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: Profile of respondentsNumber of respondents Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes 1152 (53.2%) Students enrolled in specialisation programmes124 (5.7%) Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges98 (4.5%) Trainees in vocational training centres642 (29.7%) Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes 148 (6.9%) Total2164

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 respondentsMode of study Full time Part time Individ ual Total Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes 749390131152 Students enrolled in specialisation programmes08341124 Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges7325098 Trainees in vocational training centres64200 Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes 121270148 Total1585525542164

9. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE Respondents: Field of studyNumber of respondents Economics and administration790 (36.5%) Social and behavioural studies288 (13.3%) Sports, tourism and hospitality911 (42.1%) Other175 (8.1%)

10. Potential students’ perceptions of the introduction of SCHE Respondents: AgeNumber of respondents <20915 (42.3%) 20-291121 (51.8%) 30-3967 (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 RespondentsYesNoLimited knowledge Number Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes1297043191152 Students enrolled in specialisation programmes11311124 Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges7761598 Trainees in vocational training centres56289642 Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes910732148 Total15016283862164

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 RespondentsYesNoCannot answer Number Students currently enrolled in Professional Bachelor degree programmes462638521152 Students enrolled in specialisation programmes11311124 Students enrolled in 2-year vocational colleges46193398 Trainees in vocational training centres5552859642 Graduates from Professional Bachelor degree programmes67729148 Total12437571642164

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 15-16 th 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 15-16 th October 2009, Owens Community College, Toledo, USA