The role of the SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System

The role of the SCHE in the Bulgarian Education

System

Stanislav Ivanov, Ph. D.Academic Director

International University College3 Bulgaria Str., 9300 Dobrich, Bulgaria

Editor-in-chief: European Journal of Tourism Research

e-mail: [email protected]://ejtr.vumk.eu

The role of the SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System

The place of SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Conclusion References

The place of SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System

SCHE does not exist in the Bulgarian Education System (Ivanov, 2009a)

Two-year post secondary education is not considered part of higher education in Bulgaria

Fourth level of professional qualification Education in professional colleges Registration with the Ministry of Education and

Science Tourism industry welcomes the introduction of an

Associate degree in tourism (Ivanov, 2009b)

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Methodology Survey carried out by IUC between

November 2008 and October 2009 Questionnaire (e-mail, telephone, personal

interview) 2164 respondents:- 6 higher education colleges awarding

Professional Bachelor degree- 5 private vocational training colleges- 11 vocational training centres

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Respondents:

Profile of respondents Number of respondents

Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes

1152 (53.2%)

Students enrolled in specialisation programmes 124 (5.7%)

Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges 98 (4.5%)

Trainees in vocational training centres 642 (29.7%)

Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes

148 (6.9%)

Total 2164

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Respondents:- 4.2% of all students currently enrolled in

Professional Bachelor degree programmes (6% of the students in private colleges) in 2008/2009

- 20.6% of all students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges and trainees in vocational training centres in 2008/2009

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Respondents:

Profile of respondents Mode of study

Full time

Part time

Individual

Total

Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes

749 390 13 1152

Students enrolled in specialisation programmes 0 83 41 124

Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges 73 25 0 98

Trainees in vocational training centres 642 0 0 642

Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes

121 27 0 148

Total 1585 525 54 2164

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Respondents:

Field of study Number of respondents

Economics and administration 790 (36.5%)

Social and behavioural studies 288 (13.3%)

Sports, tourism and hospitality 911 (42.1%)

Other 175 (8.1%)

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Respondents:

Age Number of respondents

<20 915 (42.3%)

20-29 1121 (51.8%)

30-39 67 (3.1%)

40+ 61 (2.8%)

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Motives for choosing an education institution

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Intentions to continue education for a higher degree

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Familiarity with short-cycle higher education in the U.S. and EU

Respondents Yes No Limited knowledge

Number

Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes 129 704 319 1152

Students enrolled in specialisation programmes 113 11 124

Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges 7 76 15 98

Trainees in vocational training centres 5 628 9 642

Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes 9 107 32 148

Total 150 1628 386 2164

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

If Bulgaria introduced short-time training within higher education - for example, 2 years, would you prefer it to the current three or four programmes to receive higher education

Respondents Yes No Cannot answer

Number

Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes

462 638 52 1152

Students enrolled in specialisation programmes 113 11 124

Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges 46 19 33 98

Trainees in vocational training centres 555 28 59 642

Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes 67 72 9 148

Total 1243 757 164 2164

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Reasons for choosing SCHE

Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE

Reasons for rejecting SCHE

Conclusions

SCHE is not sufficiently popular in Bulgaria and potential students are not entirely familiar with it

Students prefer higher levels of education (Professional Bachelor, Bachelor, Master)

SCHE must be introduced as a first level of higher education giving the option to students to continue to Bachelor degree after 1 year of study (see also Ivanov, 2009a)

References

Ivanov (2009a) Possibilities for developing an Associate degree in Tourism in Bulgaria. Presentation at the ATLANTIS conference 15-16th June 2009, International University College, Dobrich, Bulgaria // venue: Melia Grand Hermitage, Golden Sands

Ivanov (2009b) Industry perceptions towards the introduction of short cycle higher education in tourism in Bulgaria. Presentation at the ATLANTIS conference 15-16th October 2009, Owens Community College, Toledo, USA