Pop Culture Down Under
College students have a knack for being a unique demographic all their own. From the hipsters and Greek lifers to the fashionistas and jocks, no college campus looks exactly the same as far as its students go. Stanford University is one such example. Located south of the San Francisco Bay Area, this prestigious school is known for its diverse student body.
Of course these representations of pop culture aren’t just present on campuses in the United States. Students thinking about traveling to study abroad in other countries might be concerned as to whether or not the destination they choose would have fellow peers they can relate to in terms of common interests. The answer to that is simple: yes. Students in the United States who identify with the skater culture may be surprised to learn that in Australia, this activity isn’t just a pastime, it’s a lifestyle. From free skateboarding games to sites that sell the latest boards, Australian skaters eat, sleep, live and breathe this activity.
Aside from its internationally recognized colleges and universities, stellar degree programs and internship/job opportunities, there’s more to the Down Under than lounging on the beaches and hiking its numerous trails. There is a large culture of skateboarding in Australia that continues to gain momentum, especially with young, college age students. What could be a cooler, more memorable experience for studying abroad than getting to skateboard through places like Sydney, Melbourne or Queensland?
The culture of skateboarding has become so widespread in Australia that it isn’t uncommon to see students of all ages sporting popular skater clothing brands like Zoo York.
American students studying Down Under or who may just be visiting could feel like they’ve never left home when it comes to the skater society. While many people in the United States tend to think of skaters as a public nuisance, Australia recognizes this activity to be one of interest to its young people. As a result, there are skateboarding workshops, outreach programs and other related organizations that serve to work with youth in order to support their interests and help keep them from getting involved with the wrong crowd.
College students tend to be the very group that helps to define the latest trends in pop culture and while Australia has mostly served as a place where it’s all about sun, sand and surf, the past few decades have slowly but surely given way to the rise of the skater culture.
With more international students seeking Australia as a destination for furthering their studies, it means more opportunities for the skater society to embrace even more members. This could be especially beneficial for student skaters that originally come from areas where this activity is discouraged or even banned.
American skater students without the financial means to visit Down Under to explore the skater culture firsthand also have the option of utilizing the Internet to connect with fellow skaters in Australia via websites, forums, blogs and social media groups.