Abstract:

Immigration is today’s reality in Europe, and it will likely continue in the future. Some people leave their country of origin due to economic reasons or in search for a better life, some in search for a good education, some are led by a spirit of adventure or due to family reasons, but there are also people escaping from natural disasters, wars or destructive state policies.

However, positive immigration aspects exist only if immigrants are successfully integrated into the host country, and in this regard, the role of education cannot be underestimated. The immigration benefits not only those who travel but also the society that embraces them. Each country wants to attract talented immigrants - educated, capable people who can add value to economic development and create high-quality products. The immigrant integration attempts often emphasize aspects of inclusion and see immigrants as workers, working hands, however, firstly an immigrant should be viewed as a person. Moreover, they bring along new ideas and methods that can enhance creativity and innovations. But are they able to live to the fullest and employ their talents and abilities? And how can education help to support them?

The context of globalization offers continuous challenges to all people in terms of implementing their full potential, but for people who live away from home the self-actualization issues, including fulfilment of one’s own creative, intellectual, or social potential, can be even more challenging. It might occur when a person maximizes his/her potential, doing the best that he/she is capable of doing, and in this process, the opportunity is of utmost importance.

Therefore, the goal of the study is to gain an understanding of the essence of personal self-actualization in the context of diversity and demonstrate awareness of its social and cultural patterns and practices, as well as educational solutions. The following research questions are put forward:
1) how can abilities in specific performance domains be identified and nurtured in diverse environments, and
2) in what ways can education help to develop a culturally sensitive approach to the opportunities for self-realization.

A qualitative research methodology, based on the social constructivist paradigm and interpretive phenomenology approach, is used to address the topic. Participants will be selected using a purposeful random sampling strategy, and a survey with open-ended questions will be used as the data collection technique.

A multicultural environment is the result of globalization, which brings new challenges for the educators as well. The results of this study emphasize the self-actualization issues of immigrants and the importance of the need to promote opportunities for talent development in their performance domains.

Keywords:

Education, multicultural environment, talent development.