In a major step to strengthen English language proficiency among postgraduate students, SOCAR and its partners in the South Caucasus Pipeline Company (SCPC) supported an intensive English language programme for 372 students from SABAH postgraduate groups across seven universities in Azerbaijan. Implemented by the British Council between October 2021 and July 2022, the project equipped students with the skills and confidence to meet internationally recognized English proficiency standards and enhanced the quality of English language instruction at the university level. The programme offered 150 hours of classroom-based training, combining general English and IELTS preparation, and was delivered to internationally recognized teaching standards. Students came from Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Azerbaijan Technical University, Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, and Baku Engineering University. All participants undertook Aptis testing at the start of the programme and IELTS examinations at the end, confirming progress in their language abilities.
The project also invested in building local teaching capacity. Seventeen instructors received targeted professional development, enabling them to align their methodologies with British Council Teaching Standards and further strengthen the quality of English language teaching across participating universities. The initiative not only improved English proficiency among students but also contributed to strengthening English language teaching quality in the participating universities.
