Becoming Australian

Australia – My place in the world

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:04:16 +0000

I started working when I was only 13 years old. I guess I always wanted to be a grownup. Somehow working seemed more interesting than playing the guitar or riding bike. My father had this friend that was co ownership a restaurant in downtown with two brothers. At some point the business became shady and my dad’s friend decided to have someone watching the management from his side. That’s how we needed up owning a restaurant, my first job. I started low, as a kitchen assistant and dish washer. In time I became to chef and manager of the establishment until the crisis stucked us and made us close the place.

I moved from a call center to a real estate database company. In five years I accumulated enough experience to be hired by a major international company. I finally ended up heading a 120 people team for one of their US clients. That’s when it happened, I got stressed.

I was only 25 years old when it happened. One morning I just realized that I wasn’t happy, I was tired of waking up early to perform a job that I hated and meet people that only wanted results all they long. I started to convince myself to go to work every day. I got tired as never in my life, I natural joy was disappearing in within the responsibilities and obligations my job demanded from me. I started seeing my friends more rarely. In the weekend I only wanted to rest and watch movies, no time for relationships, no time to enjoy the little things I loved not long before. What change? I couldn’t find the answer.

We where getting onto our Autumn, I needed my vacations desperately. A year before that I met this Australian dude that stayed home for a week. He was traveling the world at the time and needed a bed in my city, I was part of a web community that offered low cost space for travelers. When he left my house he invited me to go visit Australia one day, we got along pretty well so I only charged him two days out of the ten he staid with me.

I got to Sidney with no expectations at all. My friend was waiting for me at the airport with a big smile and a warm hug. That was the beginning of the change. I started to understand little by little what I was missing. The land scape was just incredible. He lives in a farm in the outskirts of the main city close to a lake. Those where the best 10 days I can remember in the last 5 years of working for big man eating corporations.

And then it happened, I started to understand what was wrong, what I really needed. The message was clear, I was not doing what I was supposed to, I was living in the wrong city, the wrong life, the wrong job and the wrong house. I was basically misplaced. It felt like my brain suddenly stopped processing all this useless information and took a big breath. I could listen to my thoughts, it was all clear now. I needed to change the roots, my whole life needed a jump and I was ready to do it, I was ready to jump.

I went back home and made my plan. In a period of two month I quit my job, left my apartment, sent my things to storage facility and bought the plain ticket. My friend offered to accommodate me as long as I needed if we shared the expenses of the house. I even worked with him in the farm. It took me 2 moths to find a suitable job and rent a small house in the suburbs. It basically changed my life. When I think about it I realize I left all my friends and family, my old self was left in my birth town, I was a new person starting his life from ground zero.

Australia welcomed me with no questions. I came as a tourist and processed my work VISA when I got the job. It wasn’t an easy task but neither an impossible one. Today I know I’m not going back. I regained everything in my self that made me who I am. No more corporations or unwanted jobs, for once I’m enjoying my life and building it for myself in staid for others. I’m being selfish with myself and my time and feels great! This is what I was looking for, my place in the world and it happens to be Australia. I will become an Australian in a few years. I guess everything happens for a reason, mine was the need to be happy.

A Duty to Apply for Australian Citizenship?

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:11:28 +0000

A land of diverse viewpoints and personal backgrounds, Australia isn’t especially well-known for the uniformity of its decisions, and opinions among the nation’s people are likely to vary greatly on any given subject. The topic of immigration in particular is bound to provoke anger or frustration in some citizens, while others greet the subject with openness and joy; the difference often has ties to personal experiences perceived to depend upon the national stance towards immigration itself. For the most part, however, Australians are notably welcoming to foreigners, and there is a deep appreciation for the new cultural, religious, and professional ideas and practices brought into the country by people originally from other lands. Whether they support specific immigration policies or not, many Australians take the view that those who wish to work and live in the country beyond a short, exploratory visit are obliged to seek out Australian citizenship, a view that may have considerable consequences for immigrants who do not show any interest in becoming Australians themselves.

Australian citizenship is held as a goal for many people who venture to the country on a visa, and quickly going through the process to apply for citizenship, take the citizenship test, and complete the other necessary steps is a standard procedure for some. Yet there are others who venture to Australia for work, education, or for personal reasons, and who do not attempt to solidify their status in the country through citizenship. To many native citizens and those who have gone through the naturalization process, this reluctance or outright refusal to join in the community and take on the responsibilities of citizenship can be frustrating, as immigrants are sometimes viewed as snatching up certain types of jobs or detracting from social services by obtaining help without paying into national funds through regular taxes. Immigrants who do not seek out citizenship may also face difficulties with the law, and may find themselves cut off from many of the benefits of living and working in Australia.

