10 countries, 10 young people, 10 facts – study abroad choices
Studying abroad is becoming more and more popular among youth of Azerbaijan. 45,000 people who selected to get education oversees, have different reasons for this decision; some look for better education, some wanted to explore the world and some intend to stay abroad after the completion.
With traditional destinations of Turkiye, Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe, now Azerbaijanis are also exploring new and exciting destinations, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and even far Australia.
We interviewed 10 students of different ages and study levels to share their experience and thoughts about their country of study.
Fidan Umudova – 19
South Korea – Chung-Ang University – Bachelor of International Relations
Duration of study: 4 months
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
It was more or less a real choice, but the way I got accepted was accidental. I have chosen it because of my interest in Korean culture and music. Mostly, it was more about my interest in it rather than the study itself. Even though I’m very passionate when it comes to study.
What do you like most about your education?
It was interesting because two of my courses were mainly delving into the topics about Korean culture, Korean popular culture, and Korean society; therefore, it was not boring, but fun and nice to listen to. There were different teachers for my courses, but all of them were kind and nice.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
Financial responsibility and the ability to save money when needed and spend when the time comes. Also, when packing there, make sure to bring as little stuff as possible. Because coming back home, I had to leave a lot of my own things just because them being overweight.
What do you like about your country of choice?
As a big fan of Korean food, so much, that even before coming to Korea, I would cook a lot of dishes, the food was the thing that I missed the most and would come back just to have it. I also liked the concerts, because I got to see my favorite artists and singers.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
I am not sure
Overall experience rating (out of 10): 8
Murad Eyvazli – 17
Germany – Rheinland Privatschule Studienkolleg / G Kurs – Humanities (Political Science, German Language, German Literature, World History)
Duration of study: 1 Month so far
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
It was a choice – Better education, Free education, Learning to live independently, and adapting to the German environment- This was my plan since the 8th grade, because that is when I started to learn the language with the goal in mind – to study in Germany. Many friends had similar experiences, and all benefited.
What do you like most about your education?
I like the direction of the subjects and the type of knowledge I gain, which correlates to my strongest side, the humanities. I also like professors, they are quite good at their job and approachable in every aspect. I also appreciate how some lessons broaden my worldview.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
I would have tried to enter the college with a higher language level in German so that it wouldn’t be as hard as it was to adapt for the first few weeks. I would also broaden my knowledge in geography and history, which could help me understand the backgrounds of the topics we cover better.
What do you like about your country of choice?
Germany is a country of opportunities and well-paying jobs. Germany is also open to foreigners who want to get the highest education possible to pursue the career they choose. Overall, Germany is highly advanced in technologies, infrastructure, transport, etc.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Probably, yes!
Overall experience rating: 9
Lala Ashumova – 20
Malaysia – Taylor’s University / Law
Duration of study: 1.5 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
In 2023, I was still studying at Baku State University on a Bachelor’s of International Relations and Economics. I was selected to represent Azerbaijan at the Asia Youth Model United Nations, which was held in Malaysia. After that, after staying 3 days with the AYIMUN team and 5 days alone, I felt that I fell in love with the country, and I felt safe to travel around by myself and explore Kuala Lumpur. I started searching for opportunities to study in Malaysia; basically, this is why I ended up being here.
What do you like most about your education?
My education is really flexible, it gives us a lot of opportunities to do networking, meet with law firms and companies, but the most favourite thing for all students is selecting the modules you want to study and selecting the timetable when it is suitable for you. For example, the most interesting and global event for the university was when I personally met and asked questions to the President of Timor-Leste, and he mentioned that I was the first person from Azerbaijan that he had seen in real life, which highlighted to me that I will probably be in his memories when someone mentions Azerbaijan.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
Honestly, the only thing I would change is the new system for passing modules. Studying at Taylor’s is very challenging, and there are many cases where students get excluded from the university after three failed attempts. Overall, our university has really good facilities on the campus, I would say it is the best in Malaysia.
What do you like about your country of choice?
