A US expat who spent more than five years building her dream life in Australia before returning to California has revealed the biggest culture shocks she struggled to accept.
Sophia Kim, 35, uprooted her life in Sydney to return to the US to be closer to family following a difficult pregnancy and health issues tied to mould.
During her time living in Australia, she experienced a series of eye-opening moments, from the realities of winter to tall poppy syndrome and Australia’s “nanny state” mentality.
“Like most Americans, my idea of Australia came straight from Hollywood — a sunny paradise filled with gorgeous surfers, koalas, and year-round beach weather,” Ms Kim told the Daily Mail.
“My first winter completely shattered that illusion. I quickly realised that Sydney and Melbourne can get genuinely freezing.”
Ms Kim said the biggest surprise was the heavy rainfall and humidity.
“Sydney actually receives significantly more annual rainfall than famously rainy Seattle,” she said.
“Between the howling southerly winds and massive downpours, I ended up buying more raincoats and rain boots than I ever needed in California.”
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US expat Sophia Kim spent more than five years building her dream life in Australia before returning to California. Picture: Instagram/sophiakimliterally
Ms Kim was also surprised by the prevalence of tall poppy syndrome.
“Coming from the US, especially cities like Los Angeles and New York, you’re surrounded by an unapologetic hustle culture where people openly celebrate ambition and cheer on big dreams,” she said.
“In Sydney, if you stand out too much or talk too openly about big ambitions, people may judge you or feel uncomfortable. I realised that in Australia, blending in is valued far more than standing out.”
Ms Kim said connecting people and championing ambition was second nature in America, whereas self-promotion in Sydney was viewed with scepticism.
The author said she was also shocked by Australia’s “nanny state” mindset, particularly during the Covid pandemic.
“Australia is incredibly rule-abiding, but during Covid, I watched everyday citizens practically turn into neighbourhood hall monitors overnight,” she said.
“Having a stranger report my whereabouts to the police was a surreal moment I’ll never forget.
“That hyper-vigilance carries over into everyday apartment living, too. I even had a neighbour report me to strata just for having a dog, even though my landlord had already given me full permission.”
During her time living in Australia, Ms Kim experienced a series of eye-opening moments. Picture: Instagram/sophiakimliterally
It has been a few months since Ms Kim moved back to the US, but she said she already missed her Aussie lifestyle, including the food, safety, and walkability.
“My absolute favourite things will always be the beaches, the fresh produce, and the convenience of Aussie takeaway sushi,” she said.
“I don’t think the rest of the world realises just how world-class Sydney’s culinary scene is, or how clean and safe the CBD is.”
Ms Kim said living in Sydney completely transformed how she ate and moved.
“Living in Sydney taught me the beauty of fresh, quality produce,” she said.
“In LA, driving is essential, and I was lucky if I got in 500 steps a day.
“After five years in Sydney, I became accustomed to taking public transit and hitting 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily. I really do miss the effortless walkability and transport.”
She added that the sense of personal security in Australia was something she would never take for granted.
“In major US cities, you’re often on guard, but in Sydney, I never once felt the need to look over my shoulder,” she said.
“You don’t realise how heavy that constant mental vigilance is in America until you experience living somewhere you feel genuinely secure.”
The author said she was also shocked by Australia’s “nanny state” mindset, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Picture: Instagram/sophiakimliterally
Ms Kim said she already missed her Aussie lifestyle, including the food, safety, and walkability. Picture: Instagram/sophiakimliterally
Despite her love for Australia, Ms Kim said she was relieved to leave behind the stress of trying to secure permanent residency.
“What I was least sad to leave behind was the exhausting visa grind,” she said.
“I definitely don’t miss the constant immigration anxiety. I pursued a Master’s degree in event management to work toward permanent residency, but the pathways for expats can be difficult.”
After navigating mould issues and pregnancy abroad without her primary support network, Ms Kim decided to relocate to be closer to family.
“I realised, especially now that I have a child I’m responsible for, I need to be thoughtful about where I build my life,” she said.
Ms Kim has since published her debut novel, Salt is the Cure, inspired by her experiences in Australia, and is currently working on her second book.
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