The role of the SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System

1. The role of the SCHE in the Bulgarian Education System
Stanislav Ivanov, Ph. D.
Academic Director
International University College
3 Bulgaria Str., 9300 Dobrich, Bulgaria
Editor-in-chief:
European Journal of Tourism Research
e-mail: stanislav.ivanov@vumk.eu
http://ejtr.vumk.eu

2. 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

3. 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)

5. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE
Methodology
Survey carried out 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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%)

10. 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%)

11. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE
Motives for choosing an education institution

12. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE
Intentions to continue education for a higher degree

13. 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

14. 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

15. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE
Reasons for choosing SCHE

16. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE
Reasons for rejecting SCHE

17. 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)

18. 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