What I like most about my country of choice is, of course, its accessibility. In addition, Malaysia has a very unique and interesting culture, where you can also learn about other cultures, since there are three major races and three different religions. What I really admire is how they coexist without cultural oppression of one another, something that the whole world truly needs.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Yes
Overall experience rating: 10
Yasmin Aliyev – 20
England – University of Leeds / Criminology
Duration of study: 2 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
Choice made due to the good education system England offers. They have various opportunities available for you to take to further establish what roles you want in life. They have various other opportunities you can take to get greater knowledge of your course.
What do you like most about your education?
What I like most about studying criminology is that it helps me understand the reasons behind people’s actions. It’s really interesting to learn about how society, psychology, and the law all connect in explaining crime. As the topic of crime is very in-depth, it keeps it interesting, so it doesn’t get boring.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
If given the chance, I would enhance criminology by making it more practical—connecting theories with real-life experiences through more case studies, fieldwork, and community projects. I would also enhance the modules and add a forensics aspect, so we get to learn and study about that, as it looks very interesting.
What do you like about your country of choice?
What I like most about England is the mix of history and modern life. You can walk past centuries-old buildings and then step into a very modern city atmosphere. I also really enjoy how diverse and multicultural it is—you meet people from so many different backgrounds.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Yes
Overall experience rating: 8
Omar Aghalarli – 21
Netherlands – UvA / Business Analytics
Duration of study: 3 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
I chose this high-ranked university for its strong academic environment that constantly pushed me to improve. Winning a scholarship to study there was an honor. Its impressive alumni network, working in top global companies, made it a great career choice.
What do you like most about your education?
What I like most about my education is the challenging environment that constantly motivated me to grow, combined with learning from inspiring professors and peers. It truly pushed me to reach my potential and prepared me for real-world career opportunities.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
Honestly, there wasn’t anything in particular that stood out, but by God’s will, everything turned out the way it was meant to. I believe if I were destined to study there, then there’s no reason to complain. What truly made the experience special were the friendships I built — having so many supportive and fun friends played a huge role in making my time there enjoyable and memorable. They made every challenge easier to face and turned ordinary days into great memories.
What do you like about your country of choice?
What I like most about the Netherlands is its balance between opportunity and quality of life. The people are open-minded, the education and work environments are progressive, and the country values efficiency and equality. I also appreciate how safe, organized, and culturally diverse it is, making it a great place to grow both personally and professionally.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Probably
Overall experience rating: 8
Elvin Rzayev – 21
Netherlands – University of Amsterdam / Corporate Finance
Duration of study: 4 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
“Real choice: high level of education and opportunities afterwards in the country. Moreover, the cost-to-quality ratio is among the highest in the world.
The Netherlands is a hub for startups and big tech, which played a role in the choice as well. I am interested in these fields. Moreover, the salaries and standard of living are high.”
What do you like most about your education?
I enjoy the study programme, the professors, and the university itself. I feel like what I study is actually beneficial for my career and will be useful in future job positions. Moreover, the university is quite international — I get to discover people from all around the world.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
I would like to enhance the direct collaborations the University has with big and prestigious employers. Like potential collaborations with Investment Banks in the area, Consulting firms, and Big Tech firms. I believe this would motivate students more and make it easier for them to be employed afterwards.
What do you like about your country of choice?
Great opportunities for work/business. Tech and startup hub. Friendly and tolerant people/society. The country is close to other European countries, thus there is an opportunity for constant travel. Enjoy the architecture and overall cozy feel of the country. High level of living.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Yes
Overall experience rating: 8
Hamza Mahmudov – 36
United Kingdom – Northumbria University / Accounting
Duration of study: 18 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
“I have immigrated to the UK with my family and completed my education from College level to several Postgraduate degree levels (Master’s).
Additionally, I have decided to pursue a career in the UK, which may open up further opportunities worldwide.
Finally, I believe that the UK has world-class universities that are valued worldwide, especially within the English-speaking Western world and beyond.”*
What do you like most about your education?
*”My degree/field of study is practical and can be applied in the real world.
