Superdiverse Coexistence: The Interplay of The Global South and European International Higher Education

This study explores the relationship within diverse academic settings at the University of Padova in 2023 - 2024 academic year and examines the complexities of promoting diversity and inclusion in international higher education in Europe. It proposes potential alternative approaches, including critical pedagogy and engaged pedagogy, as a basis for advocating a decolonization framework. In today’s increasingly diverse European higher education landscape, promoting diversity and inclusion has become a critical priority since these two are perceived as core values and drivers of democracy. Many universities, including the University of Padova, are striving to create academic communities where all students can feel a sense of belonging, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to their chosen academic journeys. Several studies have examined how academic institutions can adopt innovative approaches to care and support their diverse student populations and enhance learning experiences. Therefore, to study these transformations, this study explores the relationship within this third-space in diverse academic settings, examines its complexities and proposes potential useful approaches. The analysis, using quantitative and qualitative models, and the data collected from international students from 17 countries in the so-called Global South, offers nuanced insights into reimagining this South-North binary vision. The findings contribute to promoting a diversity that translates into inclusion, fostering coexistence and equal participation in international higher education, making such superdiverse academic environments prosperous and just for all.