Transnational higher education: diversity as challenge

Abstract

Despite the opportunities for intercultural exchange and diversity in higher education, HEIs continue to grapple with implementing diversity policies and establishing a culture that fosters dialogue and acceptance of diverse perspectives and modes of life. This paper analyzes important trends in the country (Portugal), highlighting key incidents and identified problems, as well as showcasing main practices that have been implemented. Furthermore, it describes the primary policy instruments adopted by one specific university - University of Minho- and provides insights into students' perceptions of discrimination and hate practices within the same institution. By examining these aspects, this work aims to contribute to the understanding of the challenges and potential strategies for Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in fostering a culture of diversity, ultimately paving the way for more inclusive and equitable learning environments in engineering education.