The Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners is responsible for coordinating the University's international project activities, fostering international partnerships, and supporting international students throughout their studies at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts (ASUCA).
The Department traces its origins to the International Relations Department, established in 2000 under the Vice-Rector for International Relations. As the University’s international engagement expanded, the department’s responsibilities evolved to include services for international students in 2015. In 2023, reflecting ASUCA’s growing involvement in international projects and grant initiatives, the unit was renamed the Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners.
Main Areas of Activity
The Department is responsible for:
- developing and implementing international cooperation projects with universities, cultural institutions, and international organizations;
- identifying and promoting opportunities to integrate international best practices into the University’s academic and administrative activities;
- supporting the University’s participation in international grant programmes and collaborative projects;
- increasing the capacity of academic, administrative, and student communities through project management training and professional development;
- organizing information sessions on international funding opportunities and encouraging participation in international programmes;
- maintaining databases related to international cooperation and mobility;
- coordinating meetings, seminars, and official events with international partners;
- promoting the University’s international activities through media and public communication;
- providing administrative and academic support to international students throughout their studies.
The Department operates under the supervision of the Vice-Rector for International Relations.
International Projects
ASUCA actively participates in European Union-funded programmes and international cooperation initiatives.
Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module
In 2023, the European Commission awarded funding to ASUCA’s Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module entitled “Exploring the Intersection of Art and Politics in the European Union.”
The project examines the complex historical, cultural, and social relationship between art and politics within the European Union. Through the module, ASUCA seeks to integrate European academic experience into its curricula while strengthening students’ research skills, analytical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Project Coordinator: Namig Karimov
Erasmus+ Capacity Building Projects
ASUCA is a partner institution in two Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects:
- Establishment of the Rectors’ Conference in Azerbaijan (ECAR)
- Strengthening Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Higher Education Institutions in Azerbaijan (ENGAGE)
Within the ECAR project, ASUCA’s Rector and Vice-Rectors have participated in study visits to universities and rectors’ conferences in France, Belgium, Sweden, Lithuania, and Spain to explore European models of higher education governance.
Through the ENGAGE project, University representatives have visited leading higher education institutions in Estonia, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, and Spain to study innovation management, entrepreneurship education, and the integration of entrepreneurial competencies into university curricula.
Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility
Since its establishment, the Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners has developed numerous Erasmus+ KA171 International Credit Mobility projects in cooperation with universities across Europe and Türkiye.
The Department also actively develops new institutional partnerships with European universities, enabling ASUCA’s participation in Erasmus+ KA2 Cooperation Partnerships and other collaborative international initiatives.
Staff
Namig Karimov
Head of the Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners
Emil Hajiyev
Head of the Foreign Students Division
Emil Hajiyev graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts with a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Performance. During his studies, he participated in numerous international music festivals across Europe, receiving several awards, including second place at the Balaton Music Festival (Hungary, 2015) and first place at the Caravan Culture Festival (Poland, 2016).
He later pursued studies in International Relations at Baku State University. Prior to joining ASUCA, he held managerial and administrative positions at Azerbaijan State Television, and Baku State University.
He currently serves as Head of the Foreign Students Division within the Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners.
Leyla Guliyeva
Specialist, Foreign Students Division
Leyla Guliyeva holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours in English Language and Literature from Azerbaijan University of Languages and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management) from Azerbaijan State University of Economics.
She has gained professional experience in media, communications, and digital marketing, including internships and positions with Public Television and a digital marketing agency. In recognition of her contribution to the organization of the international conference “Islamophobia as Racism and a Form of Discrimination: New Global and Transnational Challenges”, she received a certificate of appreciation from the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre.
She currently serves as a Specialist in the Foreign Students Division of the Department of International projects and Affairs of foreigners.