Abstract
This paper analyzes contradictions and ambivalences that emerge from cultural and linguistic diversity on the level of educational institutions and educational research by using the lens of super-diversity and dynamic systems theory. A small super-diverse border region – South Tyrol – is focused on in this regard and shows parallels for the globalized and internationalized world. The results emphasize the development of the small region and contemporary challenges for educational institutions as well as educational research and underline consequences for educational settings and perspectives for future research and teaching practice.