OK here we go.
1) What were your first days in Australia like?
We remember those very fondly. Everything was going very well for us, with such an privileged arrival. It was an instant jump on quality of life of massive proportions.
2) What expectations did you have of life in Australia? Did it meet those expectations?
We wanted to get away from the violence mainly. Australia fully met our expectations and exceeded them. We also were looking for a place where we could integrate, not be the eternal foreigner, and in that regard, Australia also delivered big time.
3) What languages did you speak in your home country? Did you speak English fluently then?
Venezuela is a spanish speaking country. I was already fluent in English as I had lived in the US for a while.
4) What sort of help from any family or friends in Australia? Or the government?
Nothing really. We had no family or friends, and since I originally came as an overseas temporary worker (I'm a citizen now) the government doesn't help much. But the the company took care of us big time, a relocation agency was involved to help us get settled.
5) Were your degrees you had obtained in your country recognised in Australia? Did you have to undertake additional study?
Yes they were. I did take additional post-grad studies, but just to fulfil a personal desire, not really required at this stage I'm my career.
6) Were there any incidents in your first year of arrival that summed up how you lived and felt about Australia?
Nothing dramatic. Before coming here through my company I had been to a "move to Australia" seminar, where a presenter described to us an incredibly idyllic, tranquil suburban existence. Back then I took it with a grain of salt, after all the guy was trying to sell me his immigration services. Shortly after moving, one day I just realised.. it was just as the guy had described. It was one of those WOW moments. I've been here seven years now, and I still look around every now and then and think "Boy, this is nice".
7) What were your first impressions of the people here? How was that different from your country of origin? What were Australia's best/worst aspects, in your opinion?
I had heard how laid back people were, somebody said to me "australians are just happy". I found that to be the case. In some ways it made me remember how Venezuelans used to be, friendly, laid back. Today's venezuelans are kind of paranoid, they have to.
I was amazed of how multicultural Australia is. If I had to say anything "bad" about australians I'd be how drinking is ingrained into the culture. Australians are such informal people, that, I like.
8) How has your life changed since you arrived in Australia?
All for the better. I have now the life I dreamed on when I started my professional career. Honestly, couldn't ask for more.
9) Have you ever returned to your home country?
No, its still bad back there. My family comes over, which is a lot nicer.
10) Have elements of your cultural background been absorbed into the Australian way of life?
Not really. The venezuelan community in OZ is quite small.
11) For your child, do you still feel the need to teach them about your home country's heritage and culture?
Yes. He's fully bilingual (we only speak spanish at home). I taught him to read in Spanish. Because he was so young when we moved (just three), he has no real memories of Venezuela. We relay to him how good it was before, we talk about Venezuela and how we hope things will get better someday.
We eat our traditional food and keep our older latin style family values.
12) Do you think you made the right decision coming to Australia?
Third best decision ever made in my life. After marrying the woman I married, and having my kid.
13) Has your perception of Australia changed since your arrival?
Not really.
14) What do you miss most about your home country?
Family and friends. There are a few types of food I just can't have here, but that's very minor.
