Alumni perceptions of the academic program at the english language and literature school, University of Cuenca

Abstract

Besides the feedback that the English Language and Literature School –also called English Major–of the University of Cuenca gets from the Government, the University authorities, and the current students, it is also important, in line with what other universities have done, to get the opinion of former students. The present research paper contains information that was gotten from former students of the English Language and Literature School. The main purpose of this study was to gather important data in order to help with the accreditation of the Major. The data collected through this project is also expected to contribute to the improvement of the curriculum. The main instrument for the data collection was a questionnaire which was administered to 161 students that graduated at the English major. This survey contained a number of multiple-choice and open-ended questions regarding the time when they were students of this Major and their present employment situation in the labor market. The process of getting this information lasted one month. We think that a graduate follow up system should be part of the English Major, and alumni should answer surveys related to this topic on an annual basis. This would be of great help for the English Major to continue growing as an important school of the University of Cuenca.