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 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

6. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE • Respondents:

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:

9. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE • Respondents:

10. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE • Respondents:

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

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

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