifestyle. They’re so mad about sports like cricket, rugby, and football (not to be confused with the egg-shaped variety). And since the country is 65% rough terrain, the love for adventure runs in their blood as well. And after a day’s hard work, they’ll cap it off with a few shouts (that’s Aussie term for rounds) of beer with a good company. Imagine having a girlfriend with no reservations for these things and you are in for a lifetime of fun and happiness.
Some girls aren’t really looking for boyfriends but slaves. But not Aussie girls. You see, they are one of the most practically able people on Earth. They can think on their feet, they know their way around things. They can build and repair whatever it is that needs to be built or repaired. In short, they don’t need you.
But no. They are not a race of misogynistic people who abhors men in general and probably raised Wonder Woman. They are just capable themselves. She will not whine or nag over broken things and disappointments. So, if your type are eternal damsels in distress, Aussie women aren’t those. Adopt a kitten or something.
For some westerners, being Asian or Indian or African might feel like you came from the far side of the planet. But not for an Australian woman. More likely than not, she already has an Asian, Indian, or an African friend from the other side of the street. So your culture won’t shock her anymore, at least not that much.
The thing is, Australians have been living with immigrants as their neighbors for decades already. This makes them more accepting and accustomed to multi-cultural people. Also, being a country at the center of global migration further helps this mentality. And lastly, Australians are natural travelers, so they won’t mind meeting and befriending people of different ethnicity, race, or culture.
So it won't matter where you came from. Just be polite and friendly and you’re good with them.
No good relationships ever evolve solely around lying in couches and Netflix marathons. You both need to get out, discover the world, take the road, face your fears, and get your feet dirty. And oh boy, Aussie ladies love to travel.
Australia is a huge country, and a larger patch of this land is home to some of the most challenging treks and most beautiful natural attractions ever. The fact that the country is isolated by ocean from much of the United States, Europe, or Asia means Aussies don’t have much choice but travel their own country first.
The 21st Century have seen the rise of women empowerment. Ladies now don't want to be just housewives. They are now climbing corporate ladders, working as bread-winners, refusing to take the train seat you offered, and splitting the bills.
Meanwhile, Aussie ladies have been doing these for decades already.
Australia works on an egalitarian principle, meaning everybody is being given equal rights, opportunities, and responsibilities regardless of social status, education background, race, and gender. The country works hard to eliminate sexism and bigotry from the national psyche and maintain the “neither superior nor inferior” culture. So if she offers to split the check or buy the next round of drinks, keep in mind that she’s not trying to impress you, she’s just being Australian.
We’re not saying you should marry an Australian girl for the sole purpose of landing ashore the Lucky Country. You can do better than that.
But the truth is, when you fall head over heels and marry an Australian citizen, she has the capacity to bring you over home and make you a permanent resident or even a citizen, too. And look at the benefits, the country has an amiable climate, friendly people, awesome tourist spots, a diverse culture, and great cities to live in. Imagine living in a great country with an awesome girl beside you forever. It’s a win-win situation here.
And then here comes the spiders. Oh wait, she’s not afraid of those, too.
When we hear of Denmark, we think of Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen’s waterside, and the country’s enormous tax rate. The thing is, Denmark is more than these. The country features one of the best living standards and highest quality of life in the world and is home to one of the happiest people in the planet. These qualities, among others lie, parallel to the Lucky Country, so we decided it’s time we compare the two of the best migration destinations these days.
Although rife with valuable natural resources such as mature oil and gas wells in the North Sea, Denmark relies more on human resources to support its main economic sectors such as agriculture, food processing, electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and tourism, among others. In a nutshell, Denmark sports a mixed-economy structure. It has an unemployment rate of 3.19% and inflation rate of 0.50%.
In the office environment, the country operates on an egalitarian convention. Superiors and subordinates are expected to work on a “horizontal” principle, i.e. the bosses working with the team rather than just handing down orders. If you are employed by the government sectors, your salary is determined by trade unions and employer associations. If you work for the private companies, it will be based on your qualifications. At 1,436 hours a year (or 28 hours a week), it has one of the lowest working hours in the world.
Australia operates on a mixed market economy structure, and the 12th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with a lower inflation rate of 1.3%
Much like in Denmark, a culture of egalitarianism and consultancy also define the Aussies’ working style. Subordinates are required to share opinions and suggestions or even challenge their superiors’ ideas as long as executed professionally. This adheres to the Australians’ virtue of mateship, in which everybody is treated equally with respect. Australia enjoys a lower than average working hour at 36 hours a week.
The Danish health care is a public system funded though income tax at a regional and municipal level with integrated financing at the regional level. It is divided into two parts: the primary health care which is provided by general practitioners and handles general health problems and is generally the first point of contact if you ask for general medical treatment, and the hospital sector which is deals with patients who need more specialised medical treatment such as intensive care or the need for specialist equipment.