While each newcomer to the country is sure to think of their duty to the nation in a different way, the number of those who feel obligated to become Australian citizens after a certain period of time or after a thought-out decision is likely to rise when the opinions and arguments of existing citizens are heard. Though there will doubtless always be some who refuse to go through the paperwork of a citizenship test and application or who feel that taking on a new citizenship status would somehow jeopardize their personal or family identity, the benefits of becoming an involved and legal member of the national community are bound to help convince many that going Aussie on paper is the right choice. Seeking out Australian citizenship is ultimately a very personal choice, and not all immigrants will choose to take the leap, yet those who do will find greater acceptance and, likely, greater prosperity as a result.

Becoming Friends over the Australian Citizenship Test

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:00:03 +0000

When people imagine taking a test, they may call to mind images of staying up late at night to study, or they might think about the tenseness and stress that can sometimes accompany the pressure to do well. It’s not that common for anticipatory test takers to imagine that you’ll be meeting others and making friends within the context of a test, but in some special circumstances, such as when completing the Australian citizenship test, making new friends tends to be an easy and intuitive part of preparing and passing. The Australian citizenship test is taken by immigrants with original homes located around the world, and any one group of test takers is bound to have a wide variety of personal stories to tell about their journey to Australia and their hopes for becoming a citizen. With such a set of interesting and powerful backgrounds, it’s only natural that immigrants should be curious about each other, and there are many new friendships that can be forged to help new citizens adapt to life in Australia and grow together as fully-fledged Australians.

The potential for meeting other immigrants through preparing for and taking the Australian citizenship test may be great, but there are also many opportunities for meeting new Australian inhabitants who have a considerable amount of experience working and living in the country, and who can often help newcomers establish themselves within their communities. Meeting native Australians tends to be easy for test-takers as they meet with preparation personnel and travel to various government offices to complete necessary paperwork and other items essential to the process of becoming a citizen. Those involved with test taking and naturalization processes are likely to be friendly and helpful, and immigrants may find life-long friends among some of the first people they meet within the country.

Upon passing the Australian citizenship test, newcomers may wish to participate in the ceremonies held in honor of new citizens, and may also hold small festivities or greeting parties to introduce themselves to neighbors and co-workers and to celebrate their new citizenship. Participating in these events is likely to bridge many people together, allowing for opportunities to make new Australian friends and develop lasting, meaningful relationships with community members.

The Australian citizenship test is an important part of the process of understanding and integrating with Australians themselves, and is likely to help the quest to make new friends easier. Through engaging with others who are seeking Australian citizenship as well as by taking advantage of related services and making an effort to establish oneself within the new community, fresh Aussies can ensure that their new lives down under are full of friendship. Making friends, just like taking tests, may not always seem very easy or even practically possible, but with the warm welcome of Australians and the right attention paid to test preparation, immigrants can ensure a happy start in their new homeland.

Australian citizenship test in 5 easy steps

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:34:45 +0000

The Australian citizenship test is a key element in the citizenship application for Australia. Once the citizenship application has been sent OT the Citizenship and immigration offices it will start the review process. It usually takes around 5 to 8 months for the lodge to be reviewed, after which the applicant will receive a letter inviting him to sit for the citizenship test.

The test is 20 questions long with a 75% passing score. The study material for the test can be ordered at any time from the offices web page and is totally free. The resource book is called “Australian citizenship: our common Bond” and it includes all the knowledge necessary to pass the citizenship test.

The test can be taken as many times as necessary for the candidate to get passing score. Retakes are usually on the spot depending on the PC availability at the test center. Bare in mind that as much time the applicant spends to get the passing score the more time the application will delay approval.

Which is the best way to get prepared for the test?

The very first thing to do is to get familiarized with the content in the study guide. For most immigrants the majority of the content in the Australian citizenship guide will be rather new. Try to read the guide more than two times to get a grasp on what the test will look like. It is important you use this opportunity to introduce yourself to the content. Don’t leave the study for last minute. The test is based on knowledge that need to be memorized, last minute study wont make the trick.

The next thing to do is to build you notes out of the test material. With this you are fixing the test content in your mind making it easier to access when the test comes. By making notes and writing the material you move the content from your short period memory to the long term memory in your brain.

Third come the practice. Allow me to say that this is the most important point in the study process. The test is multiple choice based so by practicing you get familiar with the test format. Multiple choice tests are easily beaten by having tons of practice. With this method you accomplish two things, you go through the whole content and you reduce the chances of having new questions at the real test. This closes the loop for memorization. So get as many sample questions as you can find and mock tests.

