Cultural Awareness Assignment: Part 1

Part A

Cost of Living

Living in Australia, students have many choices to choose from when it comes to their accommodations. With each choice the price varies:

* Hostels and Guesthouses - $80 to $135 per week * Shared Rental - $70 to $250 per week * On campus - $80 to $250 per week * Homestay - $110 to $270 per week * Rental - $100 to $400 per week * Boarding schools - $10,000 to $20,000 a year There are many other living expenses that should be considered when living abroad such as food costs, transportation, etc. Based on each individual the amounts may differ. Here are the approximate prices: * Groceries and eating out - $80 to $200 per week * Gas, electricity - $60 to $100 per week * Phone and Internet - $20 to $50 per week * Public transport - $10 to $50 per week * Car (after purchase) - $150 to $250 per week * Entertainment - $50 to $100 per week As the Department of Immigration and Citizenship demands you to receive a student visa in order to study in Australia, for one individual it costs about $18,610 Australian dollars. Communication

Generally you should stand about an arm’s-length away when speaking to someone face to face but the distance will likely be less when standing side by side. Eye contact is generally considered important when expressing sincerity, although Aboriginal Australians are less comfortable making eye contact, which may be seen as overly confrontational. Touching someone on the shoulder or the arm when speaking or to make a point is generally acceptable. Some people view Australians as less formal and less politically correct. They will use some swear words but should not be taken as harshly as it will seem. Australians are known for their laid back attitude and so will generally not get too worked up about things. Australians are relaxed honest people who are comfortable with themselves, down-to-earth and say and do as they please.
In a business or formal context, most people will shake hands as a greeting. In a more familiar situation or amongst family and friends, a kiss on one or both cheeks between a man and a woman or between two women is usual. Whereas Canadians may hug in this sort of situation, Australians will usually hug if they know the individual well.
All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and symbolizes a unified society. However, languages other than English are also valued. In fact, more than 15 per cent of Australians speak languages other than English at home. The most commonly spoken languages after English are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Australians speak more than 200 languages, including Indigenous Australian languages. There are many uses of colloquial or slang words that can confuse non-locals and tourists. Australians are direct and have almost a language of their own. They have many words that sum up multiple sentences. Words are shortened such as; arvo = afternoon, brollie = umbrella, narky = annoyed, upset, togs = bathing suit. There are even"Aussie" Dictionaries available for use. Australians speak slower and have the tendency not to interrupt.

Dress, Punctuality, and Formality

Among friends, Australians generally call each other by their first names. But this informality does not extend to physical contact. When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake the person’s right hand with your right hand. People who do not know each other generally do not kiss or hug when meeting. Australians queue or line up when waiting to be served in a shop, a bank, a government department, a cinema, or anywhere that a number of people are all seeking a service at the same time. Australians generally wait until it is their turn to be served or attended to. Being on time for meetings and appointments is important.
Workplace Culture: Dress, Punctuality, and Formality
In a typical office, business casual dress is usually acceptable. The weather is mostly warm to hot and not all buildings have air conditioning. Clothes are therefore more casual than in Canada. However in the big cities, tend to dress more formally than Canadians. Some work places are moving towards "smart casual wear" but it is probably best to start off with a suit, or something similar and take note of what others are wearing. In a business situation you should still look smart and presentable.
Colleagues and supervisors tend to be addressed by their first names, unless they are very senior and old-fashioned. Long names will be shortened if possible. There is little difference in the form of language used between colleagues and supervisors and in most respects every day language is used.
Deadlines will usually have some flexibility and the exact nature of the task and deadline should be ascertained when the task is set. Punctuality is definitely preferred, but there is also some degree of flexibility. Absenteeism is unacceptable and reliability is highly regarded.
There may be some flexibility in working hours. Workers may start from about 8 am onwards although it is rare to leave before 5 pm (unless on shift work). Overtime and weekend hours may well be required to meet particular deadlines.
In a workplace it will be expected that management will make decisions, although often after having gone through a committee or working group. This of course depends on the type of decision and employees would not expect to be involved in high-level corporate issues. Employees may wish to provide some input into decisions that affect them. Employees will generally appreciate constructive reviews and feedback. Communication and feedback is usually done directly between the employee and supervisor, although a human resources manager may be involved if necessary or wanted. Communication is encouraged as well as constructive suggestions. There is a level of mutual respect between workers and managers. Discussions are encouraged and hopefully decisions are made as a result.
Work related issues should usually be resolved privately and directly with the colleague if at all possible. People will generally expect open and honest communication and going to a superior may be seen as trying to undermine the colleague or create bias. Discussion in such circumstances should generally occur privately on a one on one basis. Rarely would it be appropriate discuss sensitive issues publicly.
If there is a work-related problem, it is best to confront the person in question in a rational way, privately. Your colleague should do the same if there is a problem with you. The other approach would be to go to your immediate supervisor and discuss the problem first.
Most business relationships exist independently of personal relationships and it is not necessary to develop a particular personal relationship with a colleague or client, although one may develop naturally through good rapport. Many people will prefer to keep business and personal life distinct and so even if a personal relationship exists, it may not be acknowledged in business circles.
In regards to creating a cover letter and resume when seeking for a job in Australia, it is best to keep your font type and size the same in both your cover letter and resume. Be concise and use descriptive words, as the reader will spend less than a minute reading the resume/cover letter. It is also important to remember that the reader will be looking at how the information is communicated as the documents give a good idea of the communication skills of the applicant. The cover letter and resume should work together as a partnership, both delivering a powerful message about the individual.

