Why Don't Expats in Australia Have Relationship Issues?

We carried out an online poll with regards to challenges facing expats around the world and gathered information on specific countries such as Australia. It would appear that relationship issues are not a major matter of concern for expats moving to Australia, something which is at odds with many other countries around the world. So why don't expats in Australia have relationship issues?

Culture

The culture of Australia is very similar to that of countries such as the UK which can give expats a degree of comfort when they land. It is the ability to integrate yourself into the local community as quickly as possible which can in many ways determine how successful or unsuccessful your move will be.

Language

The vast majority of expats who move to Australia will have English as their first language or possibly their second language. The ability again, to land in a country where your language is commonplace will take away potential problems which you may well experience in other countries. The ability to familiarise yourself with your new environment as quickly as possible is something that should never be underestimated.

Prospects

Many experts believe that the Australian economy is well-positioned for significant growth in the short, medium and longer term and indeed is seen as one of the stronger developed economies in the world. Again, if you have little or no financial worries then this can in many ways take pressure off your relationship and allow you to prosper and enjoy yourself. If you have to save pennies and pounds here and there it will eventually take its toll and can lead to arguments which can very quickly flare-up into major problems.

Friends and family

Australia has for many years been a very popular expat destination and as such many people who move their today will have friends and family who have moved there in the past. Again, we should not underestimate the strength in depth which an existing family and friends network can give you when you first land. They will know the culture, they will be able to give you advice and they will likely have gone through the same emotions as you will when you first land in the country. It also gives you the ability to use your friends and family as a "sounding board" when you have issues you need to discuss.

Visa applications

Very often the time it takes for a Visa application to be considered and hopefully be successful will force many couples and families to reconsider their move time and time again. Is it worth it? Is it right for us? Can we afford it? These are questions which expats will ask themselves time and time again. To some people the extended application period may seem a negative element of your move overseas but it will make sure that you have time to consider whether you are indeed doing the right thing.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why relationship issues appear to be a very small problem with regards to expats in Australia but the truth is that if you talk, talk and talk some more there is no reason why you cannot enjoy a very prosperous life in your new country. Ignoring problems and issues will lead to major problems in the future and trying to bury your head in the sand is potentially the worst thing you can ever do.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at the Australia Forum, where he has published a number of articles about Why Don't Expats in Australia Have Relationship Issues? and many other topics.


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