When Maïtena left France for Sydney with her husband and son, she planned to stay for three years. Twenty years later, she is still living in Australia, a country that has become the scene of a profound personal transformation. This choice of life, initially motivated by a professional transfer, gradually became obvious, despite the challenges of an expatriation begun at the age of 45. All along the way, she had to adapt, in particular by taking out international health insurance, or PVT Australia health insurance, to ensure that her medical cover was in order and that she could concentrate fully on settling into her new country.
A landmark arrival: relearning everything mid-life
Arriving in a new country as an adult is never easy, especially when you don’t speak the language perfectly. At 45, Maïtena is having to relearn the basics of everyday life. How does school work? How do you interact in a supermarket? How do you call a plumber? Every gesture, even the most mundane, becomes a little adventure.
“I was 45, arriving with my son who was starting school, and I felt completely lost.”
This culture shock, though difficult, pushed her out of her comfort zone. She took English lessons, observed local codes and, little by little, learned to understand Australian culture. From the school system to social interaction, every step was a challenge. These efforts have become a real source of pride for her.
Daily life: cultural differences and Australian pleasures
Life in Australia isn’t all beaches and kangaroos. It requires adaptation, sometimes down to the smallest detail. Maïtena learned this while preparing lunchboxes for her children. There’s no canteen here. Every day, she composes healthy, allergen-free meals according to very precise rules. A small, everyday gesture, but a real change of direction.
“In Australia, there’s no canteen like in France. Children come to school with their own lunch box.”
In Australia, relationships are simple and straightforward. Maïtena soon discovered a more relaxed style, where humor is part of everyday life. Gone are the polite French formulas. But building relationships takes time. People are warm, but cautious at first. Despite this, the omnipresent nature and quality of life gradually take root in this new world.
Australian culture vs. French culture: a clash of styles
Australian culture is characterized by its laid-back, friendly and pragmatic approach, as opposed to the hyper-sophistication and hyper-formality often associated with French culture. When it comes to Australians, we notice a preference for a non-formal approach to interactions, often handshakes or hugs, and rarely kisses as in France. This simplicity can also be transposed to their lifestyle: meals are usually eaten a little earlier, between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., whereas in France, dinner often starts later, sometimes around 8:00 p.m., and is accompanied by a long conversation around the table.
The French themselves place a great deal of importance on politeness and formality in everyday exchanges. Phrases like “Bonjour Monsieur” or “Merci Madame” are frequently used, even in overly-charged situations, which may surprise Australians who are used to a more relaxed approach. This discrepancy can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, as the French are sometimes seen as distant or arrogant.
In Australia, work isn’t everything. People value their life balance. Working hours are often flexible, and breaks respected. Maïtena was quick to notice the difference. In France, despite progress, the days can be longer and the pressure greater. Over there, people work hard, but they also know how to ease off.
And finally, while Australian humor can be self-deprecating and ironic, French humor can be more subtle, with more wordplay and specific cultural references. These divergences can enrich cultural exchanges, bringing diverse points of view on communication and human relations.
From integration to action: the My Little France project
As time went by, Maïtena was no longer content to simply fit in. She has set up My Little France, an initiative designed to support young French people arriving in Australia, often on PVT or student visas. She helps them to see things more clearly. To understand the procedures, to decode the Australian job market, to regain confidence. She listens, guides and reassures them. This transitional moment, often overwhelming, becomes a little smoother thanks to her guidance.
“I saw a lot of young people arriving full of hope, but quickly destabilized.
Thanks to her personal experience, she knows how to identify the key moments when these young people need support. She organizes practical workshops, community meetings, and often plays the role of mentor, sometimes even expatriate big sister. This project enables her to give meaning to her own journey and build bridges between two worlds.
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Healthcare in Australia: a high-performance system, but important choices to be made
When you move abroad, health care quickly becomes a priority. In Australia, the public system, Medicare, is of great assistance to permanent residents and citizens. It covers a large proportion of medical care. But not everything is free. Dental care, eyeglasses and certain specialists are often out of your pocket. What’s more, expatriates and temporary visa holders, such as those on work or student visas, are required to take out private health insurance for full coverage. As an expatriate, Maïtena has had to familiarize herself with this system. She says that, although the Australian healthcare system is generally of high quality and modern, she quickly realized the importance of good private coverage, especially for care not covered by Medicare.
“If you’re not a permanent resident, it’s imperative to take out private health insurance. Australia doesn’t have a universal system for expatriates, so it’s important to find out.”
Finding the right health insurance is essential to leaving with peace of mind. There are many options to choose from, depending on individual needs. Some cover hospitalization, others routine care, prevention or well-being. The choice is yours. Although the Australian system is renowned for its efficiency, it’s essential for expatriates to understand the subtleties of private insurance for optimum peace of mind. Maïtena urges newcomers to compare the various options and ensure that their coverage is adapted to their situation.
Table of healthcare costs in Australia
| Medical service | Approximate cost | Remarks |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | 80 – $120 AUD | The cost may be partially covered by Medicare for permanent residents. |
| Specialist consultation | $150 – $300 AUD | A letter of recommendation from a general practitioner is often required. |
| Hospitalization (public) | $4,680 AUD (average cost) | Permanent residents are eligible for Medicare. Expatriates should check their coverage. |
| Hospitalization (private) | $2,000 – $5,000 AUD per day | Varies according to room (shared or private) and care required. |
- Medical consultations: Costs may vary according to location and type of practitioner. Permanent residents may benefit from partial reimbursement via Medicare.
- Hospitalization: Hospitalization costs can be high. It’s essential to check your health insurance coverage.
- PVT health insurance: PVT visa holders must take out health insurance to cover the duration of their stay. Rates vary according to the duration of coverage and the benefits chosen.
Reinventing yourself at any age: a message of optimism
Maïtena’s story is one of real transformation. By leaving her landmarks behind, she learned to trust herself and open up to the unknown. Far from the comfort of her life in France, she found a new freedom. She reawakened her creativity and adopted a lifestyle more in line with her values.
“You lose your bearings, but you gain a new version of yourself.”
What she shares today is the idea that it’s never too late for a change of scenery. Expatriate or not, Maïtena shows us that we can embrace change with curiosity and humility. Every setback becomes a step forward. Every encounter a chance to learn a little more about ourselves… and about others.
