7 Symptoms of Straya-nitis

Ryan Havey is a student at Hope College and an ISA Featured Blogger. He studied abroad with ISA in Sydney, Australia.

Freshwater Beach, Freshwater, Australia, Havey - Photo 6

“Straya-nitis” – an infectious disease caught after spending any amount of time in Australia. Although it is not terminal, it will have a lasting impact on the rest of your life. If you think you may have caught it, check your symptoms against the ones below.

  1. You spend roughly one-third of your weekly budget on sunscreen.

    This is inevitable as the sun in Australia is HOT, and you probably burned in the first week. Down Under the sun is stronger, learn fast or face a lot (“heaps” – see #5) of pain.

      This is inevitable as the sun in Australia is HOT, and you probably burned in the first week. Down Under the sun is stronger, learn fast or face a lot (“heaps” – see #5) of pain.

  2. You know the condition of the ocean at any time of day.

    Even if you don’t surf, you are more likely than not within a reasonable distance from the beach. Australia has almost 10,685 beaches and 85% of the population lives along the coast.

      Even if you don’t surf, you are more likely than not within a reasonable distance from the beach. Australia has almost 10,685 beaches and 85% of the population lives along the coast.

  3. Sand is a normal part of every day life.

    It’s on your floor, in your shoes (even the ones you didn’t take to the beach), and never seems to go away.
    It’s on your floor, in your shoes (even the ones you didn’t take to the beach), and never seems to go away.

  4. You have gotten to know the locals pretty well.

    Contrary to popular belief, not EVERYTHING down here is dangerous.
    Contrary to popular belief, not EVERYTHING down here is dangerous.

  5. The lingo works its way into your normal speech.

    You now say “Sorry, mate” after bumping into someone at Coles, “No worries” has replaced “No problem”, when you get chips at Maccas (McDonald’s) you know they’re actually French fries, and “heaps” is heaps better than “a lot” or “a ton” to express large quantities. You can also expect to pick up the quirks of English from other places than your own. My friend from California has phrases that are much harder to understand than any Aussie slang!

  6. Internationally famous sites exist literally in your backyard.

    Passing the Sydney Opera House weekly will never get old.
    Passing the Sydney Opera House weekly will never get old.

  7. You’ve already scheduled your 5 year plan around when you’re coming back for more adventure.

    One trip to Australia will never be enough and once you’ve caught Straya-nitis, you have it for life. Have you caught Straya-nitis? It’s a disease that just recently came to light in the medical community. Any insight you have on it can help, feel free to add your symptoms below!

The world awaits…discover it.

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