Political, educational and social similarities in the case of Mediterranean is one of my academic interests. When I attended the OPEN Inaugural Conference in Aveiro (Portugal) between 16-19 April 2024, I aimed to work on higher education systems in the case of two Mediterranean countries, Portugal and Turkiye due to with their own unique dynamics, where nationalism is on the rise due to intensive migration movements. Higher education is therefore one of the areas transformed by the effect of rising nationalism. Considering new period in the region, I wanted to make a preliminary study on how the openness of the higher education systems in Portugal and Turkey is structured with the impact of regional and global pressures, linking to internationalization of universities. So, I contacted Dr. Orlanda Tavares, whom I had met during the Aveiro conference and with whom I was in the same working group in WG3, for short term scientific mission (STSM) application.

Between September 2-6, 2024, I held my STSM activity hosted by the University of Minho, Institute of Education (Research Centre on Child Studies-CIEC). The subject of my STSM activity was to develop a joint project draft and create networks. For 5 days, I and Dr. Orlanda Tavares exchanged ideas on the sub-project topics such as methodology, work packages, budget and we discussed alternative project possibilities. On the last day of the event, I made a presentation titled “Turkiye and Higher Education System Through European Union Membership: Challenges, Opportunities and Threats” for the CIEC academic staff. Thus, I had the opportunity to discuss with CIEC researchers and academic staff the similarities and differences in the higher education system in the case of Turkiye and Portugal.

This STSM supported me in many ways. To discuss issues, opportunities and challenges related to openness of higher education in Portugal and Turkiye at both national and global level, to develop a project draft with the academic contribution of Dr. Orlanda Tavares, and to network in the hospitable working environment of CIEC contributed to my academic development in every sense. I also believe that my STSM provided me opportunity to contribute to the scope of the capacity-building and the research coordination objectives of the Action.