The Department of International Relations was founded since the moment the Odlar Yurdu University (OYU) was created, as an important tool to use the best world experience in educational process and scientific research, and also for the partnership with foreign universities.
    The primary goals of the Department could be determined as follows:

Involving and adaptation of contemporary curricula with the purpose to develop the educational level at university

Student/teacher exchange programs with foreign universities, and also organization of preparatory courses for international students

Participation in joint educational programs and researches, including training, seminars, and conferences

Development of cultural communications
    OYU is going to turn Stability that was achieved for 8 years of its functioning as an independent University into Opportunity. The University needs to duplicate its success in attracting world-class educational system. Odlar Yurdu University maintains partnership with the foreign scientific centers and universities such as Institute of Measuring Techniques at Germany's Siegen University, Italy's Torino University, Holland's Amsterdam University, Russia's St.Petersburg University, Brno University of Technology of Czech Republic, London's Guildhall University, London's Management College as well as with the leading universities of Turkey and Northern Cyprus. On the base of signed agreements it became possible to study and apply the advanced methods in education, to establish joint educational centers, to participate in international projects and student/teacher exchange programs, to conduct teachers' training and joint research, etc.
    As a result of mentioned partnership it is worth to be noted the functioning of Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program that has been organized jointly with the Georgia State University (GSU), M.Robinson College of Business (Atlanta, GA, USA).
    The main purpose of the MBA Program is training local Master level specialists in business administration for foreign and local companies, firms and enterprises operating in Azerbaijan.
    The masters are prepared in the following fields:

Finances

International Business

Marketing

General Management.
    The admission to the MBA Program is on the basis of a written test, compiled similarly to GMAT tests.
    The classes starting date is February 1, 2004 for 2003/2004 Spring Semester.
    Duration of Program is 2 years and each year consists of 3 semesters. A student can have 3 to 5 courses per semester. On average, a student who takes 3 courses a semester will complete the program in 6 semesters while a student who takes 4 courses will complete it in 5 semesters.
    Upon the completion of a semester the most successful students may be offered an opportunity to continue their studies at the Georgia State University, Atlanta , GA, USA.
    The languages of education are English, Russian and Azeri, depending on student’s choice. Payment is required.
    Upon the completion of the Program, the graduates of the MBA Program will be awarded a diploma specified by the Ministry of Education of the Azerbaijan Republic for foreign citizens with indication of the partnership between GSU and OYU.
    The classes are delivered by instructors from Azerbaijan and the USA. Students may schedule classes according to their working schedules.
    Graduates from different accredited universities and institutions (colleges) can apply for the OYU MBA Program. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
    The application documents should include:
    completed application form;
    officially certified copy of a university diploma (with transcripts) confirming a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree;
    4 recent photographs (3x4cm).
    The application documents are admitted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday (except for Sunday) within the above-specified application period at: Odlar Yurdu University, Koroghlu Rahimov St., block 835, Room 503, Baku AZ1072, Azerbaijan.
     Tel.: (99412) 65-82-00, 65-82-62; Fax: (99412) 65-67-05;
    Since September 2003, the first Regional German Language Center has started its activities in the Odlar Yurdu University under the guidance of the University of Siegen. The students enrolled in the German Language Courses of this Center have to take exams in Mittelstufe and TestDAF level. Those students who pass these exams, receive the certificate which gives them the opportunity to continue their studies at the German universities.
    And, most recently, The Preparatory Courses for International students have been introduced in the Odlar Yurdu University.
    Odlar Yurdu University has been among the winners of many international programs. In 2001, the University was elected “The Most Serious Private University Of The Year” by the Simurg Fundamental Investigations Center. In 2001-2002 “Consulting & Business” magazine awarded OYU by the special prize for implementing new technologies in educational process.
    In 2002, Economical Assistance Association of France honored the University with its Gold Medal. Besides, Odlar Yurdu University has received special certificates and diplomas of various local organizations.
    Odlar Yurdu University actively participates in international scientific conferences. Those dedicated to the heritage of prominent scientist Lotfi Zadeh and held in Siegen (Germany), Wiesbaden (Germany), Antalya (Turkey), Milan (Italy) and Baku have been the most important among those conferences. Besides, the role of OYU in organizing the international conferences in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus) and Barcelona (Spain), scheduled for May and September this year respectively, should also be noted.
    The university actively participates in various international educational programs, such as the Freedom Support Act Contemporary Issues Fellowship Program (a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State), Fulbright program, DAAD program(Der Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst), etc. At the same time, University has close links with many international organizations such as Soros Foundation, IREX, ACTR/ACCELS as well as with foreign embassies and diplomatic missions active in Azerbaijan.
    Within the framework of initiatives of the Department of International Relations and with a financial support by the US Embassy in Azerbaijan, the books of such outstanding scientists and experts as Prof.E.S.Savas and Peter F.Drucker, “Privatization and public-private partnerships” and “Managing the non-profit organization and Post capitalist society” respectively, have been translated into Azeri (in 2001 and 2003 respectively) and distributed free in Azerbaijan.
    That was the first time these books were translated in the Commonwealth of Independent States, having serious impact on the local society.
    Supported by the American organization of Global Source Net-Azerbaijan, the
    Conversation Club is functioning at OYU, giving the students a chance to discuss such universal values as integrity, character, encouragement, influence, perseverance, friendship, compassion, etc. with the teachers from America. The aim of this Club is to encourage the students to enhance their skills in English.