What It’s Like to Be an Australian Expat

At any given moment, there are around 310,000 Australians living beyond the country’s borders. Around half switch out days spent soaking up the sun for new lives in Europe, while many others relocate to Asian countries. From getting used to white Christmases to learning new languages and slang words, there are a lot of changes that come with life as an Australian expat. But what does taking the step and moving abroad really feel like?

One thing is certain, and that is that there really is no one way to feel. A change as big as this brings nervousness and excitement, often in equal measure. You might find yourself singing the praises of German Wurst or Portuguese chouriço in one moment, and in the next feel a craving for a sizzling sausage right off the barbecue. When dealing with things that may be strange and unfamiliar, spending time with people that remind you of home can make the process of settling in much easier.

How to Meet Other Australian Expats

Starting out on your adventure in a new country can be made a whole lot less challenging if you are able to rely on a network of people going through the same thing. That’s why getting to know fellow Australian expats is so important when you move abroad. Established in 2007, InterNations is the largest expat network with over 4 million members. It’s a trusted community offering a range of experiences that bring global minds together, including many Australian expats!

Attending InterNations events is a great way to connect with fellow Australians abroad. Whatever interests or hobbies you may have brought with you from home, there will almost certainly be an opportunity for you to develop them further as part of the InterNations community, and make new friends as you do so! We have a huge range of online and in person events on offer, perfect for learning more about the culture and history of your new city or getting tips on expat life there.

A Few Facts about Australian Expats

InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, looking at questions like why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.

Here’s what Australian expats shared about their experiences:

• The most common reason for Australians to move abroad was love, with Aussies often following their partners to their home countries.

• 70% of Australians feel at home in their destination, compared to the global average of 67%.

• 64% of Australians are happy with their social lives in their destination, compared to the global average of 59%.

• 68% of Australian expats say that they never feel unwelcome because of a lack of local language skills in their destination, compared to a global average of 63%.