EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION BETWEEN THE EU AND RUSSIA: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DOUBLE DEGREE COOPERATION

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report findings from a study into the phenomena of international educational cooperation in higher education on the example of international double degree cooperation between the EU and Russia and to draw the future opportunities and development points. Design/methodology - The presented research results from a multiple case study of international EU-Russian double degree programmes in 15 Russian universities and one of the leading Finnish universities in this area. The case study was designed based on the literature analysis and discussions with the experts in the field. In total, 35 international professionals ( both academic and administrative) involved in double degree cooperation were interviewed. Findings - Based on analysis of the internationalization strategies and current trends in the EU, Russia and in the world in general and case study results, the paper proposes possible paths for development of the EU-Russia educational cooperation. It reveals opportunities for the development of international double degree programmes including involvement of business segment, promotion towards more balanced student participation and two-way mobility, foreign language skills improvement for students and university staff, wider usage of e-learning technologies and others. Research also focuses on the motivation of higher education institutions to start double degree programmes. Increasing the quality of education, higher recruitment rates and international reputation along with motivation by the government are considered as important factors both in Russia and the European countries. Practical implications - Results identified in this study can be used by education and science practitioners involved in international double degree programmes and by those planning to launch joint educational programmes. Originality/value - The paper is an attempt to systemize and disseminate the information on opportunities of educational cooperation and reveal the attitudes and future trends in such cooperation.