Business Hub: Top 10 Multinational Companies

According www.businessreiewaustralia.com these 10 Australian companies are the largest in 2013 based on their revenue.
1) BHP Billiton (72190.62)
BHP Billiton is a leading global resources company and the largest company in Australia. BHP is among the world’s largest producers of aluminum, copper, energy coal, iron ore, manganese, metallurgical coal, nickel, silver and uranium along with substantial interests in oil and gas. It is a global organization with over 100 locations throughout the world and more than 100,000 employees and contractors.
2) Rio Tinto (59879.25)
Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian multinational metal and mining corporation with headquarters in London, UK and a management office in Melbourne, Australia. The focus of the firm is on finding, mining and processing the Earth's mineral resources in order to maximize value.
3) Wesfarmers (58463)
From its origins in 1914 as a Western Australian farmers' cooperative, Wesfarmers has grown into one of Australia's largest listed companies and employers. Its diverse business operations cover: supermarkets, department stores, home improvement and office supplies; coal mining; insurance; chemicals, energy and fertilizers; and industrial and safety products.
4) Woolworths (55526.8)
Since opening its first single basement store in Sydney’s Pitt Street in 1924, Woolworths has grown into a household name with a presence in almost every metropolitan and regional center in Australia and New Zealand. It began operating fresh food stores 60 years ago when advances in refrigeration technology revolutionized transport and storage.
5) National Australia Bank (48556)
National Australia Bank Group is a financial services organization with over 12,000,000 customers and 50,000 people, operating more than 1,750 stores and Service Centers globally. Its major financial services franchises in Australia are complemented by businesses in New Zealand, Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each of its brands is uniquely positioned, but built on a common commitment to provide its customers with quality products and services, fair fees and charges, and relationships built on the principles of help, guidance and advice.
6) Commonwealth Bank of Australia (47193)
The Commonwealth Bank was founded under the Commonwealth Bank Act in 1911 and commenced operations in 1912, empowered to conduct both savings and general banking business. Today, the company has grown to a business with more than 800,000 shareholders and 52,000 people working in the Commonwealth Bank Group. It offers a full range of financial services to help all Australians build and manage their finances.
7) Westpac Banking Corporation (42354)
Westpac Banking Corporation was founded in 1817 and was the first bank established in Australia. On 23 August 2002, Westpac was registered as a public company limited by shares under the Australian Corporations Act (2001). In December 2008, Westpac merged with St. George Bank Limited. Today Westpac Group has branches and controlled entities throughout Australia, New Zealand and the near Pacific region and maintains offices in key financial centers around the world including London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.
8) ANZ Banking Group (40036)
ANZ Banking Group’s history dates back over 175 years and it is committed to building lasting partnerships with its customers, shareholders and communities in 32 countries in Australia, New Zealand, throughout Asia and the Pacific, and in the Middle East, Europe and America.
9) Telstra (25637)
Telstra builds technology and content solutions that are simple and easy to use – including Australia’s largest fully integrated IP network and Australia’s largest and fastest national mobile network.
10) Xstrata Holdings (23137.4)
Glencore Xstrata is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and is one of the ten biggest companies within the FTSE 100 Index. A global network of more than 90 offices located in over 50 countries supports the Group’s industrial and marketing activities. Its diversified operations comprise of over 150 mining and metallurgical sites, offshore oil production assets, farms and agricultural facilities. The company employs approximately 190,000 people, including contractors.

