Professors gift overcomes communication barriers

Arriving in Australia in 1998 with just $2000, the proceeds of selling his car in Iran, Monash Professor Farzad Sharifian knows firsthand the trials and tribulations of international students, as well as the life-changing impact that a PhD scholarship can make.

This has been an important impetus for him creating the Farzad Sharifian Scholarship in the Field of Intercultural Communication, for international PhD students studying at Monash.

Across the board, there are scarce scholarships for international students. Quite a few of these students come from countries whose governments cannot afford to support them in their studies.

The other major impetus is that the topic of intercultural communication is so close to his heart. He passionately believes that exploring the relationship between language and culture has far-reaching benefits.

The world is moving fast, bringing people from diverse places and cultures to live and work together.

Differing expectations when it comes to communication are not as obvious as the differences in outward appearance between groups from different backgrounds.

This means they are more subject to misinterpretation and misunderstanding.

Social life will become more and more intercultural with the increasing speed of globalisation. Overcoming these invisible differences through shared understandings will help provide a foundation on which to build harmony in a society as well as to establish international peace.

While spearheading his mentor Michael Clyne’s Scholarship Fund Farzad happened to chat to a staff member from Monash’s Advancement Unit about how inspired he was by Michael’s generosity of spirit towards both students and future research.

“From the final contract signing one sentence was so precious and it has stuck with me: “This is our promise to you, that we will fulfil your wish.” This convinced me that I had made the right decision. I look at my contribution as continuance of my life’s work that will see Monash’s international reputation for groundbreaking research continue for years to come.”

Dean of Arts Professor Rae Frances is thrilled with Professor Sharifian’s gift.

“Staff have such an innate appreciation of what a gift like this can do in a university; towards education and excellence. We are indeed lucky to have such inspiring and generous people here at Monash.”

There are a number of ways you can make a positive impact on the lives of Monash students.

If you’d like to learn more about making a personal gift, contact Preema Wong from the Donor Relations team on 03 9903 4609 or email preema.wong@monash.edu.

Read more about Professor Sharifian’s work and publications