Fourth take the test to your every day life. Why? Simple, is easier to access knowledge stored in you mind if it is linked to a n experience or situation. Ask your family test questions, bug your coworkers. Soon enough you will realize how little citizens know about Australian culture.

And last. Make sure you have proper rest before the test. There is no point of studying last minutes. The knowledge stored in the short term memory due to last minute study wont last long. Also make sure you you have a good breakfast full of fiber and glucose to fuel your brain and body for the test.

Remember you will have 45 minutes to complete the test. If you pass you will be invited to the citizenship ceremony where you will have to perform the oath of commitment to the Australian country at the earliest convenience. Good luck to you all in your Australian citizenship test!

The Difficulties of Immigration in Australia

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:32:03 +0000

From warm and sandy beaches to bustling metropolitan cities and remote yet beautiful natural spaces, Australia is associated with a landscape that is as captivating as it is mysterious, yet there is another landscape present in the country which has more to do with the social and the psychological than with the physical world. Immigration is a major topic of discussion in Australia, as the country’s high standards of living and meaningful social programs create a strong attraction for people who are looking for a better way of life, and the country’s academic and professional institutions draw still more interested immigrants each year. Though migrating to Australia in search of a new personal or family story may be one of the most exciting points in a person’s life, there are also challenges associated with the process, some of which may be more easily overcome than others.

Taking the citizenship test is often thought of when considering the difficulties of immigration in Australia, and while the test may indeed present a challenge, it often cannot compare with the emotional aspects of considering a new identity and leaving a previous country and its many familiar aspects behind. Many immigrants hope to become Australian citizens at least in part to benefit their families, who may receive state benefits or who may be sent a portion of earnings won by an Australian worker. Yet it can feel alienating to become an Australian citizen when family members are a frequent reminder of a life left behind, and this can be a challenging topic for many newcomers.

Making new friends and professional contacts along with finding new social events, clubs, and religious institutions can be distinctly challenging for immigrants, as well. Though people hailing from a wide range of countries are likely to find established immigrant communities upon their arrival, the sense of newness, from different languages or slang to new customs and values can be disorienting. Immigrants are likely to find the support they need, however, through getting to know other newcomers as well as connecting with established residents who can help demystify life in Australia. Becoming an Australian citizen through taking the citizenship test, filling out applications, and performing other necessary steps often contributes greatly to a sense of belonging and social understanding, as new citizens learn about the history and operation of the country during this process.

Feeling homesick is another issue faced by some immigrants, though working towards Australian citizenship is typically able to help soothe this concern. Through creating a comfortable, meaningful, and proud home and lifestyle in Australia, new citizens can overcome many of the challenges associated with immigration in down under, and may even wish to lend their support and resources to others who are struggling with the new transition. In a land marked by world-renowned natural beauty and urban modernization, immigrants face unique difficulties, but can triumph through the commitment and perseverance of becoming a true Australian.

The Finality of the Australian Citizenship Application

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:51:44 +0000

Like most major choices in life, the decision to become an Australian citizen isn’t especially easy to make, even when immigrants are enthusiastic about the benefits they can expect to receive for themselves and for their families after the naturalization process. Aside from the many practical aspects of changing one’s citizenship, immigrants are often faced with a number of emotional and sentimental challenges as they consider the process of becoming an Aussie. In particular, some people may feel as though going through with the Australian citizenship application means that they are relinquishing not only their former citizenship status, but also their former land and the experiences and relationships gathered there. Of course, in essence, only those aspects which a person decides to case aside are actually left behind, and it’s perfectly possible for new Australian citizens to retain their sense of national identity while also incorporating their new lives into the mix.

Still, the decision to apply for citizenship in Australia implies some measure of finality, and of the idea tat a person has made a conscious and willing choice to become more involved with the state of Australia. Sometimes, the mere language surrounding the citizenship test, application forms, and other pieces of paperwork can be daunting for immigrants; becoming a “permanent” resident may seem to suggest that a person is forever ridding themselves of their former identity and is committing to a lifetime of citizenship in a new country. While indeed many people choose to live out their lives in Australia after obtaining citizenship, it is not impossible to seek out citizenship in other countries later on in life, and the matter of permanence is mostly a concern for the sake of record-keeping and other impersonal issues.