The knowledge I gained in my studies has equipped me with real opportunities that have opened doors in big multinational firms as well as smaller regional firms that have a high demand for skilled staff to continue developing their business lines.”*
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
“It was not necessary for me to go to university to pursue a career in Accounting/Tax, as there are other routes into accounting/tax that are more economic and efficient, such as apprenticeships or a direct route into ACCA/ICAEW, etc.
In the UK, apprenticeships offer on-the-job experience that is paid, instead of coming out of university with high amounts of expenses/debt with no real-world experience.”*
What do you like about your country of choice?
*”I enjoy the community of like-minded individuals who strive for success and keep pushing you to achieve your goals and become successful in all aspects of your life.
This network of people whom I have met at university has gone on to become highly successful, holding senior positions in very large firms.”*
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
No
Overall experience rating: 8
Riyad Rabizada– 18
Turkey – Izmir Economy University / Business administration
Duration of study: 2 years
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
“I wanted to study abroad, meet new people, and gain new experiences. The first year was tough, but I managed. I’m glad I chose Izmir instead of Istanbul; it turned out to be the better decision. Overall, it was planned to study abroad, and I really recommend you to go to Turkey.”
What do you like most about your education?
“What I like most about my education is the practical approach to learning business concepts. I enjoy analyzing real-world cases, developing problem-solving skills, and working on projects that prepare me for a future career in business administration.”
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
If given the chance, I would like to enhance the use of English in lectures. Since there are many international students who do not understand Turkish, having more courses and explanations in English would make education more inclusive and accessible. This change would improve learning for everyone and help students prepare better for global business environments.
What do you like about your country of choice?
“What I like most about Turkey is its rich culture and history, as well as the friendly and welcoming people. I also appreciate the beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and the opportunity to experience a unique blend of tradition and modern life while studying here.”
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Probably
Overall experience rating: 7
Khalid Abdullayev – 18
Canada – University of Toronto / Computer Science
Duration of study: 1 year
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
Great education in the field of computer science at this university, alongside it being the best university in Canada according to the ratings, and the outstanding reputation of this university among many others. The later job application process would be much easier with the respected certificate I would receive and with the new experience I would gain.
What do you like most about your education?
A lot of practice and approachable information about the course material, alongside community activities and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Another thing that I especially like about the University of Toronto is its unique approach to information delivery.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
I don’t think that I would like to change anything at all. This university offers a very deep understanding of the subject matter, alongside a great range of subjects we are studying, which helps students to become professionals in their field.
What do you like about your country of choice?
In Canada, I really appreciate the quietness of this place, the kindness of people, and its connection to nature. I think that there is no better place for quiet learning. Another important aspect of Canada is the great variety of people living there, which helps the newcomer to fit into the society easily.
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Probably
Overall experience rating: 10
Aliya Alizada – 20
Turkey – Kadir Has University / Media and Communication
Duration of study: One month and two weeks so far
Why have you chosen to study in this country? Was it a real choice or an accidental decision?
I am currently registered as an exchange student here, and it was a conscious choice on my side: four picks in total were allowed out of all the options provided by the Exchange Office at the home university (ADA), and Kadir Has was one of mine. The final distribution was completed later based on factors like GPA.
What do you like most about your education?
I absolutely love the variety of courses among all the departments at Kadir Has. The wide range allowed me to take elective courses that contribute to personal growth while including many of my interests, along with courses that can work as substitutes for some home university classes.
If given the chance, what would you like to change/enhance?
I believe that the communication with incoming exchange students regarding the explanation of some major aspects of their upcoming semester should be a bit more prompt and available. The attempts from the university’s side were definitely recognized, but not always beneficial.
What do you like about your country of choice?
“Firstly, I love how deeply rich with possibilities for exploration the city is. One gets the opportunity to witness something new every day, or multiple times a day.
I like the fact that the public transportation proves to be efficient and convenient to navigate, as well as that it considers student status.
Another important aspect is the range of landmarks that assist with personal development in regards to culture and history – grab a pen and a notebook and keep your phone camera on standby, honestly.”
Would you like to stay and live in this country?
Yes
Overall experience rating: 8
Developed by Amin Alizada, Lingva Volunteer