Chilean Experiences in Australia 

7It is well known that there is a substantial Latine population in the United States, as can be demonstrated by the fact that the Latine population is almost 20% of the country’s total population. Outside of the United States, there is a very different, rather notable, and certainly unique Latin American community that exists in a completely different country on the other side of the world, Australia. 

Whilst the Latine population in Australia is nowhere close to being as substantial as its United States counterpart, the amount of Latine people who come to visit Australia has slowly grown. Although, in contrast to the Latine population in the United States, Australia’s version does possess some key differences. 

Felipe Jara has been living in Sydney, Australia for 11 years. Originally from Santiago, Chile, Jara came to Australia as many people from Latin America do; to study abroad and experience a different culture. Jara chose to live in Australia for several reasons. 

A key reason being that he felt, “there was more freedom to pursue what you wish, and no societal pressure to conform to act or be a certain way”. 

Jara also noted the great access to nature that is available in Australia, along with this sense of personal freedom, and the culture of being able to pursue your personal goals, value systems, and ambitions without the pressure to conform.   

Upon reflection, Jara noted that whilst Australia has a lot of beneficial aspects, he also pointed out that living in Australia is in no way perfect due to its isolated geographical location, as well as the transient and constantly evolving nature of the Latine community in Australia. 

The people who come from Latin America are often coming to Australia intending to travel or study. Meaning that there is significantly less permanence in the Latine community within Australia. Whereas, in the United States, a far more fixed and permanent Latin American community exists. 

Jara said, “It is very challenging being a part of the Latin-American community within Australia because you make friends, and then within three years they have returned home.” 

Consequently, Jara feels that “most people from Latin America who move to Australia permanently end up dissociating from the more transient backpacker Latine community,” and “there are certainly spaces for Latine people in Australia, however, they tend to be more catered towards that transient community. Those of us who stay permanently are the exception in the Latine community in Australia.”   

Marcos Molina has been living in Sydney, Australia since 1993 and is originally from Rancagua, Chile., 

Molina moved to Australia because he “wanted his children to grow up in a country with more opportunities and less social inequalities” and to have “the freedom to choose new ways to follow your education,  studies, research, and hobbies.”

Molina, whilst not commenting on the evolving nature of the Latine community in Australia, said “Latin-American communities are increasing exponentially in the few last decades. There are communities that are helping Latin-American immigrants to start among other things, the language, and teaching the Australian way of life…however, it is always much easier if the immigrant is a young person and ready for new challenges.” 

Prejudice towards Latine people certainly exists within the United States and is something that Latine people in the United States have to contend with in their lives. 

When asked if prejudice against Latine people exists in Australia, Jara said “Due to the different relationships and proximities that Australia and the United States have to Latin America, those negative stereotypes that are held in the United States are less prevalent in Australia.” 

Jara continued by saying “In Australia, I’ve seen some form of discrimination based on how someone speaks English. There also seems to be a division between individuals from developed countries and those from developing ones.”

When asked about prejudice, Molina answered by saying “I don’t think there are negative perceptions against Latin Americans, especially when compared to other ethnic groups… Australia actually, has more negative perceptions against people from the United States.” 

When both were asked if they would recommend people from Latin America to live in Australia, Jara said, “As long as they find the visa that works best for them, yes.” and Molina simply said, “Definitely yes.”