What does it mean to be a transnational student today? An exploratory research with Iranian students at the University of Padua

This study aims to provide insights into the dynamic of transnational students’ lives by focusing on a specific case study: Iranian students at University of Padua. Through a qualitative approach based on dialogical interviews it explores the experiences of Iranian students that embarked on the complex journey of pursuing higher education abroad. At the core of the research is how they navigate the different social contexts and the everyday challenges, balancing the cultural and academic aspects while fostering and maintaining transnational connections. The study situates the students’ experiences within a broader historical and political context, considering the distinctive socio-political landscape of Iran. Special focus is given to how the students engage politically across national contexts, examining how their experiences both influence and are influenced by their transnational movements and connections. By examining the interplay between academic migration, political consciousness, and cultural negotiation, this thesis explores the meanings of transnationalism in contemporary higher education and aims to contribute in expanding the understanding of student mobility.