Canberra – A Lesson in Cultural Diversity

When choosing an international study destination there are plenty of factors to consider, such as what course to pursue, which university to choose, where you will have the most fun, and where you will be welcome and safe, to name a few. Often a destination’s culture, inclusiveness, and community values will be called into question. 

Australia’s capital city, Canberra, is a city that embraces diversity. Canberra is a member of the Welcoming Cities Network and its commitment to social inclusion extends to all cultures, races, genders, sexualities, and ages. If you choose to study in Canberra you’ll feel welcome, included, and safe.

Why experiencing diversity important?

Experiencing diverse cultures opens peoples’ minds to broader perspectives and perceptions. It builds empathy and understanding toward other people and their cultures. It fosters compassion, tolerance, and productivity. It brings people closer and helps nurture a progressive society. 

Students in Canberra benefit from its strong cultural and linguistic diversity. It combines varied skills, cultures, languages, and experiences, creating new and different social and economic opportunities. It also gives the city an endearing character and identity. 

A glimpse into Canberra’s diversity 

Canberra is a city that is immensely proud of its multicultural diversity. The fact that 32.5% of Canberrans are born outside of Australia makes it a cultural melting pot and gives the city an eclectic set of perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. To acknowledge this, the government is developing a new law called the Multicultural Recognition Act and will establish a Multicultural Charter that sets out principles for supporting diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

These factors lend Canberra a feeling of being a home away from home for most people, especially Indians. In 2021, the local newspaper Canberra Weekly reported how Indian families find it easy to keep in touch with their roots. Traditional Indian dance forms and Carnatic music thrive in Canberra thanks to an ever-growing presence of Indians living here.

Canberra’s cultural diversity can be further demonstrated by language, with Mandarin, Nepali, Vietnamese, and Punjabi the most used languages after English. One in four people in Canberra speaks a language other than English. The same can be said of religion, with a growing influence of Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism among others.

Canberra is not only proud of its diversity, but it also celebrates it

The National Multicultural Festival is an iconic fixture in the city’s busy events calendar. This annual event celebrates the more than170 nationalities that makeup Canberra’s community. and is a long-standing beacon of inclusion and equality.

The three-day festival attracts over 150,000 people each February, with the 2023 event marking the festival’s 25th Anniversary.

It’s easy to lose yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes. Festival goers can indulge in exotic food (that includes Indian dosas and curries and Ethiopian lentils and stews!) and drinks (Croatian beer to Russian Vodka!) as well as handicrafts and ornaments from different cultures. 

Dance, music, and artists have also come together to deliver some of the best world music and fusion experiences.

New to Canberra? The multicultural hub is here to help

For many students, studying abroad is their first experience travelling overseas. Being away from family and immersed in an unfamiliar culture can be overwhelming. In addition to the support offered by each university, Canberra’s Multicultural Hub has been created as a source of practical settlement information and support which can be accessed through the Welcome 2 Canberra app. A wide range of support is available including accommodation, employment, health services, study support, counselling and much more. The app also provides updates on upcoming events and festivals in Canberra. It’s a great way to help students ease into the city and get acquainted with local customs and culture. 

It’s easy to fit in

Each year, thousands of students from around the world and across Australia move to Canberra to study. The city’s social calendar brims with events, festivals, sports matches, and concerts. The opportunity to mingle is complemented by the huge number of on-campus activities, clubs, societies, and interest groups. From adventure sports to book clubs, truffle hunting, drama, and zentangling, it is easy to find something that inspires you and that connects you with like-minded students who might just become lifelong friends.  

For those keen on studying abroad, no better place promotes social inclusion and equality of opportunity. Social harmony is the hallmark of a successful diverse society. Students will find there is a lot to learn from Canberra’s contrasts and harmonious society, gaining wonderful lessons in cultural diversity alongside a world-class education. This is what makes Canberra special.