Perspectives on Joint & dual degree programs: Insights from Administrators, Faculty members, and Students. The Case of Azerbaijan
Date Issued
2025-05-24
Author(s)
Amiraslanova Almasli, Zeynab
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.
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.