Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it involves leaving behind one's culture and familiar way of life. For many Argentineans, Australia has become a popular destination for study, work, and adventure. However, adjusting to the cultural differences between the two countries can take some time and effort.
Going everywhere with our "Mate"
One of the most noticeable differences for Argentineans in Australia is the way of socializing. In Argentina, it is common to go everywhere with a "mate," a traditional gourd for drinking yerba mate, a traditional drink in Argentina. It is a social ritual to share mate with friends, family, and even strangers. However, in Australia, this tradition can seem odd to some locals and may even elicit stares or curious questions. Despite this, many Argentineans continue to carry their mates around and enjoy them in the company of fellow compatriots. If you are an Argentinean living in Australia and looking to buy yerba mate, there are several options available to you.- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell yerba mate in Australia. Some popular options include Amazon, eBay, and The Mate Co. These retailers offer a wide variety of yerba mate brands and blends, and you can order from the comfort of your own home.
- Latin American specialty stores: If you prefer to buy yerba mate in person, you can visit Latin American specialty stores in major cities across Australia. Some popular stores include Tierras Latinas in Sydney, Vatos Tacos y Tequila in Melbourne, and El Cielo in Perth.
- Importing companies: such as "Pampa Direct".
It is important to note that the availability of yerba mate may vary depending on where you live in Australia. Additionally, the price of yerba mate may be higher in Australia than in Argentina due to import costs and taxes. However, for many Argentineans living in Australia, the convenience of being able to buy yerba mate locally is worth the extra cost. Same applies for the well known "Fernet Branca", the typical drink Argentinians love to mix with coke and the delicious "Alfajores".
Getting used to Safety, a great challenge for the Argentinean mindset
Another aspect of life in Australia that can take some getting used to for Argentineans is the issue of security. In Argentina, it is unfortunately common to hear about incidents of theft and insecurity. This means that people are often more vigilant about their belongings and tend to keep a close eye on them. However, in Australia, the crime rate is much lower, and people tend to leave their belongings unattended in public places, such as cafes or parks. For Argentineans, this can be a significant culture shock, and it may take some time to feel comfortable leaving their possessions unattended.
Life in Australia
Many Argentines find life in Australia to be rewarding and fulfilling. They appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, the high standard of living, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. To successfully adapt to life in Australia, Argentineans often seek out communities of other expats or fellow Latin Americans, where they can share their experiences and find support. They also tend to learn more about the local customs and values, and try to embrace them as much as possible.
A great help for Argentines in Australia whenever they feel home sick is visiting one of the many Argentinean restaurants. These restaurant offer traditional Argentinean cuisine, including empanadas, choripan, and grilled meats.
New South Wales:
Porteno, Surry Hills
Gardel's Bar, Surry Hills
El Capo, Surry Hills
San Telmo, Surry Hills
Carbon, Bondi Junction
Victoria:
San Telmo, Melbourne CBD
Asado, Southbank
Vamos, Melbourne CBD
La Tienda, South Melbourne
Palermo, Melbourne CBD
Queensland:
The Argentinean Restaurant, Surfers Paradise
Buenos Aires Cafe, Mooloolaba,
El Torito Argentine Grill, Fortitude Valley
Asado, Brisbane City
Western Australia:
Varsity Bar, Nedlands
Gaucho's Argentinian Restaurant, Joondalup
Pampa, Mount Lawley
South Australia:
La Boca Bar and Grill, Adelaide CBD
Buenos Aires Cafe, Glenelg
Gaucho's Argentine Restaurant, Adelaide CBD
Tasmania:
Cuccina, Hobart CBD
Meat & Liquor, Hobart CBD
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other Argentinean restaurants in Australia that are not included.
Visa Options for Argentineans
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This visa is suitable for Argentineans who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to 3, 6, or 12 months. The Visitor Visa can also be used for short-term study, but it does not allow you to work in Australia.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): This visa is ideal for Argentineans with Italian Passport aged between 18 and 30 who wish to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. The Working Holiday Visa allows you to work for any employer in Australia for up to 6 months, study for up to 4 months, and leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like while the visa is valid.
- Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462): Similar to the Working Holiday Visa, this visa allows Argentineans aged between 18 and 30 to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. However, the Work and Holiday Visa has stricter eligibility criteria, including higher English language proficiency requirements and a higher financial threshold.
- Student Visa (subclass 500): This visa is suitable for Argentineans who wish to study in Australia for more than 3 months. The Student Visa allows you to study a full-time course at an Australian educational institution, work while you study, and bring your family members with you.
- Skilled Visas: If you have skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a skilled visa. Skilled visas include the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). These visas allow you to live and work in Australia permanently or temporarily depending on the visa subclass.
In conclusion, life as an Argentinean in Australia can be both challenging and exciting. It requires a willingness to adapt to new cultural norms and social practices while still maintaining one's identity and traditions. By embracing the local way of life while still holding onto their own cultural heritage, Argentineans can thrive in this multicultural and diverse country.
If you are an Argentinean looking to study in Australia, it can be a challenging yet exciting experience. From getting used to the cultural differences, to finding traditional food and drinks, it can take some time to adjust. However, the welcoming nature of Australians, the high standard of living, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth make it a rewarding experience. If you need help with your student visa application, Study Destination can provide you with the support you need to make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more.
