The Gozo University Group (GUG) have just concluded an in depth survey together with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), which involved a representative number of students as respondents. The survey was launched at Ta’ CenÄ‹ Hotel & Spa in the "Gozitans Aspirations in Europe’ conference where the group presented some of their most significant results. The conference was organised by MP, Dr Alfred Sant in collaboration with the S&D group.
A random sample of 326 students was chosen and asked via telephone what they thought about certain proposals and issues. Various statistics have given a clear idea of what the group (GUG) should focus on to improve life for Gozitan students. The main issues discussed in the survey were the fast ferry service, European opportunities, job opportunities in Gozo, accommodation and the Gozo Campus.
“…a slight preference for the fast ferry.”
With regard to the fast ferry service, a proposal that GUG has openly supported for some time, there was significant support, with 84% of the sample being keen on using such a service. When asked about the tunnel, 74% were in favour, showing that there is a slight preference for the fast ferry. Moreover, 75% of the students agreed that the EU should also help fund the fast ferry project.
“…the EU is not promoting Gozo enough.”
On the other hand, Gozitan students are worried about the promotion of Gozo as an island. 55% of respondents pointed out that the EU is not promoting Gozo enough. Meanwhile, it seems that a lot of Gozitan students aspire to leave the island in order to further their careers in other EU countries, with 54% stating they would like to develop their careers abroad.
With respect to jobs in Gozo, we asked the respondents to indicate from a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest, on how likely they think they can find a job in their chosen area of studies in Gozo. As expected, a very low 3.28 was the average number chosen by students, a contrast with the average number of 8.20 chosen by students believing that Malta will cater for their employment in the future.
“…66% would rather study in Gozo…”
Furthermore, Gozitan students also seemed to be supportive of the Msida hostel proposal, with 76% of the students ranking its importance above 7 out of 10. The survey also asked students questions about the Gozo Campus whereby it resulted that 66% would rather study in Gozo if their courses were to be offered there. Additionally, 69% of the students stated that they would still use the hostel even if a fast ferry service was available.
The above points provide a brief overview of some of the results which will be published in a full report and will be available for both students and officials alike. GUG is set up in order to represent Gozitan students’ interests and opinions. Such a survey is vital as it encapsulates what the organisation strives for; the benefit of Gozo and its future.