For many immigrants, the finality of the Australian citizenship application is actually a welcome thing. As it can be difficult to integrate with the local community and feel a sense of belonging as an immigrant, the choice to put in an application and work towards permanent citizenship helps many immigrants both physically and mentally declare themselves as Australians and worthy of the same services, social treatment, and benefits as others in the same area. Though it can be somewhat intimidating to take this leap, those who have decided that Australia is the right country for them can gain a sense of accomplishment and purpose through putting pen to paper and submitting their application for citizenship.

Australian citizenship may sound final, but the contrast between this finality and the sometimes chaotic, undecided status of simply being a “foreigner” can be a great comfort, especially to families with children who are hoping to settle and develop in a new land. When the citizenship test has been completed, all the forms have been filled out, and new citizens work towards building a life in the Australian nation, they’re bound to find that the decision they’ve made, however final, was a wise one.

The Australian symbols

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:10:33 +0000

When a person is becoming an Australian citizen her is a lot of content one needs to absorbed. One of the preferable items an applicant for citizenship learns are the Australian symbols and what they mean. For an immigrant to fully integrate to the Australian society, acquiring knowledge of the Australian national symbols benefits the sense of belonging.

When a new citizen adopts a country gaining knowledge of their roots and emblems seals the bond. In this regard is the Australian citizenship test one of the promoters of this phenomenon.

One of the most recognizable symbols would be the kangaroo. Australia is the only place in the planet where kangaroos can be seen. The kangaroo is part of the coat of arms for Australian people. Its companion holding the shield with the six provinces emblems is the emu, the native Australian bird. Is the second largest bird in the world; only seen in Australia as the kangaroo and an icon for Australian people. The emu is hunted for its meat, feathers and oil.

The coat of arms is hold by the Australian National Flower the golden wattle. There is no surprise that this little tree holds the Australian national colors, green and Yellow. In the spring the golden wattle can be seen with its little pointy flowers all over Australia. Is a season of enjoyment and nationalism. Where you can see Australian colors all over the city. Most of the citizens have one golden wattle in their gardens.

Above the shield guarded by the kangaroo and the emu floats the commonwealth star of seven points, one for each of the six states and one for the territories. The star can also be seen in the Australian flag below the Union Jack; symbol of our British roots.

The Australian commonwealth coat of Arms represents the territory and its history. It can be found in almost every governmental document, your passport, your citizenship ID, etc.

There is also one particular symbol inside the Australian National Flag that distinct Australia from the rest of the commonwealth nations. The Southern Cross. Like the North Star in the north hemisphere, the Southern Cross can only be seen from the Ecuador to Antarctica. Is shaped by five stars, four that resembles a cross and one in one of its flanks. Also known as Crux, points to the south helping sailors to find their way home in the furious seas.

Symbols like these one we mentioned in this brief resume can be found in the “Australian citizenship: Our common bond” booklet that prepares you for your citizenship test. Really valuable information for any new citizen and for many of the current Australians. Our country is filled with beautiful things.

The Trials of Holding Dual Australian Citizenship

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:07:48 +0000

When citizens of foreign nations want to involve themselves in the affairs of a new country of residence and take advantage of certain social services, the best route is often to seek dual citizenship, yet this status can have challenges of its own. From significantly increased paperwork and other potentially dull processes to personal and emotional difficulties, dual citizenship –in Australia or in any other part of the world– can try the patience of people who may feel as though they are trapped between two countries. Though dual Australian citizenship can help immigrants reach into the benefits of citizenship in Australia while retaining their original nationality, deciding that this path is right for personal circumstances and preferences before taking the plunge with the Australian citizenship test is a good idea.

The process of acquiring dual Australian citizenship can take some time, and applicants may feel as though they are jumping through hoops at times. As with many bureaucratic issues, however, staying patient and knowing how to ask for help, if needed, can get anyone through the ordeal. By preparing for and taking the Australian citizenship test, dual citizens learn important facts about how Australian government and society function, giving them a better basis for understanding their new role in the country and their privileges within it. Fortunately, getting to know the Australian people and way of life is an enjoyable part of the process for most migrants.

The emotional component of becoming a dual citizen can be especially trying for some Australian citizenship applicants. In many cases, dual citizenship may seem to provide a lighter commitment to augmenting one’s nationality, and the idea that original citizenship can be maintained provides a degree of comfort. Yet those who opt for dual citizenship may feel conflicted by the notion that they’re not fully-fledged Australians, an issue that can become more important as newcomers spend more time in the country and make more meaningful connections. Though it is certain that dual citizens can enjoy more privileges and become more involved with the administration of government than immigrants staying on a visa, the conflict between current surroundings and an ongoing attachment to a country of origin may create inner difficulties from time to time.