Dominant Religion, Class and Ethnicity

Religion: Australia is largely a secular society, although historically the largest religious group is Anglican. It is not uncommon for many Australians not to go to church even at Christmas. For those who do go to church or are religious, it is a private affair. The Aboriginal peoples have their own traditional beliefs but many were converted by early missionaries, and are now practicing Christians, ironically attending church and following traditions more so than the average "European" Australian. With the influx of immigrants, many other religions have been imported. However, religion does not play a major part in public life or the workplace.

Class: Australians like to pride themselves in having a "classless" society; however, this is not strictly true. While not having the clear distinction of English classes, there is a growing distinction between the educated and well off, and those that are less so. These distinctions are often compounded by location: inner city v suburban; urban v rural communities. It may also be related to schooling and background. However, these distinctions do not generally carry over into the workplace.

Ethnicity: Australian society is made up of many different cultures and therefore the majority of the urban population enjoys the benefits of being among a variety of people, cuisines and cultures. The larger cities have a good cultural and ethnic mix. Originally many Chinese, Lebanese, Greeks and Italians came to Australia. More recently many Asians and East Indians etc. have come over. Some rural communities will not have the same exposure to immigrants and international visitors. Generally variety is accepted and people of many cultures will be seen in the workplace and are accepted. Overall, Australians are professional, and once they get to know anyone will treat them the same as they would anyone else. It should not be an issue in the work place, even if it were an issue outside of the work place.

Recommended Safety Measures
Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study. The 2011 OECD Better Life Index rated Australia 9.3 out of 10 for safety, one of the highest ratings awarded to any country. But it is still important be aware of the risks that exist and ways to minimize them. This is particularly important for when you first arrive and are adjusting to your new way of life. The assistance and emergency networks in Australia are widespread and well equipped for any potential emergencies. Fire, ambulance, and police services will be able to provide you with any health and safety assistance you may need. Wherever you are in Australia, if there's a life-threatening emergency, call 000. It's a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which services you need. Most institutions provide on-campus security that can be easily contacted.
When you are out with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things to consider: * Always plan your trip home, especially at night. You may want to pre-book a taxi or arrange transport with a friend. Always make sure you have enough money to get home. * Try to travel with a friend or in a group. * Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them. * If you don’t have a mobile phone, make sure you have a phone card or money to make a phone call. * Where available, use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights. * Leave valuables at home if you don't need to take them with you. This includes jewelry, electronic equipment such as iPods and your passport. * If you've recently arrived and don't have anywhere permanent to live yet, talk to your institution’s international student support staff about secure storage facilities on campus. * Don't carry large amounts of money with you. You can access your money at ATMs found in shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping malls, bars, shop fronts and many other public places.

Public transport is reliable and widely used in Australia, particularly in metro and urban areas. A number of security measures have been implemented to maximize the safety of public transport users.
Safety at home is important, no matter where you live. Here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe. * Always keep your doors locked – both when you are home and when you go out. * Lock windows when you go out, or in rooms you are not in while at home. * Do not let strangers into your house. * Be careful of the information you give out to strangers through the internet, on social networking sites, or over the phone. If you are not at home or go on holidays do not make this information available to strangers. * Smoke alarms will alert you to smoke on the property so don't remove the batteries or tamper with them. If you live in a rental property, hostel or hotel it's the law to have smoke alarms fitted. If your property doesn't have them, talk to your landlord or real estate agent. * If you come home to find evidence of a break in (broken window or door lock), contact the police from a safe location.

The Australian sun can be very hot and may be stronger than what you are used to in your home country. As well Australia has many beautiful beaches and waterways, but it is important to take care when swimming. Many Australian beaches have ‘rips’. These are strong underwater currents that can be hard to spot but which can draw you away from the shore quickly. If you swim between the flags you should not have any problem with rips. If you do find yourself in a rip, try not to panic or swim against it. Stay with your surfboard or other floating device if you have one. Swim gently parallel to the beach out of the rip zone, or wave and call for assistance from lifeguards or other swimmers and surfers.

