Download a glossary of terms used in this module.
This module looks at communication skills that are important while studying in Australia and tips on how to communicate in different situations. You will reflect on how you can achieve your communication goal or goals.
Studying in a different country is both a major achievement and a personal challenge. This is true for all students, even those who speak English fluently. Different cultures communicate differently – even when they speak the same language.
We can all improve our communication skills. The best way to improve is to understand what effective communication is and to practise. Making mistakes is part of the learning journey. Even people with English as their first language make mistakes.
Watch the following interviews with international students talking about what they wish they had known about communicating in Australia before they arrived!
Continue on for interviews with international students talking about what they wish they had known about communicating in Australia before they arrived!
Hopefully, these international student reflections have given you some ideas about how Australians communicate, and they have made it clear that it can be confusing at first!
In this module, we will learn more about communication in Australia and think about how you can communicate effectively.
In Australia, we use many expressions and words that are not common in other English-speaking countries. For example, people may refer to taking a U-turn while driving as 'chucking a U-ey', which I was very surprised about! If you come across unfamiliar expressions in Australia, do not be afraid to ask! Most Australians understand that things are expressed differently in other parts of the world, and they will be happy to explain.
Mahime, international student from Japan
I have noticed that Australians are generally more casual, informal, and a little more sensitive while communicating than in other countries.
Charlotte, international student from the UK