The choice to seek dual citizenship is ultimately a personal one, and those who choose to take this particular path are often able to use their new status wisely and to the benefit of themselves and their families. Yet the position may be uncomfortable for others, particularly in terms of understanding personal identity and committing to a given nation, its people, and its progress. Through taking the time to deeply consider what a dual Australian citizenship would mean for the self, immigrants are sure to be better-equipped to make a rewarding decision. Though it may be impossible to feel “half Aussie” for long, dual citizens can work past the challenges of their status and experience Australia in a powerful way.

The Australian Heart

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Becoming citizen is a big step for every human being. It reflects the final stage of a very deep change in ones mind and heart. In a way the person that applies to become citizen of any nation is leaving a part of his identity behind. “The start of a new life” some may say.

In our case, Australians, this is a long process that takes around 4 or 5 years to develop. Not only because we have to wait that long to become real Assuies, because is about that much time until Australia gets into your blood. For many the symbol of becoming Australian is upon the approval of the citizenship test, for others is the Oath. Suddenly becoming a citizen of a nation that has a Queen as symbol of their hopes, land and constitution might seem odd.

The majority of our immigrants usually come from countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, Latin America or India, many of which are so rich in culture and landscape. Still is Australia they fall in love with. Not only because of the economical stability of the social security our nation has, because Aussi is just beautiful. It has a unique zoology; there is nowhere else in the world you can find kangaroos, Koalas and wombats. Unique

Our landscape has variety of shapes and for all tastes. You have snowy mountains in Kosciusko National Park to the most wonderful beaches in New South Wales. The always blue ocean against the red deserts full of wonderful creatures.

It is usual to find immigrant that have more knowledge about Australian history and culture than national Aussies. And there is more than one explanation to that. One may thing that the sole reason is tight to the citizenship test. Immigrants need to study facts of history, economics, politics and cultural relevance for Australia. We are also instructed in our civil rights and obligations, so it makes complete sense that sometimes an immigrant has all that fresh content in their mind book, one may think that’s the only reason. We new comers know better. Australia is our nation of heart. We choose to become Australians for specific reasons, we are comfortable here, we are happy to be part of this big nation, is a choice not a birth burden. New Australians feel their nationality as a big decision. That’s why the symbol of an Oath or a citizenship test means a victory for every immigrant. It just tells to the world that we have earned the right to become Australians and so will our children and family. Is the country in our harts, the choice we made to be part of the Australian spirit.

Citizenship is not only in paper, citizenship is on your heart. The Australian Heart.

Getting Involved through Australian Citizenship

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:20:06 +0000

Among the many aspects of daily life that lead to personal satisfaction and well-being, getting involved with one’s local community is an important part of retaining a rewarding lifestyle. Local involvement, whether on a social or a political scale, often depends largely on personal position, as those without a sense of their right to be involved aren’t especially likely to make their voices heard. Being a citizen is perhaps the most essential part of having a solid position from which to involve oneself in the local if not the national community, and the path to becoming an Australian citizen is able to help many immigrants gain the understanding and knowledge they need to apply their own beliefs, ideals, and priorities to the nation of Australia.

Throughout the course of daily life, people are bound to be struck by problems and conversations that seem interesting; it may be that a group is considering the closing of a school, the cleanup of a natural area, or even the organization of a special party or other event. Whether positive or negative, these triggers of involvement may stir up interest in visitors and other people in Australia who are not citizens, but it may seem difficult if not impossible to actually take the step of personal involvement without a foundation of citizenship. Some people may suspect that this arises from the idea that immigrants are somehow intrinsically “separate,” though others may argue that social difficulties faced by immigrants because of the views of established citizens get in the way of meaningful cooperation.

Applying for Australian citizenship is, according to some, an act of lending greater importance to personal opinions and interests, allowing them to be more fully accepted and considered by other residents. When people who have declared their devotion to Australia and who have gone through the process of applying for citizenship emerge victorious, they take on many new privileges and responsibilities, and one of the greatest consequences for many people is the enhanced ability to get involved in projects and planning. No matter the personal background and history of a given Australian citizen, their allegiance to the nation and the knowledge they’ve gained in order to pass the citizenship test can create a greater sense of personal involvement, as community decisions and events, as well as those at the national level, take on new meaning.

Australian citizenship isn’t for everyone –the country’s beauty, history, and sense of self may be overlooked by some who simply decide to pass through or to spend a short stint in the nation. For people who truly enjoy Australia, however, and who are interested in becoming a part of its future as well as a working component of its present, taking the Australian citizenship test and completing the Australian citizenship application are steps in the right direction –a direction that leads towards a greater ability to get involved with what’s going on around the house, around the block, and around the country.