ParentNET—A
Student Abroad
A slice of student life abroad written by an MTU student
There's not really anything to compare this vehicle with back in the States, but it is pretty popular here in Australia. (Click on photos for larger images.)
What did you say?
Since I haven’t really been doing anything besides going to the beach and class for the past week, I decided to compile a list of terms and general differences that I have noticed between Australia and the United States. Most of these differences cannot be labeled as positive or negative . . . they are just little things you would notice, but wouldn’t think of as a big deal. I haven’t really noticed that basic communication has been a problem, sometimes I just have to explain exactly what I am looking for.
Australian
American
How are you going?
How are you doing?
Utes
Pickup trucks
Trolley
Shopping cart
Rubbish
Garbage
Mobile
Cell phone
Currency: there are no pennies and totals spent are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, dollar bills are called notes here and come in a variety of size and color depending on their denomination
Currency: the use of pennies is relatively common
Round-abouts (left) are used in Australia rather than four-way stops.
These trees (right) seem to constantly shed their bark.
Driving: takes place on the left side of the road, four way stops are uncommon, instead round-abouts are used, minor accidents seem to be fairly common (especially at the intersection right near my flat!)
Driving: takes place on the right side of the road, speed limits are generally higher in the States
Flat
Apartment
Hungry Jacks (only in Western Australia)
Burger King
Bathers
Bathing suits
Sunnies
Sunglasses
College
High school
Uni
College
Shopping hours: nearly all stores are closed on Sundays, and are often only open until six o’clock in the evening; there was a recent election to determine whether or not shopping hours should be extended, and ~78 percent of the voters felt they should stay the way they are!
Shopping hours: it is not uncommon to have at least one store or restaurant open twenty-four hours a day
That's all there is to it!
You can ask questions, discuss concerns about MTU, student life, Houghton,
whatever!
It's a great way to stay in touch with Tech!
