Difference between Australia and Netherlands

I was recently approached by a guy from the Taylor board at Tu Delft. He wanted me to write a quick something about the differences between Australia and Netherlands. Here it is:

Hey! I’m an Australian Mechanical Engineer from Sydney that’s been studying in the Netherlands for about 6 months now. In my time here I’ve noticed plenty of small differences that really accumulate to create a whole new experience. But before I tell you all about it, let me clear up a few really common misconceptions; yes, spiders are as big as you think they are, and no, it’s still a perfectly safe country travel around.

Alright! The first big difference is Alcohol. When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I was blown away to find out how cheap alcohol was here and how easy it was to get it. A cheap beer only costs 40 cents at the supermarket, and a really good beer at a pub will only cost about 5 euros. I was also really pleased to see a very relaxed drinking culture; there aren’t many clubs in Delft, and most people I know here are usually content having just one beer or two in a sitting. In Australia, things are quite different. Alcohol is heavily taxed which means that it’s really expensive. Expect to pay at least 30 euros per case of beer and about 25 euros for a bottle of vodka. Australians also drink differently. It’s a cultural norm to buy “rounds”, this is where one person in a group will buy everyone a beer, and then afterwards the next person will do the same. If you’re at a University pub with four other Australians, expect to drink a multiple of 5 beers in a sitting! Drinking is usually a much more high energy activity as well - expect the occasional drinking game challenge! Oh, and whatever you do, don’t let the Aussies make you try “goon”...


The next big difference are outdoor activities. The Netherlands is an impressively flat country making it perfect for bike riding, rowing and running. Most Australians live along the coast which is usually not that flat, so sadly cycling is not as big as it is in the Netherlands. You won’t find any bike parking lots! However, there are quite a few popular beach based activities like surfing, beach volleyball and swimming. My home University (UNSW) was located 30 minutes walking distance away from a beautiful beach where it’s not uncommon to see students finish their daily studies and then go for a dip in the ocean. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe, no sharks will get ya. Hiking is also a really great thing to do in Australia as well. If you’re in Sydney, visit the “blue mountains” - if you find yourself based in Sydney, it’s definitely worth a visit. Watch out for drop bears though!

Another thing I’ve noticed about the Netherlands is the way people socialize. Every Dutch person I’ve spoken to in the Netherlands so far is unfalteringly logical and direct. It’s as if all Dutch people have a little bit of Engineer in them. Australia really prides itself on it’s laid back culture, and so you’ll find even in big cities a very friendly and relaxed vibe coming from most Aussies. As long as you get yourself involved in different activities, it should be really easy to make Australian friends.

I’ve also noticed that the architecture in Delft is very beautiful and old fashioned. There are cobblestone paths, beautiful churches and very pretty canals. Because Australia is a much newer country, expect to see a much more modern look. Also, because Australia is a pretty large cultural boiling pot, expect to find a wonderfully diverse range of Asian food stalls. Oh, and don’t expect to see houses built as narrowly as Dutch houses! Australia is a bit more spread out in that regard.

One of the defining features about Australia is its geographical isolation. In Europe, you can walk 10 meters to the left and end up in another country with an entirely different culture. In Australia, you’re stuck in a giant, mostly homogenous country. This shouldn’t discourage you from traveling around Australia though! Traveling up (or down) the east coast and passing by places like Byron Bay, surfers paradise, and the Whitsundays is always a great idea. Also, if you can, try and visit South East Asia on your way to and from Australia. Bali is the default tourist hotspot for Australians.

Hopefully this gives you a bit of a cultural summary of the differences between Australia and the Netherlands. It’s definitely more than pronouncing the letter “J”. I know this sounds cliche, but the best way to find it is to just go there and experience it for yourself!