Healthcare System

The Australian Government provides help with medical expenses and hospital care through a scheme called Medicare. The government also subsidies the cost of most medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Most temporary visa holders are not eligible to enroll in Medicare; however, the exception is people who have applied for a permanent visa and meet the necessary criteria.

All international students are required to purchase health insurance for the duration of their studies in Australia using the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. Evidence that you have OSHC is a requirement for obtaining a student visa for Australia. Most tertiary education providers will recommend a specific OSHC provider. You must ensure that your OSHC is valid for the duration of your time in Australia. Coverage of OSHC for 12 months costs around AU$370.

Typical Salaries of Co-ops or Interns in Business Field

The full-time minimum wage is $16.37 per hour or $622.20 per week. This means that most employees in the national system shouldn't get less than this.
There are special national minimum wages for trainees, apprentices and juniors who don’t have an award or agreement. From 1 July 2013 these are:

Juniors: Age | % of national minimum wage | Minimum hourly rate | Under 16 | 36.8% | $6.03 | 16 | 47.3% | $7.74 | 17 | 57.8% | $9.46 | 18 | 68.3% | $11.18 | 19 | 82.5% | $13.51 | 20 | 97.7% | $16.00 |

Apprentices Year of apprenticeship | % of the level 3 adult hourly rate ($19.07) | Minimum hourly rate | 1 | 55% | $10.49 | 2 | 65% | $12.39 | 3 | 80% | $15.25 | 4 | 95% | $18.11 |

Part B

Esther Kang
Esther Kang
1295 Military Trail Elm Hall Unit #E-1-H
Toronto, ON, M1C3A8
Telephone: (705)-941-8055
Email: estherkang720@gmail.com

Career Statement
To pursue a highly rewarding career, seeking for a job in challenging and healthy work environment where I can utilize my skills and knowledge efficiently for organizational growth. Education
2013- Bachelor of Business Administration, Specialization in Management International Business Co-op University of Toronto
2009-2013 International Baccalaureate Program (IB), High Honours Korah Collegiate, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Work Experience
Nov 2012 – July 2013 Teavana Sales Representative
Ensured quality customer service through active listening, the ability to identify the best products for the customer and suggesting alternatives and/or additional items as appropriate. Thrived on interaction and consistently met or exceeded sales and customer service goals
Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 Algoma District School Board of Education Student Trustee
Represented the student voice in the Algoma District Schools, showing leadership and responsibility within the community. Aug 2011 – Nov 2011 Bento Sushi Supervisor
Had the responsibility of opening and closing the business kiosk. Maintained cooking, cleaning the surroundings, and controlling customer service. Sept 2010 – Aug 2011 KFC/Taco Bell Grill, Cash & Expediting Managing cash, grill, and expediting during every shift. Responsible for counting the till, opening and closing the restaurant.

Volunteer Experience
April 2012 – July 2013 United Way Youth Empowerment Council Secretary Took down the minutes of all the meetings, dealt with external contacts, etc. Feb 2011 – June 2013 Students Without Borders, Algoma Public Health Promote awareness against the usage and effects in tobacco. Organized and supervised an art gallery for the community showcasing inappropriate use of tobacco with ways of prevention. Sept 2010 – June 2013 OSAID (Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving) Promote awareness against impaired driving, Organized and supervised fundraisers and community events Summer of 2009 and 2008 Volunteer work at YMCA Summer Day Camps
Worked with children aged 7-9, Provided leadership and guidance of children aged 7-9. Showed cooperation with the entire staff in working together for the welfare of the camp and campers. Maintained a positive working relationship with other staff in the camp. Extra-Curricular Experience
DECA UTSC, September 2013- Professional Development Associate
Assist with the logistics and execution of all PD events as well as adding development initiatives to improve member/executive life. Work closely with events and marketing divisions across the executive team and seek and build relationships with externals that could assist with development initiatives
Student Council, Korah Collegiate, September – June 2012 Co-President:
Contribute in leading various activities and events for the student body such as Operation Christmas Child, Canned Food Drive, Winter Carnival, Walk for a Cure, Wake-a-thon, etc.
Green Council, Korah Collegiate, September – June 2012 Grade 12 Representative:
Assist in cleaning the environment around the school and community. Organize events such as garbage clean up day; create ideas to conserve waste, water bottle project, etc.
OSAID (Ontario Students against Impaired Driving), Korah Collegiate, September – June 2012 Co-President:
Promote awareness against impaired driving, supervise fundraisers and community events, regularly attend provincial OSAID conferences to share ideas with the rest of the members.
Student Senate, Algoma's Board of Education, September – June 2012 School Representative:
Promote awareness against drugs, as well as concepts such as anti-bullying and equity. Create and supervise events for elementary students on the harmful effects of drugs and bullying.
Algoma Youth against Action Alliance, Algoma Public Health, September – June 2012 School Representative:
Promote the usage and effects in tobacco, especially the concept of smoke free movies. Organize and supervise an art gallery for the community showcasing captures of the community and its inappropriate use of tobacco with ways to prevent it.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Programme, Korah Collegiate, September – June 2012 Gold Recipient
Fulfills areas of volunteer service, skill, and physical recreation around the community for a set amount of hours. Explore nature during outdoor expeditions to develop self-reliance.

