MOTIVATION OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING STUDENTS TO STUDY VETERINARY MEDICINE AT TRAKIA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

International migration of tertiary students is a global trend which gives higher education institutions a strong incentive for quality development, service improvement and competitiveness. Research has shown that the attractiveness of educational services is dependent on factors with national-international characteristics and factors based on the demographic profile of students. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the motivators which influence students` personal attitudes towards studying veterinary medicine in English at Trakia University, Bulgaria. METHODS: A five-year survey among 93 first-year English speaking students in veterinary medicine at Trakia university was conducted through anonymous written questionnaire between 2015 and 2019. Data obtained were statistically processed. RESULTS: Significant differences were found for several factors which drove respondents` motivation in choosing their master’s degree. Among these factors were gender, parents` occupational profile, country of origin, tuition fees, as well as existing experience in breeding, interaction with animals and volunteering in the veterinary field. The most preferred source of information for veterinary medicine programmes and universities appeared to be recommendations from respondents` relatives, friends and mentors. CONCLUSION: Understanding the motivation drivers of English-speaking veterinary students will help the improvement of the educational service offered and the competitiveness of the institution internationally.

Keywords

• veterinary students
• international mobility
• higher education
• demographics