Mates Versus Cowboys

Ninety percent of Australia's population lives within 100 miles of the coast. The vast interior is mainly inhospitable and uninhabited. Unlike in the US, the wild Australian outback is not seen as a frontier to be overcome and tamed, but rather a place that doesn't lend itself to individual survival. In the outback, one needs one's mates, meaning either men or women you can depend upon, in order to survive. In turn, Australians often think Americans push too hard. Australians more typically try to find a balance between their personal lives and the benefits society attempts to provide for all.

Don't Be a Tall Poppy

The tall poppy idea is based on the notion that poppies -- the garden variety common to Australia -- that grow taller than their neighbors will have their heads chopped off when it is time to pick the flowers. Australia is a very egalitarian culture, where "Jack's as good as his master" differences in status require no special deference, and anybody attempting to pull rank will be seriously challenged. Australian radar is very sensitive to this, and Americans will be challenged to prove themselves as equal mates. Nothing will get you knocked off your pedestal more quickly than trying to tell an Aussie what to do.

Definitely be prepared to defend your opinions -- Australians often find Americans too timid -- but never assume you can prescribe them for your Australian colleagues. Usually, these conversations take the form of good-natured ribbing over a few shouts, or rounds of drinks. Join in the fun as an equal, and try not to take things too personally. By the way, each person in the group at the bar is expected to pay for a shout for everyone else in the group, so pace yourself.

Forget Crocodile Dundee

Australians are bored with foreigners who see their country in terms of Crocodile Dundee, although "g'day" is still the standard greeting in person. When answering the telephone, a simple "hello" will do.

It's a Big Island

Be sensitive to the regional differences that exist. There is a friendly rivalry between the two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne - or, "Melb'n," as the locals say. Sydney sees Melbourne as too small, slow and provincial, and Melbourne sees Sydney as too brash and big. And throughout the country, aborigines, the island's indigenous inhabitants, struggle for equal treatment with the mainly European immigrant population, more recently mixed with a definite Asian influx. Avoid opinionating on this situation, as North Americans will quickly be reminded of their own difficulties with Native Americans.

Don't Confuse Kiwis and Aussies

Finally, never fail to distinguish between Australians and New Zealanders, or Kiwis as they call themselves. New Zealanders, for the most part, did not start out as prisoners in a penal colony and, having struggled for independence from Australia, often demonstrate a greater allegiance to Britain than Australians do. Additionally, New Zealanders are proud of having created a very civilized culture focused on ecology and social welfare.

Of course, Australian culture is similar to other Western English-based cultures, but don't be a galah -- that's one who is foolish and silly, named after a native bird -- and assume you don't have to know unique Australian differences. Respect the local ways, fit in with your mates, and take pleasure in your work and life in very enjoyable Australia.