From 17–20 June 2025, the partners of the HEQUITY Project – Building Higher Education Quality InclUsIon PaThwaYs convened in Padua, Italy, for a rich and collaborative study visit hosted by project partner Popoli Insieme ODV. The visit was organized as part of the Erasmus+ KA220-HED programme to strengthen institutional inclusion strategies and foster international collaboration on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in higher education.
The four-day visit featured a series of interactive sessions, cultural experiences, and site visits designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how local institutions support migrant and refugee students.
The program began with a warm welcome dinner at Peace ‘n’ Spice Restaurant, a refugee-run space that set the tone for meaningful exchange. Over the following days, partners engaged in a variety of activities including:
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Presentations by Popoli Insieme and the University of Padua on inclusion policies and psychosocial support for international students.
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Discussions on the Italian higher education system, including its challenges and structures for migrant student support.
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A deep dive into the Arrupe Project, which provides housing and community to students at risk.
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Meetings with students involved in social inclusion initiatives, including a visit to the symbolic mural project “Disegni di Pace” (Drawings of Peace).
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A photographic exhibition and film screening as part of Refugee Week, which drew public attention to refugee voices and the project’s impact.
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A visit to the Xena Association, where the group learned about intercultural youth empowerment programs.
The visit concluded with a final consortium meeting where partners outlined upcoming tasks, including the scientific paper (to be led by KU Leuven and University of Latvia), the launch of the project website (coordinated by Sakarya University), and further dissemination and mobility planning.
The Padua study visit was a powerful opportunity for the HEQUITY consortium to strengthen partnerships, exchange good practices, and reinforce its shared mission: building more inclusive, equitable pathways for all students in higher education.
