
SimpleGuy
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Aussies and New Zealanders are okay with Americans I suppose. I have met the nicest American people in Australia and contrary to general belief I gathered from this forum, it is very much dependent on which part of America he/she is from, the level of education and exposure of that American to the 'outside' world.
Just to be fair, while some Aussie tend to think they are more 'aware' of other cultures then their best ally (at least in terms of politics), I have noticed just equally close-minded Australians.
But yes, I would agree nevertheless that many of my first impression of Americans are not that good, i.e., they have an air of 'superiority', like 'oh, how small the portion of the food is in Australia, and I have to pay a good 20 bucks for this 'supposedly large pizza'. Back in the states, we get this huge real-large pizza for only 10 bucks'. or, 'this is a terrible cup of coffee. Back in states, we get the best Colombian/jamaican coffee'. The latter example is not that common anymore, as Australians are turning in to coffee snobs lately. but you get the idea.
But overall, americans are well liked, just don't start political conversation, touchy. |
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Kojak
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Most Americans not only come off as ignorant but shallow (as seen here on yahoo answers).
I have often wondered why they think everyone answering questions here is in America and their grammar is an embassment to the world. |
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ausoktex
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We've been here in Australia two years now and we find Australians friendly, open, and welcoming. One writer said many years ago that Australians tend to admire England and dislike people from there while they don't like America but like individual Americans. It's an over generalization but there's some truth in it, especially these days.
We haven't been to New Zealand yet but the Kiwis we've met (they don't mind the name) are equally warm. For more, see my blog at www.twotexansdownunder.com. -- Bob |
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tuppenybitz
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Allot of Americans think they are the be all and end all of the world.................give me an Aussie or Canadian any day |
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seacat
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We're pretty open-minded and easy-going, so it doesn't really matter where you come from. Most of us have experienced the "travel bug" too, so you'll probably find people ask lots of questions about where you're from! Generally people are friendly and helpful towards tourists, so you have nothing to worry about.
The only thing I would recommend is not lumping Aussies and Kiwis in one group - we're from two different countries and there is a great rivalry! It's kind of like us asking you about Canada :o)
Enjoy your trip! |
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Suzieq
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most americans (not all) I have met seem to think that everywhere is like America. they have no concept of what is going on outside their country, and have no desire to. ( I have even had Americans tell me I wrong regarding things in my own country)
Heres a statistic for you, 2 out of 3 aussies have a passport.
1 in 10 americans do.
AS long as you dont ask asinine questions, are polite, not loud and open to new things, then you will be fine |
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vivi
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I'm from NZ and have spent 11 weeks in the US over the last 2 years. I have never met more helpful, friendly, courteous people. In regards to the don't lump NZ and Australians together ... I'm sure you'll get asked if you're Canadian ...
The main gripe we in NZ have about America is the Politicians, but then again, we don't really like our ones we voted in. That's life - it's normal.
Hope you have a great time visiting Australia. I lived in Melbourne for about 4 years, probably before you were born. It's a fun cosmopolitan city.
Things to take back for family apart from a Koala bear toy? Take some Vegemite and get a Pavlova recipe. It's a continuing battle as to which chef from NZ or Aussie created it, but it's a wonderful dessert. When you get home to make it - only use granulated white sugar and not the sugar that looks like Splenda. My friends in Pittsburgh adored it and one friend baked it as part of a Christmas Eve meal last December (2006).
OK I've written enough. Any questions, please email me.
Safe travels. |
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MR BIG
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I'll be honest and the general view of american's in australia is not great, largely due to the poltics. They think that everyone is a pompous and conceited charachter. i must say i thought like that aswell. UNTIL i actually went over to American and mingled with the folks. I have not met nicer people anywhere in the world and i've been to every continent other than africa. Unless you count the middle east as africa which i dont. American's are very friendly, compasionatte and confident. and america is a very nice country.
Schooling in Australia is cool. Aussie's are also very cool and we generally take each person on their merit. It's just the general american notion has not got a favourable one here and it is a direct reflection of your politics. Has got nothing to do on a personal level. |
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Dot B
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I am a New Zealander and think that in general, Americans are friendly, always wanting to please and be of help. They are extremely well organised and like to go the "extra mile" in getting things done. There are however, good and bad in all cultures and I honestly think that Americans need to learn that their country is not the only one in the world and make an effort to learn about other nations.
I hope you have a really great time in Aussie as we call it. |
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michelle s
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Kiwis are very friendly regardless of race/natonality, and Australians are laid back as well. I'm sure your school trip will be fantastic, and you will be welcomed wherever you go down under! |
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TONe
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usa people are like australians were 20 years ago !!! elvis is still alive and kicking in dubbo |
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daisyrose
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i from new zealand . alot of american live here ,,you will love austrailia.... |
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Stephanie D
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Most of us are very friendly, so if you are the same, and easy going, then you will be welcomed. |
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Hoosyadaddy
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Take comfort, you'll be with friends. |
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mudling83
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Um, I think we like Americans who can take a joke and laugh about themselves and their country. We Aussies seem to have a thing for self-depreciating humour. ;)
For example, I have a friend who grew up in California as a young child, and she says the funniest things about America (in a joking way of course) and everyone loves her. *shrug* |
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moo_the_conqueror
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I have loads of American friends whom I backpacked with and they were all top people. Whilst I was in America, I found people to be warm hospitable and friendly. I also found them to be starved of information about the rest of the world, which is not
the individual's fault, but the system's.
I did get asked some silly questions, but I answered them with honesty. |
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FORKY
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like the people (although they have a tendency to be loud mouths) ,hate your government and its foreign policies |
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bess
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im an aussie and i love americans .my favourite americanis my daughter in law tammy.every one i know loves americans.elvis came from there so whats not to like.. |
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jpturboprop
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Since you are apparently still young, and possibly teachable, before you make the trip to Australia, do your fellow Americans a favour. Go to the library, and find a book called"The Ugly Americans". Read it. You will discover why many Americans have left a trail of bitterness in their wake around the world. Americans can be boorish, snobbish, and obnoxious. Aussies (can't speak for the Kiwis) give everyone a chance, so be a good Yank, not an ugly one, and you will be welcomed warmly.
Enjoy! |
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