The Internationalisation of Higher Education and Identity Construction in Azerbaijan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of study abroad on identity development among Azerbaijani academics. The results suggest that study abroad has had a transformative impact on the new generation of academic professionals, who have become local agents, practitioners, and transmitters of values and professional conduct at home. This study shows that the location of study abroad—Turkey or a Western country—is significant in the development of their worldview and identity. Differences in the level of internationalisation are attributable to cultural proximity.