European discourse views language diversity as both an identity marker and strategic device, and yet truly implementing it in the organizational context is surprisingly challenging. This study aims to understand how language diversity is experienced and implemented concretely within the context of the European University Initiative. A multilevel, ethnographic study of a European University Alliance examines the official rhetoric of language diversity and experiences within its linguistically-diverse teams. As a result, this study dives into the paradox of language diversity and its advantages and challenges within a trans-European organization for its virtual project teams consisting of teachers, researchers and staff.