Reasons Why Azerbaijani Students Choose Eskişehir in Turkey for Their Graduate Education

Abstract

This research explored why graduate Azerbaijani education students chose to pursue their overseas education in Turkey, which factors they took into consideration, and what contributions this education will provide both them and their countries. The phenomenological model was utilized in the research. The research comprised 25 Azerbaijani students enrolled at the graduate-level in Eskişehir Osmangazi and Anadolu Universities in the 2017-2018 academic year. The interviews were coded with content analysis and formed themes and subthemes. The findings reflected that Azerbaijani students viewed Turkey as a ‘sister’ city and therefore preferred to study their overseas education there because of the common religion, language, and the cultural proximity. Moreover Eskişehir has suitable living conditions for the students due to a favorable economy.