Key Skills * Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel; 108 wpm * Communication * Organization * Teamwork
Interests and Accomplishments * Currently in Grade 10 Piano * Have won various scholarships from Kiwanis Music Festival * Runner up for Kiwanis Shield * Recommended for the Ontario Music Festival (Provincials) 2010, 2011 * Awarded Certificate of Distinction in Waterloo’s Pascal Math Contest
References

Wendy Bangma
Manager of Teavana
293 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
705-975-2719

Asima Vezina
Superintendent of Education
Algoma District School Board of Education
705-945-7245

II)

The idea of the Australian resume and cover letter is almost identical to that of Canada’s. There are only slight changes are minimal to each other such as:

* Always end your cover letter with Yours Faithfully if you are not addressing them by name * In your resume, include Key Skills – skills most releveant to the position and list in order of relevance.

With the exception of a couple differences, essentially the writing process is the same.

Part C

I) I have health insurance that is included with UTSC Tuition fees II) I am a Canadian Citizen, and I also obtain a Canadian passport. I also have a Social Insurance Number

Works Cited

“About Australia,” Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html “Australian Cover Letter and Resume Guidelines,” http://www.international.mq.edu.au/pdfs/Sample%20Cover%20Letter%20and%
20resume%202012.pdf

“Australia’s Largest Companies 2013,” Australia Business Review, http://www.businessreviewaustralia.com/top_ten/top-10-business/australias-largest-companies-2013

“Centre for Intercultural Learning,” Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=au#cn-7

“Health and Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety

“Living Costs in Australia,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/living-costs

“National Minimum Wage,” Fair Work OMBUDSMAN, http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/Pages/default.aspx

“Personal Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety/personal

“Sun and Water Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety/sun-and-water

“The Australian Healthcare System,” Working in Australia, http://www.workingin-australia.com/live-and-settle/health-and-wellness/healthcare-system#.Ula0khbvxpk

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[ 1 ]. “Living Costs in Australia,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/living-costs
[ 2 ]. “About Australia,” Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html
[ 3 ]. “Centre for Intercultural Learning,” Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=au#cn-2
[ 4 ]. “About Australia,” Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html [ 5 ]. “Centre for Intercultural Learning,” Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=au#cn-8
[ 6 ]. “Australian Cover Letter and Resume Guidelines,” http://www.international.mq.edu.au/pdfs/Sample%20Cover%20Letter%20and%
20resume%202012.pdf
[ 7 ]. “Australia’s Largest Companies 2013,” Australia Business Review, http://www.businessreviewaustralia.com/top_ten/top-10-business/australias-largest-companies-2013
[ 8 ]. “Centre for Intercultural Learning,” Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=au#cn-7
[ 9 ]. “Health and Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety
[ 10 ]. “Personal Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety/personal
[ 11 ]. IBID.
[ 12 ]. “Sun and Water Safety,” Australia, http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/global/live-in-australia/health-and-safety/sun-and-water
[ 13 ]. “The Australian Healthcare System,” Working in Australia, http://www.workingin-australia.com/live-and-settle/health-and-wellness/healthcare-system#.Ula0khbvxpk
[ 14 ]. “National Minimum Wage,” Fair Work OMBUDSMAN, http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/Pages/default.aspx