Following racist attacks, students are confused how to behave Down Under; seek lessons on Australian culture from education centres
Following racist attacks, students are confused how to behave Down Under; seek lessons on Australian culture from education centres
The surge in violence against Indians in Australia has compelled students to seek cultural counselling from education centres here.
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"Inquiries from students about the culture and night life in Australia have shot up from 15 per cent to 80 per cent," said Debarati Bhatt, head of study abroad department, Young Buzz India.
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Manish Adatiya (34) of Pearl International Education Centre in Andheri said. "Calls from anxious parents have also increased."
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Adatiya said he was advising students to follow basic Australian etiquettes. "For instance, they don't like to be called up on weekends without an appointment (see box on Australian for behaviour for more).
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I've been there over 30 times and found the people very friendly,'' he said.
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He added, "There is an active night life on the streets of Melbourne and Sydney that is generally safe.
But one must watch out for Lebanese students who are ruthless. You'll get thrashed if you refuse them a pack of cigarettes or a pint of beer.''
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Sania Barvesh, owner of Education Solutions, Bandra, said students were curious to know if they could reveal their nationality.
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Yojana Padhye, senior counsellor for Australia with Hem Parekh's Edwise International, said students were keen on campus accommodations since its safer.
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Said Adatiya, "Foreign students pay thrice the amount paid by locals. Australia must stop these attacks to prevent losses. Else, there could be a 25 per cent drop in Indian students this year.''
Australian for behaviour
Don't play loud music while using public transport
Don't talk loudly in your native language
Don't drink and drive
Be polite and courteous, especially with girls
Greet strangers with a hello
Likely to get thrashed if you refuse cigarettes or beer
'Indians are well behaved'
Architect Amruta V Pawar (31), who did her Masters in Environmental Management from Sydney in 2005, said, "Indian students in Australia are well-behaved and try hard to adjust to an unfamiliar habitat by upgrading their academic and professional skills.
However, if the racist attacks continue, Indians might choose other destinations to study. Eleven cases of assault against Indian students have been reported in the past one month.
20,000
The approximate number of Indian students going to Australia every year (3,000 are from Mumbai)
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