For many applicants and students who want to study abroad, studying in distant countries seems difficult for both personal and family reasons. Parental concerns and long distances sometimes affect young people's choices. Some young people, however, think that it is better not to study abroad at all than to study in nearby countries.
In this case, among the countries close to Azerbaijan, which countries' education systems are considered to be of higher quality and more favorable for studying?
Speaking to AzEdu.az on the topic, Doctor of Philosophy, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Young Scientists, Doctoral Students and Masters Society, Ilgar Orujov stated that the idea of not going abroad at all rather than studying in nearby countries is not correct:
“Among the countries located close to Azerbaijan, Turkey is the country most preferred by students for studying. In general, Turkey, Russia, and Georgia are considered the best choices in terms of English-language programs, education quality, and accessibility. I think the idea of not going abroad at all rather than studying in nearby countries is not correct. Because studying abroad gives the student the opportunity to be in an international environment and also provides experience of independent living.
Among the countries that provide quality education and are favorable, as I mentioned, the Republic of Turkey is one of the most preferred countries. Turkish diplomas are recognized worldwide, there is no language and cultural barrier, and scholarship programs are quite extensive. As you know, Turkey's YTB scholarship program is one of the most unique programs. In addition, numerous prestigious universities operate in Turkey, and I believe that these universities provide quality education. In this regard, the choice of Turkey by Azerbaijani youth, especially when it comes to prestigious universities, can be considered a great advantage for them.
In the Russian Federation, strong universities operate in the fields of fundamental sciences, engineering, and medicine, and this country has extensive state quotas. In this regard, of course, I have great respect for the choice of young people who want to study in Russia. On the other hand, among neighboring states, it is important not to forget the universities of Georgia that have international accreditation and offer English-language medical and business programs. At the same time, the possibility of visa-free travel to all three neighboring states I mentioned is also one of the important advantages for students”.
We have good universities that have developed rapidly in recent years, but this does not mean that all our young people should study in Azerbaijan:
“In general, I want to touch upon the advantages of studying in nearby countries. Cultural adaptation is quite fast, and it is easy for parents to visit their children. Our young people's travel is convenient, and in this sense, our students gain an additional advantage in terms of adaptation in the environment of neighboring states - although that environment is also foreign to them.
At the same time, transportation costs are low, and students can go home frequently. As I mentioned, parents can also travel frequently to visit their children. Although the countries are close, living alone in a different system accelerates the personal development of young people.
In this sense, of course, I express my support for the aspirations of young people, and Azerbaijani youth in general, to study abroad, and I have always been of this opinion. Naturally, the voice of Azerbaijani youth comes from the most prestigious universities in the world. Although we also have good universities that have developed rapidly in recent years, rising both in world rankings and in terms of overall education quality. We even have universities that can compete with universities in Eastern European countries in terms of education. But this does not mean that all our young people should study in Azerbaijan”.
The more our young people go abroad to study, the more their dreams will come true for the development of our country in the future:
“At the same time, intergovernmental state programs also exist. Excellent state programs, as well as intergovernmental programs, established with the personal initiative, direct attention, and care of Mr. President regarding the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad, are in operation. These programs also include prestigious universities from nearby countries such as Turkey and Russia, and these universities are included in the list of programs.
In this regard, I believe that in general, the more our young people go abroad to study, the more their dreams will come true for the development of our country in the future. At the same time, I think that parents should not interfere with their children's educational aspirations, but rather support them and provide additional motivation. In this sense, of course, the Azerbaijani people, the Azerbaijani state, and Azerbaijani youth will be the winners”.