All Danish residents and European Union citizens have access to Denmark’s health care benefits.
Australia’s healthcare system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Denmark might be an ultramodern wealthy country, but its cuisine originated from what the peasants’ ingenuity and local produce back in the old times. This was further developed with the cooking techniques on the 1800s as well as ingredients available during in the Industrial Revolution. Not to mention, foreign cooking methods and ingredients imported from tropical countries further contributed to the national cuisine’s enhancement. Danish cuisine is famous for its open sandwiches, cold cuts and buffets, and beers.
When dining, do not begin eating until the host says “Skol.” Always finish everything on your plate. Not doing so is a waste of food for them and Danes do not like it. Do not discuss business, follow your host’s lead. And wait to be told where to sit, as there may be a seating plan. For tipping, restaurants usually include a 12-to 15-percent gratuity in all bills already.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible (check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
The living cost in Denmark is already expensive, so people who migrate here chose to rent than to buy a property. Danish property is of high standard is usually spacious. Rental accommodation here differs from houses with gardens in the suburbs to city apartments. Most of them, however, tends to be in the form of multi-storey buildings or terraced housing. Majority of these are clustered together in the residential parts of the major cities in the country.
Like with any country, location typically determines the price of the rent. The average monthly rent for a place outside the city is expected to be cheaper than an apartment in Copenhagen. However, this does not mean that a house located miles away from Copenhagen is going to be cheap. Finding a place to settle here can be challenging. Apartment ads are usually posted in newspaper and internet adverts.
Owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provides Public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: The inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. You may check here for a comprehensive guide on how to find an apartment in the country.
Denmark’s public transportation and infrastructure is ultramodern, efficient, and of high standard. Three types of railway networks operate in the country: Regional (Re), InterCity (IC) and InterCity Lyn (ICL). The Regional trains connect local stations to the main national network. InterCity and InterCity Lyn trains run on the same routes, ICL trains are just faster and do not stop at as many stations. Copenhagen, however, is the only city to have a metro system, and it operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It utilizes unmanned, automated trains on the network.
A cheaper alternative to trains when traveling within Denmark are buses or coaches. Some of them also operate to travel to and from the country. You may ride a taxi here, but expect the fare to be expensive.
A one way train ticket here costs US$3.57, while a monthly pass is at around US$55.75. Starting taxi tariff is US$5.95 with US$2.27 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$35,715.16. Gasoline is at US$1.56 for every litter.
The rail way system in Australia is extensive and efficient logically due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. However, partially underground transit systems still operate in Sydney, Brisbane Perth, and Melbourne. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here is less expensive that in Denmark, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Located between three European climatic zones, Borea influence in the north, Atlantic influence the west and Continental influence in the east, the climate throughout Denmark is a combination of these influences, and is generally described as temperate. Characterized by mild winters and cool summers, rainfall here is evenly distributed throughout the year. The western part of the country, however, features an Atlantic climate while the eastern parts sports a more continental influenced one. During summertime (May to August) the temperature is pleasant especially during the first month. Winter on the other hand, is ruled by snow, ice and icy winds.
Required clothing here includes lightweights with rainwear during summer, and a waterproof and warmer clothing during winter. Bring an umbrella and a sweater for almost any time of year.
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Also due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
Depending upon where in the continent you are each month, the seasons will vary, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Despite the huge distance gap and the culture in which they thrive on, Denmark and Australia have more similarities than we can imagine. Both are home to the happiest citizens on the planet, have excellent living standards, healthy lifestyles, short working hours, egalitarian cultures, and the remarkable love for beer. Also, they share the same downsides, such as the expensive cost of living and the competitive housing market. It will just come down to matter of preference.
If you prefer a cooler climate, Denmark is your country. Also, the Scandinavian culture is very inviting. What with their very formal, humble, and laid-back way of living. There’s always something going on each day. The health care here is also superb, albeit at the cost of high income tax.
And speaking of which, as mentioned, Denmark has the second highest tax rate in Europe, so that’s another huge consideration. Also, you may have to learn Danish to survive the language barrier. And most establishment closes before eight in the evening, so you will be left with an empty street after dark.
Australia, meanwhile, has English as its main language, so you won’t have difficulties communicating here. Plus, the Aussies are warm, friendly people who will have no trouble striking a conversation with you, even the random strangers. And the climate is very warm, which is the main draw among those from Europe. The lifestyle here is very active, with everybody going for a jog, a walk, or a sport to enjoy the sun.
On the downside, Australia has a very unstable weather, and if you live in small towns, there won’t be much going on, as the entertainment and activity centers are mostly in the city (on the upside, less congestions). And traveling to other countries can be a bane, as Australia is bordered by the ocean on all sides. It’s more expensive and takes longer to get around.