Perspectives on Joint & dual degree programs: Insights from Administrators, Faculty members, and Students. The Case of Azerbaijan

Abstract

This is a piece of qualitative research, investigating the experiences of Azerbaijani university staff and students who are engaged in a joint & dual-degree program (JDDP) with an American university, operating under the auspices of the State Program on Increasing International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023. This study explores perceptions of Azerbaijani students, faculty members, and administration staff, analyzed through Stier’s (2004) framework of internationalization ideologies. The findings demonstrate the Azerbaijan JDDP is unique, in that it is lacking elements of other JDDPs. The relationship is a service provider-consumer model: the American university provides materials and teaching to the Azerbaijani university. This singular structure shows that potential benefits, including international exposure, research collaborations, and knowledge exchange, are limited for the Azerbaijanis. Students, however, hold positive perceptions of the program’s new teaching pedagogies, about graduating with a dual diploma, assuming increased employability, and the possibility of further studies abroad. Other perceptions about challenges, such as adaptation to new methodologies, intensive coursework, and limited career guidance, were also expressed. Why this is the case in both instances is discussed in the text. Faculty members appreciate increased autonomy in delivering the program; however, they also report weak collaboration with international peers, limited access to academic resources and other limitations of the program. However, the university administration emphasizes the impact of this program on the institution’s reputation, and its development of the university’s role in internationalization. Finally, regulatory and scheduling difficulties have an impact on the effective delivery of the program in Azerbaijan.