Building English and cross-cultural capability: Monash College hosts the University of Padua Study Tour
In July and August 2026, Monash College welcomed five colleagues from the University of Padua for a five-day English and Cross-Cultural Awareness Program, delivered in strategic partnership with the University and connected to Monash University Prato, Monash's European base for international research and education.
The program matched each Padua participant with a College staff member in a similar role, creating five days of genuine knowledge exchange. Together, they explored Australian workplace networking and relationship-building, professional email writing and digital diplomacy, and how to communicate effectively in both virtual and face-to-face meetings. Role-plays, discussions and hands-on activities brought the program to life – from small talk and professional connection-building to navigating the unwritten conventions of Australian working life.
Ellie Jalali Karveh, English Coordinator, facilitated the program and said the cultural exchange was the highlight for everyone involved.
"Our discussions constantly moved between Australian and Italian perspectives, comparing experiences, questioning assumptions, sharing plenty of laughs and discovering that even a simple email can reveal a surprising amount about culture," she said.
"What I enjoyed most about this program was exploring how English proficiency and cultural understanding is entwined to build capability and capacity. The English and Cultural Awareness Program is an important reminder that intercultural learning works best when it goes both ways."
Delivering on our promise
The University of Padua Study Tour is a powerful and distinctive example of the College’s enduring role in building English capability and proficiency for Monash staff and students. This strategic activity reflects the ambitions set by the Monash College Strategy 2026–30 to deliver bespoke programs – for specific professional and academic needs, English as a medium of instruction, and cultural capability – for learners and colleagues in Australia and further afield, including in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Italy.
The College’s Monash English has a longstanding reputation in the sector, with more than 62,000 students successfully completing a program, including 7000 who have completed the program offshore via the international partner network. Since its establishment, the College has developed an English language centre and education resources for TAIF University in Saudi Arabia, a customised English language program for military officials on behalf of DFAT (now DHA) in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The College is proud of its success, with graduates achieving an average 97% pass rate at the University.
Find out more about Monash English: https://www.monashcollege.edu.au/study/courses/english
