| Issue 7 | July 2000 |
A CROSS-CULTURAL NEWSLETTER
PUBLISHED BY THE STUDENTS AND STAFF OF IALF-Bali
| A Beggar and Some Change
This is my experience when I was in the USA in 1996. I used buses to go around the city so I spent a lot of time at the bus station during my time in Cambridge. Also I had become familiar with the way of life there. I noticed there was usually a big, healthy young Afro-American at the bus station.Even though he looked a bit dirty and messy, you wouldn't have said he was poor (or maybe I'm not good at judging people...!). He always had a plastic cup in his hand. He wandered round the bus station and yelled in a loud voice "Change, please, change, please". Hearing what he said, I assumed he offered change to people who needed coins to pay the bus fare or make a call at a public telephone. I thought that if I did not have 'small money" (coins), I could go to him to change my 'big money" to smaller money. But what I thought was completely wrong! I found out that he wasn't giving change to people, he was actually a beggar. |
Unusual dress sense
In my last office where I worked with some foreigners, there was an Australian who always came to my desk every morning saying "Good morning, how are you?" He also always showed me his tie, asking for my opinion, whether it matched his clothes or not. I liked most of his ties, since they were unique and colourful, with interesting motifs. One day as usual, he greeted me with his "Good morning". When I looked at him and was about to comment on his tie, I was surprised. This time, he wasn't wearing a normal tie. Instead around his neck was a toilet seat. Apparently he had been punished by his running club and had to wear it to the office. For your info, he was one of the managers at the office. I can't imagine an Indonesian manager doing that! (Arif, ADS 3C)
|
Life is fun in Australia, though you have to work hard. Everyday is a good day and G' day is the common greeting to say when you meet people. If you live in Sydney, you do not need to worry about food. Indonesian food (Halal) is easy to find, especially within the area near UNSW.
Indonesian students are known as bright students. Do not be
nervous about seminars. People will not ask you unless they really want
to know about something. Even seminars in Indonesia are more dreadful.
We speak English well here since we do not bring Indonesian language into
the conversation. The main problem that may appear is writing in standard
academic style. But, don't worry, the Learning Assistance Center
can help you. Every time you have problems, people in the International
Office and International Student Service Unit are ready to help you. They
are professionals and helpful. So, be happy! Welcome to Australia.
