Ib Diplomacy: Academic Advisors' Perspectives On Supporting International Baccalaureate Students At Okayama University
Aiko Tanaka
Admission Center / Okayama University, Japan
Yukihiro Takahashi
Associate Prof. Okayama University, Dept. of Academic Affairs, Admission Center, Okayama, Japan
Abstract
Japan is undergoing a transformative phase of globalization and higher education reform, driven by the need to internationalize educational institutions and create effective, integrated international universities. A key aspect of this reform is to enhance accessibility by increasing international student enrollment and welcoming students from diverse educational backgrounds. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), established in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968, has played a pivotal role in reshaping education globally, offering a recognized pre-college curriculum aimed at fostering global citizens with leadership qualities. This curriculum encompasses the "Primary Years Program" (PYP), "Middle Years Program" (MYP), "Diploma Program" (DP), and the IB Career-related Program (CP), catering to students from various age groups and backgrounds. The IB program focuses on instilling international-mindedness and prepares students for higher education by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in university life. Furthermore, it emphasizes non-academic skills such as workload management and time management. The DP core components include the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity-action-service (CAS), which contribute to the holistic development of students. Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) officially recognized the IBDP as equivalent to Japanese high school graduation in 1979, setting the stage for its integration into the country's education system. In 2014, MEXT launched the Super Global University (SGU) project, selecting 37 universities to receive financial aid for educational system reform in line with global trends. Okayama University, as part of the SGU project, has positioned itself as a role model global university