A field study on the profile of veterinary students in T?rkiye: example of Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

This research was carried out to determine the general profile of the students enrolled in Turkish and English programs of Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (AUFVM). Determination of the demographic characteristics, socioeconomic statuses, pre-university education levels, foreign language levels of students are aimed. Additionally, reasons for choosing the veterinary profession, career expectations, views on post-graduate education, leisure time preferences, and participation in sportive and artistic activities are evaluated. A survey consisting of questions prepared for the purpose of the study was conducted with 545 students studying in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades enrolled in Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 2019-2020 Spring Semester of Turkish and English programs. After the data analysis, it has been determined that the students are generally of urban origin and come from families with low income of the Central Anatolian Region. Accordingly, more than half of the students chose the veterinary faculty program as their first choice. They are satisfied with being a veterinary faculty student and a candidate for the profession. In addition, it has been highlighted that more than half of the students want to continue their post-graduate education, "sometimes" have the chance to participate in sportive and cultural activities, and have a low rate of reading books. As a result, it is thought that presenting a general overview of the student profile will be beneficial for both university and faculty administration and academicians in order to provide the opportunity to know the students better.