What is the Difference Between Australia and America?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

There are several differences between Australia and America, ranging from cultural aspects to lifestyle and language. Some of the key differences include:

  1. Communication Style: Australians tend to have a dry and perverse sense of humor, while Americans have a more explicit communication style. Irony can sometimes fall flat on its face in the US, while it is more appreciated in Australia.
  2. Driving: Australians drive on the left side of the road, while Americans drive on the right side.
  3. Attitude Towards Time: Australians are known to be more relaxed and patient, waiting for things to happen. In contrast, Americans tend to be more focused on business relationships and may have a stronger sense of urgency.
  4. Cuisine: Some food items and brands are unique to each country, such as Tim Tams in Australia and provolone cheese in the US.
  5. Table Manners: Australians often hold their fork and knife differently while eating, using their knife to cut food and their fork to hold it, rather than switching hands as is common in the US.
  6. Dining Etiquette: In Australia, servers do not rely on tips and typically earn at least $20 an hour. This results in a more relaxed dining experience, with servers allowing patrons to take their time and enjoy long, leisurely meals.
  7. University Structure: In Australia, courses usually have fewer assignments and exams, with a midterm and a final often making up the entire grade. In the US, courses often have multiple assignments due throughout the semester.
  8. Grading: Professors in Australia may grade more harshly than those in the US, with assignments and exams potentially being weighted differently.
  9. Accents, Slang, and Terminology: Australians and Americans have different accents, slang, and terminology, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
  10. Date Format: Australians write dates using the day-month-year format, while Americans write dates using the month-day-year format.
  11. Cultural Differences: Both countries have a rich history and unique cultural aspects, with Australians being predominantly of British and Irish descent and Americans being a melting pot of various cultures.

Comparative Table: Australia vs America

Here is a table highlighting some differences between Australia and America:

Difference Description
Cuisine and Dining Australians use different cutlery techniques compared to Americans, and they often combine their foods on their fork instead of eating them separately.
Food and Drink Provolone cheese does not exist in Australia. Australian wine is relatively cheap, but cocktails have smaller serving sizes than in the US.
Meal Service Australian servers do not receive tips and typically make at least $20 an hour, so they are not in a rush to turn tables, allowing for long, relaxing meals.
Traffic Driving should be done on the left side of the road in Australia, while in the US, driving is on the right side.
Alcohol and Drinking Age The legal drinking age in Australia is 18, while in the US, it varies by state, with some states having it at 21.
Sizes and Measurements Australia generally uses the metric system, while the US uses the imperial system.
Climate and Geography Australia is known for its warm and sunny climate, while the US has a diverse climate with different regions experiencing various weather conditions.
Etiquette and Attitudes Australians tend to be more laid-back and have a "no worries" attitude, while Americans can be seen as more competitive and driven.
Business Etiquette Australians tend to build trust and relationships in business, while Americans focus more on the task and getting the job done.
Relationship with Authority Australians are skeptical of authority and decisions are often made by consensus, while Americans tend to respect authority more.

These differences highlight the unique cultural aspects of both countries, providing a perspective on the contrasts between the two nations.