u/SubstantialMix8789

Hello everyone!

A few days ago, I made a post expressing my concerns over how my family may be treated during our trip to Brisbane and the Gold Coast given our asian ethnicity (https://www.reddit.com/r/GoldCoast/s/2ZOr6lFBs9)

Fast forward to today, we have spent three wonderful days and nights here in the Gold Coast and would be heading up north to Brisbane tomorrow. I am very happy to say that everyone has treated us with utmost respect, friendliness and hospitality and we most definitely feel very welcome here. I was definitely worrying too much haha. From Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise to Southport and beyond, we have had a very unique experience that we can't experience anywhere else. Our biggest highlight was participating in the Gold Coast Marathon which was truly one heck of an experience.

I think our only worries is when we see groups of rather rowdy teenagers at Cavill Avenue or congregating at the tram stations. But they have never bothered us so all is good! I would say our main concern was the rather high prices when eating out 😅 but I mean hey how often do you get to travel lol once in a while is fine.

Till then, see you again Gold Coast, and I look forward to spending the remaining days in Brissie 😄

Hello everyone! My family and I (Singaporean Chinese) are visiting Brisbane and the Gold Coast soon. This is our very first time visiting a Western country as a family.

I know Australians are generally very warm and welcoming, but as visible minorities, we are just a bit anxious about how diverse or inclusive the local atmosphere is for Asian tourists. My parents had a minor uncomfortable encounter with some rowdy teens on the tram during a past trip when they went on their own, so I want to make sure my family feels completely at ease and their safety is prioritised.

Hoping to hear from the locals on what the outlook towards Asians are here. We are looking forward to spending a memorable and wonderful holiday here :) Thank you so much!

NUS undergrad here. I am going to a European University for SEP in AY 26/27 Sem 2. I have already long accepted the internal offer. But for quite some time I have been receiving a lot of resistance from my parents. They keep on saying that I am going there to waste time and money, and they are concerned with my safety given the volatile situation of the world currently. They have iterated many times that they are willing to pay the $300 withdrawal fee.

I understand the worry from my parents because every parent want their child to be safe and to be separated from them for a few months is definitely quite worrying. But I just don't see why they can't see this as an opportunity for growth and independence. My mind is already set that I want to go for SEP and I won't change that as it has been something I have always wanted. But I can't help but think about how my parents will feel.

Students who have gone for SEP or are set to go, how did you manage to convince your parents and reassure them that you will be fine and that they can trust that you be alright?